Sometimes, sports transcend the box score.Last week in Minneapolis, hoops took a backseat to humanity.
Veteran guard Joe English unexpectedly found himself in the Timberwolves’ starting lineup, marking his first start since 2022. The heartwarming reason? His son, Jacob, who has autism, yearned to see his dad play. Someone within the Timberwolves organization understood the meaning.
jacob rarely attends games, and even more rarely stays for the duration. Earlier in the week, at the target Center, he watched his father remain on the bench, never entering the game. For many kids, that’s just part of the sport. But for Jacob,it was different.
Head Coach Chris Finch ensured a different outcome. He not only played English but also designated him a starter for the first time since January 30, 2022.This wasn’t just about basketball; it was about making a dream come true.
It has been very emotional,
Finch told ESPN after the game.
He elaborated, Sometimes you just have to be human. And we always talk about every minute. But these minutes matter a lot for another reason.
Its a sentiment that resonates deeply, reminding us that sports can be a powerful platform for compassion and understanding, much like when the Seattle Seahawks drafted Shaquem Griffin, a linebacker with only one hand, in 2018. It was more than just a roster move; it was a statement.
Joe’s son, Jacob, watching his dad make his first Wolves start. 💙 pic.twitter.com/SzuH7cMISA
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 22, 2025
Inspired by Jacob’s presence, the Timberwolves dominated the Pelicans, securing a decisive 134-93 victory. The team seemed to rally around the emotional significance of the moment.
English played six minutes, contributing an assist. While he didn’t score, the statistics were secondary. His son finally witnessed him in action on the court.
The boys supported him, and I think he gave us the impulse necessary to win tonight,
Finch acknowledged, highlighting the team’s collective embrace of the situation.
It is not frequent that one can do this kind of thing, but we are very happy for it,
he added, underscoring the rarity and special nature of the gesture.
Raising Autism awareness
English is a father of three, including twins born in 2016 and Jacob, born in 2019, who was diagnosed with autism.Since Jacob’s diagnosis, English and his wife have become dedicated advocates for autism awareness, striving to educate others about the challenges and realities of daily life for individuals with autism and their families.
Each year,during Autism Awareness Month,English and his wife organize auctions featuring memorabilia donated by NBA players. The proceeds are then directed to organizations dedicated to supporting and researching autism spectrum disorder. This mirrors efforts by athletes like Doug Flutie, whose foundation has raised millions for autism research and support.
This is real. It doesn’t matter who you are, neither your lifestyle, nor the money you have,
English emphasized, highlighting the global impact of autism.
He continued,We will continue doing what we do. The awareness,and we will continue doing everything possible to help other families. But I think people simply need to understand that it is something very real. You don’t leave with money. We can only talk about it. And then, obviously for us, it is to give Jacob’s best opportunity so that he can fit in this crazy world in which we live.
The Timberwolves’ gesture serves as a powerful reminder of the human element in sports. It prompts reflection on how teams and athletes can use their platform to promote inclusivity and support notable causes. Further investigation could explore the specific programs and organizations that English and his wife support,and also the broader efforts within the NBA to promote autism awareness and inclusion. Are there specific initiatives the NBA supports? What more can be done to make arenas sensory-kind for fans with autism?
(Cover photography: imagn images)
His story underscores the transformative power of the National Basketball association (NBA) beyond the court, resonating with the league’s commitment to embracing diversity and inclusion.
A Look at the Numbers: Joe English’s Career and the Impact of Autism Awareness
While Joe English’s on-court statistics may not scream Hall of Fame, his impact transcends traditional metrics. His actions, and the Timberwolves’ response, sparked critical conversations about autism awareness and the power of empathy in professional sports. The following table offers a speedy overview of key data points, putting English’s career and his advocacy work into a clearer outlook.This data underscores the importance of perspective.
| Category | Details | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Years in NBA | 6 seasons (2019-present) | Provides context for his career trajectory and the recent start. |
| Previous Start | January 30, 2022 | Highlights the rarity of his recent start due to his son’s request. |
| Minutes Played vs. Pelicans | 6 Minutes | Demonstrates Coach Finch’s commitment to the heartfelt cause. |
| Assists vs. Pelicans | 1 | Illustrates direct contribution to the game, despite time played. |
| Jacob English’s Age | 6 years old | Highlights the youth and innocence fueling the emotional impact. |
| Autism Awareness Initiatives Supported (Examples) | Annual Memorabilia Auctions; local Autism support Organizations | Demonstrates continuous involvement and dedication by joe and family. |
The data in the table, derived from reputable sources and verifiable NBA statistics, reveals a deeper understanding of Joe English and Jacob’s story and underscores the emotional resonance that can be achieved inside and outside of sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To further illuminate the story of Joe English and the Timberwolves, here’s a thorough FAQ section addressing common reader questions. This will help readers understand the context and significance of this event.
Q: who is Joe English?
A: Joe English is a veteran NBA guard who has played for several teams as starting his career in 2019. He is also an advocate for autism awareness, inspired by his son, Jacob, who has autism.
Q: Why did Joe English start for the Timberwolves against the Pelicans?
A: He started due to a heart-warming request from his son, Jacob, who has autism. Jacob rarely attends games, and his father had not recently started. Timberwolves’ Head Coach Chris Finch wanted to create a special moment for Jacob.
Q: When was Joe English’s last start prior to this game?
A: His last prior start was on January 30, 2022.
Q: How did English perform in the game?
A: In six minutes of play his key stat was one assist. Though, the statistics were secondary. His son finally witnessed him in action on the court which was primary.
Q: What is autism awareness month?
A: Autism Awareness Month takes place every April. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), its effects on individuals and families, and promoting acceptance and understanding.
Q: What is autism?
A: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.
Q: What dose Joe English do for autism awareness?
A: Each year, he and his wife organize auctions featuring memorabilia donated by NBA players and use the proceeds to support organizations focused on autism research and support to show support for the autism community.
Q: How can I support autism awareness?
A: You can support autism awareness by educating yourself about autism, supporting organizations that provide assistance to people with autism and their families, and promoting acceptance and inclusion within your community. Further ways to help include donating to autism charities, volunteering at autism-related events, and advocating for policies that support individuals with autism.
Q: How has this event been received by the NBA community?
A: while the event has garnered positive attention. The broader perspective is that the team’s gesture of playing Joe English due to something as vital as his son’s wishes has been widely celebrated as a testament to both compassion and the NBA’s commitment to acknowledging diversity and supporting players’ families.
The story of Joe English and the timberwolves, fueled by emotional investment, showcases the impact sports can have beyond championships and statistics. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and acceptance, not just in sports but in all aspects of life. As the NBA moves forward,it is hoped these moments will continue to drive conversations about inclusivity,and how sports can support critical causes.
