NBA legend Isiah Thomas thankful for ‘prayers and the love’ amid private battle with Bell’s palsy

Isiah Thomas, a two-time NBA champion, recently shared some personal health news during an appearance on former NBA coach Mark Jackson’s podcast, “Come And Talk 2 Me.” Thomas revealed that he has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a condition that has caused his facial muscles to droop. Despite keeping this information private, Thomas expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support he has received.

Bell’s palsy is a neurological condition that can cause muscles on one side of the face to weaken suddenly. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including one-sided smiles and difficulty closing the affected eye. While the condition can be challenging, there is hope for improvement over time.

Interestingly, Thomas is not the only NBA player to have dealt with Bell’s palsy. Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers also shared his diagnosis before a playoff series against the New York Knicks. Despite his health struggles, Embiid managed to average an impressive 33 points during the series.

Throughout his NBA career, Thomas established himself as a legend with the Detroit Pistons, earning 12 All-Star selections and being named the NBA Finals MVP in 1990. Following his retirement, Thomas transitioned into coaching, leading teams like the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. He even tried his hand at coaching at the collegiate level.

As Thomas navigates his health journey, the basketball community continues to show its support for the beloved former player and coach. Fans can stay updated on Thomas and other sports news by following Fox News Digital’s sports coverage and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Chantz Martin, a sports writer for Fox News Digital, contributed to this article.