Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas revealed that he has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.
During an appearance on “The Mark Jackson Show”, Thomas shared with hosts Mark Jackson and his son, Mark Jackson Jr., about his recent diagnosis.
“I’ve gotten a lot of love from people saying, ‘Well Isiah’s sick. What’s he going through?’” Thomas said. “And I haven’t really told anybody, right? So, I got Bell’s palsy, and, again, that’s why you see me like this. I appreciate the prayers and the love, but that’s what’s happening with my mouth right now.”
Taking to Instagram, Thomas shared a picture of himself on the set NBA TV.
““See you soon, @nbatv. I appreciate your prayers as I continue to recover from Bell’s Palsy,” the caption read.
On NBA TV on Friday (December 27) where Thomas is a co-host, he shared his health status with his co-hosts and the audience.
“I’m dealing with it, I’m showing up, I ain’t taking off,” Thomas said. “But I just wanted everybody to know that I appreciate your prayers and thank you for everything.”
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Bell’s palsy is a temporary paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles on one side of the face. It occurs when the facial nerve becomes inflamed or damaged. The cause of Bell palsy is not known but it is linked to a viral infection, diabetes, high blood pressure, Lyme disease, and other ailments.
Hailed as one of the greatest players in NBA history, Thomas spent his entire career as a member of the Detroit Pistons. He won two NBA titles, was a 12-time All-Star, and was a member of three All-NBA First Teams.
After his retirement, Thomas was head coach of the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. Also, he was head coach at Florida International University for three seasons.
As an executive, Thomas held front-office positions with the Toronto Raptors and Knicks, serving as the president of basketball operations
In 2000, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
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