Tony Snell’s attempt to sign with an NBA team this season has become one of the most talked-about basketball tales.
The 32-year-old guard represents the Boston Celtics’ G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.
Throughout his nine-year NBA career, he was primarily a role player. He was hoping to sign with a team before the Feb. 2 deadline to qualify for retirement benefits for players with at least ten years of service.
According to the collective bargaining agreement, players with a decade of experience can obtain lifetime health insurance for their children. Snell’s two young sons have been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, and Snell claims he was also diagnosed with autism.
The NBA does provide two benefit retirement tiers. Once a player has three years of experience, he becomes eligible for individual lifelong health insurance. Players who play for 10 years or longer are eligible for premium benefits, which include lifetime health insurance for family members.
Friday was the final day for Snell to sign with an NBA franchise and qualify for his tenth year of service. Snell scored three points in the Maine Celtics’ victory over the Grand Rapids Gold on Friday.
He has featured in 14 G League games this season, averaging 4.1 points. Many G League teams prioritize developing younger players, therefore senior players like Snell often struggle to find playing time.
Earlier this week, basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley made an impassioned plea for a team to sign Snell before the benefits program deadline.
“I’m hoping — you know, the NBA’s been great to all of us sitting up here — I hope one of you guys sign Tony so his two autistic kids can get great medical care,” Barkley remarked during an appearance on “NBA on TNT.”
It’s still feasible that Snell will join an NBA team next season.
Snell’s case has increased awareness about the financial difficulty of caring for people with autism. It is uncertain whether the NBA or the players’ union would revisit their eligibility requirements, or if Snell will be allowed an exception.
