Basketball legend Isiah Thomas recently shared a personal health update, revealing his diagnosis with Bell's palsy during an appearance on Mark Jackson's podcast, "Come And Talk 2 Me." This neurological condition has caused some facial muscle drooping, which Thomas acknowledged publicly, expressing gratitude for the support he's received.
Bell's palsy, as explained by the Mayo Clinic, leads to sudden weakening of facial muscles, with symptoms varying in severity. Common signs include a one-sided smile and difficulty closing the affected eye. Fortunately, the condition often improves over time.
Thomas joins a small group of NBA figures who have experienced Bell's palsy, including Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, who received his diagnosis before the 2024 playoffs. Notably, Embiid's performance remained strong despite the condition.
A celebrated athlete, Thomas dedicated his entire NBA career to the Detroit Pistons, achieving 12 All-Star selections and winning the Finals MVP award in 1990. His basketball journey continued post-retirement, with coaching roles in the NBA and at the college level.