NBA legend Isiah Thomas thanks ‘prayers and love’ amid private battle with Bell’s Palsy
Two-time NBA champion Isiah Thomas is speaking out about his personal health.
During a recent appearance on former NBA coach Mark Jackson’s “Come And Talk 2 Me” podcast, Thomas revealed that he has been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy.
The condition caused his facial muscles to droop.
“I got a lot of love from people who said, ‘Well, Isiah is sick. What is he going through?'” he said. “I haven’t really told anyone yet, but I have Bell’s Palsy…that’s why you see me like this. I appreciate the prayers and the love. That’s what’s going on in my mouth right now. I just want everyone to know Everyone knows this.”
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Retired NBA player Isiah Thomas during “From the Hardwood to the Boardroom: A Conversation with Isiah Thomas” during the 2023 ForbesBLK Summit at the Southern Exchange Ballroom on November 6, 2023 in Atlanta ” on the stage. (Paras Griffin/WireImage)
Bell’s palsy is a neurological disorder that causes sudden weakness of muscles on one side of the face, according to the Mayo Clinic. People diagnosed with Bell’s palsy can experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
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Smiling may appear unilateral, and it may be difficult to close the eye on the affected side. The condition will improve over time.
Isiah head coach Isiah Thomas during the 2022 NBA Rising Stars Challenge at Rockets Mortgage Arena on February 18, 2022 in Cleveland. (Kyle Terrada/USA TODAY Sports)
Thomas is not the first former or current NBA player to suffer from Bell’s Palsy. Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid said he was diagnosed with the disease before a playoff series against the New York Knicks in April.
Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas attends the second half of a game between the Phoenix Suns and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Trail Center on April 3, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Joe Camporeal/USA TODAY Sports)
Embiid averaged 33 points in the series.
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Thomas spent his entire NBA career with the Detroit Pistons and was a 12-time All-Star. In 1990, he was named NBA Finals MVP.
After retiring, Thomas made the leap to coaching and led the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. He also coached at the collegiate level.
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