Steve Kerr stands behind Andrew Wiggins' emotional struggle: "It was brutal"
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr supported Andrew Wiggins after the star lost his dad to a terminal illness on September 9, 2024. Before this announcement, not many people were aware of this.
Kerr revealed how the Wiggins family had been suffering in silence for almost two years as he showed solidarity towards his player:
"It was brutal because it was an ongoing thing for such a long time where his dad was suffering, to see someone you love, your father, suffering for such a long period of time — you can imagine how that would impact your daily existence," Kerr said via The Athletic
Wiggins took an extended leave of absence two seasons ago, missing the second half of the 2023 season. Last season, the former Minnesota star missed a few games while his father, Mitchell Wiggins, underwent various treatments.
Following his father's death in September, the Warriors star spoke about his demise and how it affected him. While there was pain the Warriors star seemed to be better mentally as he was able to accept the fate that he and his family were dealt with.
"My mind is definitely in a better place," he said.
Andrew Wiggins' dad was an NBA player too
Andrew Wiggins followed in his father's footsteps, joining the NBA in 2014.
Mitchell Wiggins was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the first round as the 23rd overall pick and played for six years.
Traded to the Chicago Bulls for Sidney Lowe on draft night, Mitchell played 82 games in his rookie season, averaging 12.0 points and 4.0 rebounds. During the 1984 season, the shooting guard was traded to the Houston Rockets where he spent three years.
One of his biggest moments came during his tenure with the Rockets. He came off the bench during Game 5 of the 1986 Finals and helped his team to victory with 16 points and seven rebounds against the Boston Celtics.
However, he was later suspended for two years from the NBA in 1987 after testing positive in a drug test. Mitchell rejoined the Rockets in 1989 but by then his stock had declined. After another year with the Rockets, the guard joined the 76ers in 1991 which was his last involvement in the NBA.
Wiggins however did find success outside the NBA. He joined the Greek league and won two scoring titles. The former Rockets player bounced around leagues in Europe before retiring in 2003.