NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas has one of the most fascinating careers. As a player, he was phenomenal. He played his entire 13-year career with the Detroit Pistons and made five All-NBA teams. Once he retired, he tried his hand at coaching and being a GM. Those endeavors did not go as well as his playing career. Still, he is one of the more respected names in basketball today and revealed a shocking medical diagnosis on Thursday. The 63-year-old revealed he has been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy.
Isiah Thomas Diagnosed With Bell’s Palsy
Isiah Thomas made an appearance on “The Mark Jackson Show” on Thursday, which premiered on YouTube. The two former players talked about many topics relating to the NBA, including the new All-Star Game format. The 12-time All-Star revealed his diagnosis because many people have been pointing out that he does not look right when he makes television appearances.
“I’ve gotten a lot of love from people saying, ‘Well Isiah’s sick. What’s he going through?’” And I haven’t really told anybody, right? So, I got Bell’s palsy, and, again, that’s why you see me like this. So, I appreciate the prayers and the love, but that’s what’s happening with my mouth right now.”
According to Johns Hopkins University, Bell’s Palsy is a condition where a person experiences an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis. It usually affects one side of the face, causing the person’s face to appear droopy. There isn’t a known cause, and it can affect anyone of any age. It is not permanent, and many make a full recovery of facial muscles anywhere from two weeks to six months. Isiah Thomas mentioned his appreciation for the support. He isn’t the first athlete to have fans express their concern after a public appearance.
Storied Career
Isiah Thomas was a part of the “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons team, which won back-to-back championships in the late 1980s and early ’90s. They were the main thorn in the side of the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. Many of their playoff series were considered classic matchups. Thomas was the engine of the offense. As the point guard, he facilitated the offense, and he was no scrub on defense, either.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000, six years after he officially retired. He has been doing analysis for NBA TV and Fox Sports for a while and stated he will continue to do so despite his diagnosis. Fans everywhere have expressed their support and are hoping the legendary player can make a full recovery.
