Tony Snell, an NBA veteran who spent nine seasons in the league, revealed he has been diagnosed with autism.

Snell, 31, who was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the 20th overall pick in 2013 and most recently played in the G League, explained his journey on NBC’s “Today” on Friday.

Last year, Snell and his wife noticed their son Carter was late on several developmental benchmarks, and he was not speaking at 18 months old.

Carter was diagnosed with autism, and Snell also decided to be examined by a doctor.

He found out he had autism spectrum disorder as well.

For the former NBA journeyman, who said he often felt independent and alone throughout his life, the diagnosis wasn’t a shock.

“I was not surprised because I always felt different,” Snell said to NBC. “I was just relieved like, ‘Oh, this is why I am the way I am.’ And it just made my whole life, everything about my life make so much sense.”

The nine-year NBA forward, who said he struggled to make personal connections with others, believes that he wouldn’t have reached the same heights in his career if he had known of his diagnosis sooner.

“I don’t think I would’ve been in the NBA,” he said. “People probably would put a limit or a cap on my abilities.”

After learning about his diagnosis, Snell, who played in 19 games for the G League’s Maine Celtics this season, said he is trying to raise awareness about autism, particularly in the black community.

Snell said he has partnered with Special Olympics and is using the Tony Snell Foundation to help expand access to autism testing in inner cities.

The foundation’s website said the organization wants to offer a “beacon of hope for those touched by autism.”

Snell said he wants to help as many as he can and wants his son to know he’s there for him.

“I want to change lives and inspire people,” Snell added to NBC. “I want to make sure my son knows I have his back.”

Snell last played in the NBA for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, where he averaged 5.9 points in 18.5 minutes per game.