A FORMER NBA first-round draft pick has found himself unemployed but is fighting to get back into the league for a reason much bigger than basketball.

The 32-year-old NBA veteran needs to sign to a team’s active roster by Friday and remain for the rest of the season to be eligible for the league’s premium medical plan.

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Tony Snell is fighting to get back into the NBA for his sonsCredit: 2023 NBAE

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Snell has played nine seasons in the NBA and needs to reach ten for the league’s medical planCredit: Getty
Snell is playing for the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate, for the second straight season and battling to get back.

He needs to play ten years in the NBA for the Players Association’s retiree benefits program to take effect, but G-league time or a 10-day contract won’t be enough.

The healthcare policy orders players to be on an active NBA roster by Friday to count toward a year of service time in the league.

Snell needs one more season to qualify and expressed the importance of landing a spot in an interview with Yahoo Sports.

“It’s something I truly need.

“Not only for myself but for my wife and my kids,” Snell told Yahoo Sports.

Snell has two sons, Karter, 3, and Kenzo, 2, who were both diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, which led Snell to discover in his adult age that he, too, is autistic.

He expressed he is focused on getting back to the NBA to give them a better life and that this goal isn’t about him “anymore.”

“Of course, I want to come back and play, but I have a bigger purpose now.

“It’s not about me anymore. It’s about my boys,” Snell said.

Snell is a native of Los Angeles, California, and was a standout athlete growing up and received a scholarship to New Mexico University.

He played three seasons there before being drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the 20th pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

Snell has not played in an NBA game since the 2021-22 season, when he appeared in 53 games for the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans, but he believes his experience in the league can be valuable to a team.

“I want to share my knowledge with the young guys. I have enjoyment from helping them out and showing them what I see.

“I’m at the stage where I want to inspire people and help as many people as I possibly can.”

“Not just players. People in general. If they’re willing to learn, I’m willing to share,” Snell expressed.

Snell has made over $50 million in his nine NBA seasons and averaged 6.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists through 601 games played.