Mitchell Wiggins answers questions after a news conference for his son, Andrew, Friday, June 27, 2014, in Independence, Ohio. Cleveland Cavaliers' Andrew Wiggins has someone close to show him the NBA's ropes. His father knows the pitfalls of pro life and stardom. The younger Wiggins was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (Tony Dejak, AP Photos)
Former Houston Rockets guard Mitchell Wiggins has passed away, the team announced Friday. He was 64 years old.
Today we mourn the passing of former Houston Rockets guard, Mitchell Wiggins. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/2CPttV6nzR
After completing his college career at Florida State, Wiggins was selected 23rd overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 1983 NBA Draft, but he was dealt to the Chicago Bulls after being drafted.
After one year in Chicago, Wiggins spent six years with the Rockets, although he didn’t suit up for the 1987-88 or 1988-89 seasons. He finished his career with a one-year stop on the Philadelphia 76ers.
Wiggins is survived by his wife, former Olympic track athlete Marita Payne-Wiggins, and the couple’s six children. Their youngest son, Andrew Wiggins, was the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
Michael is a Kingwood native who loves visiting local restaurants and overreacting to Houston sports. He joined the KPRC 2 family in 2024. He earned his BA from Texas A&M University in 2022 and his MA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023.