This is one of the big names that joined the French championship this summer. A well-known name of NBA fans, since he comes straight from the United States, without ever having left the NBA ecosystem (with the G-League) since 2014. Tony Snell (1.98 m, 33) has indeed chosen to start his career abroad on the side of France and more particularly of Boulazac Basket Dordogne, promoted in Betclic Élite. An unexpected choice but which represents a beautiful draw for the Périgourdin club, if the 9 seasons winger in the NBA manages to regain his level of yesteryear. Because if he has 648 games in the world’s basketball elite including 318 as a holder, the Californian has not played in the NBA since the 2021/22 season, reduced to a low role in G-League since (3.4 points on average in 13 minutes last season).
Another world
Arrived in recent days in Boulazac to start the preparation, Snell necessarily lands in an environment very different from everything he has known on the side of Chicago, Milwaukee or Portland. In terms of basketball as outside, since he arrives in a commune of barely 10,000 inhabitants. In a presentation interview with the Sud-Ouest newspaperregional press of the Dordogne, the veteran winger speaks of a desire to “Playing abroad, to know another experience than G-League and NBA. »» And whether in “A small or a big club, whatever. I like basketball. »»
As for the choice of Boulazac compared to other potentially interested clubs, Snell has not even thought: “I have no idea!” I simply talked to my agent, he explained to me that there was an interest in France, I said we are going. »» In short, first arrival, first served.
A leading role, at least a cloakroom, expected
It is above all the experience of the one who played with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard or Jimmy Butler which is expected. In order to lead a new Boulazacois group in a first division which they have not known since 2020/21. Apart from the parquet floors, BBD fans will discover an engaging player, suffering from autistic syndrome. Just like his children, who will join him with his wife next week, and for whom he continues to play in order to pay for their care.
This is why he was looking for a contract for a 10th season in the NBA, synonymous with premium medical regime of the NBPA dedicated to veteran players. Before finally resigning yourself from Europe. On the ground, Snell explained that it will be “A leader, a defensive leader, who also knows how to shoot three points and develop systems. »» And without a starting clause in the NBA. 3 & D (39.4% 3-point in NBA career) will also evolve on the wing alongside another former Nbaer, the ex-Strasbourgois Malik Fitts.
New heads in training 👋
Tony & Malik took their first steps in training today 👀
📍 See you tomorrow at the Agora (5.30 p.m./7:30 p.m.) to see them at work during training open to the public!#GoBBD pic.twitter.com/VqcWYkpicR
— BoulazacBasketD (@BoulazacBasketD) August 26, 2025
Worth a look
