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. The important thing was – Jacob got a chance to watch his father in action, while Joe’s wife Renae and Jacob’s two siblings, Milla and Jack cheered from the stands.
Sure enough, Ingles was overcome with emotions after the game and made a heartfelt confession about struggles of raising a child with autism, “Like 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.” Of course, people often disregard NBA players’ struggles because they make millions and have access to all the available resources. But Ingles highlighted that the 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.”
Joe Ingles spoke from the heart tonight pic.twitter.com/NONGYI4XZE
— SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) March 22, 2025
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 also increase, 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 situation, Ingles is focused on using his platform to raise awareness and urge others to help, “Ever since he got diagnosed, it’s been what we have tried to do with the awareness of like this sh*t is real.”
(Developing Story)
The post “Sh*t Is Real”: With Son Battling Autism, Joe Ingles Details Wife’s Tough Reality in Heartfelt Confession appeared first on EssentiallySports.