Mitchell Wiggins had it all. He was a talented shooting guard who played for the Bulls and the Rockets in the NBA. He even made it to the NBA Finals in 1986 with the Rockets, where he battled against the legendary Boston Celtics. But his career and his life took a tragic turn when he was suspended from the league in 1987 for cocaine abuse.
Wiggins and his teammate Lewis Lloyd were caught using cocaine in January 1987, after they had been repeatedly warned by the league about their drug problem. As a result, they were suspended for two years under the NBA’s anti-drug agreement.
Wiggins and Lloyd returned to the league in 1989, but they never recovered their former form. Wiggins played one more season with the Rockets, averaging 15.5 points per game, but he faced criticism from his coach Don Chaney for his lack of defense and reduced playing time. He then joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 1991, but he only lasted 13 games before being cut.
Wiggins’ NBA career was over after six seasons, in which he averaged 10.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. After leaving the NBA, Wiggins tried to revive his basketball career in various minor leagues and overseas teams. He played in Italy, France, Greece, and the Philippines, where he won several individual awards and championships.
What happened to Mitchell Wiggins?
According to reports, Mitchell Wiggins has been dealing with undisclosed medical issues that have put his life at risk. However, it is unclear if his health problems are related to his past cocaine abuse or not.
Wiggins also fathered a son, Andrew Wiggins, who followed in his footsteps and became a basketball star. Andrew Wiggins was the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he currently plays for the Golden State Warriors. He is one of the best players in his position and has earned several accolades, including Rookie of the Year and All-Star honors. Andrew Wiggins has been away from his team since February 2023 due to his father’s serious health scare.
Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins plans to attend Warriors-Thunder on Tuesday. The reason for Wiggins’ leave of absence since mid-February is that his father, Mitchell Wiggins, has been dealing with a serious medical situation, sources close to the situation say. 🙏🏽
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 3, 2023
Sources claim that Andrew will soon return to the court. This could possibly mean that Mitchell’s condition has gotten better, which surely will be the good news that the Wiggins family have been waiting for.
