X

NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas Reveals Bell's Palsy Diagnosis

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVDecember 27, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 17: Isaiah Thomas as a part of State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images)
Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images

Basketball Hall of Famer and legendary Detroit Pistons point guard Isiah Thomas announced this week that he has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy.

Thomas broke the news during an appearance on Come And Talk 2 Me with former NBA star Mark Jackson (beginning at the 31:30 mark):

Bell's palsy is a neurological condition that causes temporary paralysis of muscles in the face, often leading to drooping of the eyes and mouth on one side of the face.

Several other prominent figures in the sports world have experienced Bell's palsy over the years, including Hall of Fame pro wrestling announcer Jim Ross, Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez and late Hall of Fame NBA guard "Pistol" Pete Maravich.

Most recently, Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid divulged during last season's NBA playoffs that he was dealing with Bell's palsy.

Thomas, 63, is widely regarded as one of the greatest guards in NBA history, and he has the résumé to back it up.

After winning a national championship at Indiana University, Thomas was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1981 NBA draft.

He went on to spend his entire 13-year NBA playing career with the Pistons, earning 12 All-Star selections, two NBA championships and one NBA Finals MVP Award.

Following his retirement as a player, Thomas served as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks, as well as head coach at Florida International University for three seasons.

Additionally, Thomas held front office positions with the Toronto Raptors and Knicks, including a stint as the Knicks' president of basketball operations.

He later served as team president for the WNBA's New York Liberty from 2015 to 2019, and he did some work in broadcasting as well.

Thomas is part of the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, cementing his status as one of the top players in the history of the game.