SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew Wiggins has always been the quiet one in the Golden State Warriors star mix, content to chill in the background while the big personalities and loud voices commanded all the attention. The level of personality with its burdens is not worth climbing.

He sat back and smiled, shook his head while Draymond Green gave his speech, and laughed uncontrollably while Steph Curry did his dance. And when the celebrations were over, win or lose, Wiggins grabbed his young daughters and headed home to be with his family, just as his father had taught him.

But over the last two seasons, Warriors coach Steve Kerr noticed a different kind of silence taking hold of one of his most important players. A little more than his usual reserve. Something deeper. As Mitchell Wiggins’ health rapidly deteriorated, his son became withdrawn. About the team, about the game, about everything.

“It was brutal because it was such a long-term thing that his father suffered from,” Kerr said. “When you see someone you love, your father, suffering for so long – you can imagine how that would affect your daily life.”

Wiggins took an extended break two seasons ago to be with his father and missed some time here and there last season as Mitchell went through various treatments. His numbers dropped significantly, his defensive energy disappeared, and the Warriors went down with him.

Those who suffer in silence tend to sacrifice empathy. What exactly was going on and how deeply he was hurt remained hidden behind Wiggins’ preference for privacy. He was one of the central culprits for the Warriors missing the playoffs and became the subject of the fan base’s trade requests.

If only the fans knew how important this all is.

“I’m not that interested in basketball,” Wiggins said. “You have to worry about your life. There are certain things happening in your life that are a priority for you. Basketball is kind of in the shadows. You try to find a good balance.”

Mitchell Wiggins died in September at age 64, shocking a close-knit family. Mitchell and his wife, Marita Payne-Wiggins, were both standout athletes at a young age and helped their children navigate the cutthroat world of professional sports without losing sight of the most important things in life.

Three months later, the fog has cleared enough for his soul to breathe. The pain has subsided. After struggling with ongoing grief for months, the bereavement has subsided. Life goes on for Wiggins, despite the dad-sized hole in his heart.

Where Wiggins once felt lost and helpless as he watched his father suffer through various treatments, after his death he has managed to rediscover his spirit and find a new connection.

Read the rest of my story with Marcus Thompson here.