It was back in November when fans noticed a health concern for Isiah Thomas. It was not because of the Pistons legend who said something, but his face revealed a completely different story. In December, Thomas announced he has Bell’s palsy—a neurological disorder weakening one side of the face. Later, he updated fans about not giving up and focused on his recovery. However, his recent appearance showed that the battle is ongoing.

This condition is characterized by sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, which typically affects one side of the face. Viewers remarked on his slurred speech, sparking health concerns. As per reports, it affects 15 to 40 of every 100,000 people annually and recurs in approximately 10% of cases.

During his recent NBATV duties, Isiah Thomas spoke to the Nuggets star of Game 6. While speaking to Julian Strawther, one could notice how one side of Thomas’ face was asymmetrical, with a distinct lopsidedness. Even one of his eyes was as good as closed when Zeke handled the broadcasting duties. He again struggled to articulate key phrases, reminding viewers this isn’t his first episode.

Back in November, it was not during his role as a basketball analyst that drew fans’ concern. In Forbes’ Blk interview focused on business strategies, Thomas’s presence triggered a wave of worried comments from fans who noticed something seemingly amiss with the basketball icon. One follower commented, “LOOKS LIKE HE HAS BELLS PALSY.” A month later, the 2x NBA champion admitted to his fight. But to fans wondering about the seriousness of the issue, there is a positive update.

Isiah Thomas assured fans about fighting this condition

The 64-year-old was a star during the Bad Boys era of the Pistons. A player with a never-die attitude was visible even during Game 6 of the 1988 Finals. In the third quarter alone, he scored 25 and ended the game with 43 points despite hobbling with an injury. When social media buzzed with concern, Thomas addressed fans directly.

“I’ve gotten a lot of love from people saying, ‘Well, Isaiah’s sick. He’s going through something.’ I haven’t really told anybody, but I’ve got Bell’s Palsy. That’s why you see me like this,” the 2x NBA Champion revealed during his appearance on the Mark Jackson Show. In Season 1 Episode 96, Thomas continued, “You know I appreciate the prayers and the love, but that’s what’s happening with my mouth right now.” Even in the reel of one of those episodes, the Pistons legend assured fans that his situation was because of Bell’s palsy. “I have Bells Palsy everyone no stroke ❤️”.

Later, even on his social media, he added, “See you soon, @nbatv. I appreciate your prayers as I continue to recover from Bell’s Palsy.” There is a silver lining for Isiah Thomas and the fans. 70% to 80% of patients will recover completely even without treatment, and over 95% recover with prompt pharmacological therapy. Even 76ers All-Star Joel Embiid in 2024 revealed he was diagnosed with the same condition.

“Yes, it’s pretty annoying. My left side of my face, my mouth and my eye. It’s been tough.” Yet, the star center continued to hoop through it. “It hasn’t really necessarily gotten better. With the conversations that I’ve had, it could be weeks, it could be months.” Just like Thomas, Embiid assured that even though the recovery might be long, he is not quitting!