Tony Snell's quest to sign with an NBA team this season has become one of the most talked about basketball stories.
The 32-year-old guard plays for the Boston Celtics' G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.
He spent most of his nine-year NBA career as a role player. He was pushing to sign with a team before the Feb. 2 deadline to get retirement benefits for players with at least 10 years of service.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, players with a decade of experience can receive lifetime health insurance for their children. Snell's two young children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and Snell said he was also diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.
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Tony Snell of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the Toronto Raptors at the Smoothie King Center on February 14, 2022 in New Orleans. (Getty Images)
The NBA offers two levels of retirement benefits. Once a player reaches three years of experience, he is eligible for lifetime personal health insurance. Players who play ten years or more qualify for premium benefits, which provide lifetime health insurance to their family members.
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Friday marked the last day Snell was able to sign with an NBA team to qualify for his 10th year of service. Snell scored three points in the Maine Celtics' win over Grand Rapids Gold on Friday.
Tony Snell of the Maine Celtics poses for a portrait during the 2023-24 G League Media Day on Oct. 30, 2023, at the Portland Expo Center in Portland, Maine. (China Wong/NBAE via Getty Images)
He has appeared in 14 games at the G League level this season and has averaged 4.1 points per game. Many G League teams focus on developing younger players, so it's often difficult to get playing time for more experienced players like Snell.
Earlier this week, basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkely made an impassioned plea for a franchise to sign Snell before the perk deadline passed.
“I hope, you know, the NBA has been great for all of us sitting here, I hope one of you signs Tony so his two autistic sons can get better.” medical attention,” Barkley said during an “NBA on TNT” segment.
It's still possible that Snell could land with an NBA team next season.
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Snell's situation has raised awareness about the financial burden associated with caring for people with autism. It's unclear whether the NBA or the players' union will reconsider their eligibility criteria or if Snell will be granted an exception.
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