Joe Ingles Returns to the Court After Long Absence

Joe Ingles last played in an NBA game in January 2022, so it was surprising to see the Australian player named as one of Minnesota’s guards for the matchup against New Orleans.

However, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch revealed before the game that Ingles’s starting position was motivated by factors beyond basketball.

Ingles hadn’t seen any game time with the Timberwolves for nearly a month, recently sitting out an entire game against his former team, Utah.

Coincidentally, this absence aligned with a special milestone for the Ingles family, as his wife Renae and their children, Jacob, Milla, and Jack, traveled from Orlando to Minnesota to watch the game.

This game was particularly significant for eight-year-old Jacob, who has autism and often experiences sensory overload, as it marked the first time he fully enjoyed a game in the stands.

“Watching him soak in every moment made me proud,” Renae shared on Instagram. She reflected on the years of effort it took to reach this achievement, expressing gratitude for the support they received from the team.

With the Ingles family present again for a Timberwolves game the following Saturday, Finch decided to start Ingles for the first time in 1,147 days. Renae expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the gesture, emphasizing how this night went beyond basketball for their family.

Although Joe played just the first six minutes of the game, contributing an assist to help the Timberwolves to a 134-93 victory, it was a deeply emotional moment for the family and team. Finch reflected on the importance of this experience, which served a greater purpose beyond just basketball statistics.

Ingles’s journey after Jacob’s autism diagnosis has made him an advocate for various autism-related causes, helping to raise awareness and support for sensory-friendly environments at sporting events.