According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Miami Heat have signed veteran wing Tony Snell to join their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Nine-year NBA veteran Tony Snell is joining the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s G League affiliate, league sources told @hoopshype. The 32-year-old swingman has averaged 6.1 points and shot 39.4% from 3-point range in nine NBA seasons. pic.twitter.com/xLULNW0FMa
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 2, 2024
Snell may be best known for his time with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls drafted the Los Angeles native with the 20th pick in 2013. Snell spent three seasons in Chicago before signing with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 32-year-old also spent time with the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and New Orleans Pelicans. Snell has not appeared in an NBA game since April 2022, scoring eight points against the Golden State Warriors in the Pelicans’ season-ending game.
Most recently, Snell spent parts of two seasons with the Boston Celtics‘ G League affiliate in Maine. In that time, he appeared in 50 games, averaging 7 points and 2.4 rebounds.
Miami Heat Add Former First-Round Pick to G League Affiliate
What This Means for Tony Snell’s Career
Though it is just a G League contract, Snell will continue his playing career for the foreseeable future. However, it seems unlikely he will return to the NBA at any point. Snell will turn 33 in November. Additionally, he has not played in an actual NBA game in over two years. It is promising for Snell that he can still receive contracts, but this is likely the extent of what the rest of his NBA career looks like. However, Snell’s best use for the Heat may not be on the court.
At this point, Snell spent nine seasons in the NBA. He is a seasoned veteran who provides a strong presence. The Heat have plenty of young talent, especially in the G League. Adding Snell to be a veteran for them is something that could pay dividends for the long haul. This proved true during his time with the Celtics.
Earlier this year, Snell spoke about taking on the role of a mentor to some of the Celtics’ young players. More specifically, this includes Jordan Walsh and JD Davison. Snell talked about wanting “to inspire people” both on and off the court.
“I want to share my knowledge with the young guys. I have enjoyment from helping them out and showing them what I see,” Snell said. “I’m at the stage where I want to inspire people and help as many people as I possibly can.”
The Last Word
While an NBA return seems like a long shot, Snell can still provide a lot of value to different organizations. He has been around the game for a long time and has played alongside some of the league’s best players. However, if an NBA team is ever in need of adding another veteran to the team, it is possible that Snell will receive the call.
