For every NBA player and franchise, winning the championship is the ultimate goal. But sometimes, basketball takes a backseat and more important things gain priority. Tonight was one of those nights for Joe Ingles and the entire Wolves organization. That’s because his son, Jacob, who was diagnosed with autism at an early age, was in attendance for the Pelicans clash to watch his dad play live for the first time.

Realizing the significance of the moment, Chris Finch decided to make the night even more special for the Ingles family by giving Joe his first start since January 30, 2022. Sure, the veteran forward was on the floor for only six minutes and went scoreless. But it was never about filling the stat sheet—Jacob got a chance to watch his father in action. His wife Renae and Jacob’s two siblings, Milia and Jack, also cheered from the stands.

Sure enough, Ingles was overcome with emotions after the game and made a heartfelt confession about the struggles of raising a child with autism: “Ever since he got diagnosed, it’s been what we have tried to do with the awareness of like – This sh*t is real!” he shared.

But was that all? “The reality of it is, I just don’t think people understand. And it gets kind of confused because of the money and the lifestyle that we get to live,” he noted. Of course, people often disregard NBA players’ struggles because they make millions and have access to all the available resources. But Ingles highlighted that money can only help so much.

He continued, “It’s a little less stressed cause I can afford to pay for Jacob to get what he needs but it doesn’t take away the meltdown to the supermarket or there’s been so many times with my wife that he’s just laying on the floor in public and you can feel people staring at you. You know they’re judging you, you know they’re making comments about it. But they have no idea what he’s going through that day or the night before or the situation.”

Of course, Ingles can’t always stay home to take care of his family because of his commitment to the NBA. During that time, his wife’s struggles increase even more, as Joe revealed, “The reality is a little kind of screwed up in my opinion and the awareness is what we try and do. When there is a kid like that, try and help. Try and help the mom, try and help the dad. It’s a real thing. Like my wife has had so many situations when I’ve been away that she battles three kids, or one kid like whatever you’ve got. It’s tough.”

Understanding how difficult it can be for families to deal with such a situation, Ingles is focused on using his platform to raise awareness.

Joe Ingles sends emotional message to public as Chris Finch reveals reason behind wholesome gesture

As Jacob continues to reach new milestones in his journey, Joe is adamant about helping in whatever way he can. “The special needs part too, it’s a real thing. And we’ll keep doing what we do, we’ll keep pushing it with the awareness and we’ll do whatever we can to help other families,” he promised. Moreover, he urged the public to do the same.

“I think people just need to understand that this is a real thing. It doesn’t go away with money. Doesn’t go away with situations. All we can do is talk about it and obviously for us, to give Jacob the best chance to fit in in this kind of crazy world that we’re in,” he said, the words hitting home because they came from the depths of his heart!

Well, Chris Finch surely did his part tonight as he gave Joe his first start of the season. Addressing his wholesome gesture, the head coach said, “Sometimes you have to do the human thing. And you always talk about all these minutes matter. Those minutes matter for another reason.” With Jacob in attendance, it was certain that Joe was going to step on the floor at some point. But it was Finch’s idea to “do it in style” by giving him the start.

He added, “Guys were behind it, and I think it gave us just the right boost that we needed and a change of energy. It’s not often you get to do those types of things, but we’re really happy that we could.” Moreover, the night turned even more special as the Wolves ended up blowing out the Pelicans and won in dominant fashion. Surely, something Joe and his family will remember for a long time. And this is why I love basketball! Thoughts?