The Timberwolves raised eyebrows when Joe Ingles was named as a starter for their match with the Pelicans, but there was a heartwarming story behind the move.
Ingles, a veteran forward, has an autistic son.
According to The Athletic‘s Jon Krawczynski, Minnesota’s head coach Chris Finch made the decision to put the 37-year-old Australian in the starting five so his son, Jacob, could watch him play for the first time.
Ingles’ wife Renae and their three children have lived in their Orlando family home this season, but are in Minneapolis for the week.
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Jacob’s autism has meant the sensory overload of an NBA arena has always “been too much” for him.
He recently watched an entire game for the first time earlier in the week, but his father did not play.
With Ingles’ son in attendance again on Friday night (local), Finch placed the Boomers star in the starting line-up to ensure he could watch his Dad in action.
The former Jazz, Bucks and Magic player hadn’t seen the court since February 25 against the Thunder.
He has averaged six minutes a game in the 2024/25 season.
Joe Ingles’ wife, Renae, and 3 kids have stayed at the family home in Orlando all season. They are in town this week. Son Jacob is autistic. Earlier this week he had a milestone. He watched an entire NBA game in arena for the 1st time. Finch starting Joe so they can see him play. https://t.co/eJBE3zPsaX
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) March 21, 2025
Ingles played the opening six minutes against New Orleans, recording one assist in that period.
