Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas revealed this week on the “Come And Talk 2 Me” podcast that he is dealing with Bell’s palsy.
“I’ve gotten a lot of love from people saying, ‘Well, Isiah’s sick. ‘Why is this happening?’” Thomas said on the show. hosted by former NBA point guard and ESPN broadcaster Marc Jackson and his son. “I haven’t really told anyone, but I have Bell’s palsy. …That’s why you see me like this. I appreciate the prayers and love. That’s what’s happening with my mouth right now. “I just wanted everyone to know that.”
appearing in NBA TV Pregame Show On Friday afternoon, Thomas said the condition is only temporary.
“As you know, I have a little bit of Bell’s palsy,” Thomas said. “I’m dealing with it. I’m showing up. I’m not leaving, but I just wanted to let everyone know that I appreciate your prayers and thank you for everything. They said it is a temporary condition. It will improve with time. But thank you for being with me.”
According to the Mayo ClinicBell’s palsy causes weakness in the muscles on one side of the face and is often a short-term condition that eventually improves.
Thomas’ revelation comes months after the Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy during the team’s playoff run last spring.
Thomas played for the Detroit Pistons from 1981 to 1994 and later coached the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks and Florida International University. He won two NBA titles, was a 12-time All-Star and a member of three All-NBA First Teams. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.