NBA legends may age, but their legacy remains immortal. The same goes for Isiah Thomas, who once said, “My greatest gift that I have in life is basketball,” proving that the game is everything to him. The real ‘Bad Boy’ of the NBA has reigned on the court for 13 seasons, earning two rings and an MVP title. However, now the former point guard finds himself at the center of a different kind of spotlight: one of growing public concern about his health following a recent public appearance.

In a recent 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.

In the interview, Isiah Thomas’s physical appearance raised significant concern among fans and observers for various reasons. His lips appeared noticeably asymmetrical, with a distinct lopsidedness evident when speaking or attempting to lick his lips. His tongue seemed to move unevenly, further highlighting potential issues.

His speech patterns were markedly different from his past, with a noticeable struggle to articulate certain words smoothly. This current presentation stands in stark contrast to his appearances during “The Last Dance” documentary era, where he was sharp, animated, and verbally fluid. However, the advice he gave during the interview was thought-provoking.

Isiah was talking about whether the NBA players, especially rookies use their platforms enough. In the interview with Jabari Young, he highlighted the importance of this. As he pointed out, by tapping into their intellect and leveraging their influence, players can create lasting value that extends far beyond the court.

“Every city that you go to, you should make it a point to reach out to the top 2-3 CEOs in that city, invite them to the game, have lunch with them, and simply seek some advice. That’s what I did for years in the NBA. So when I get out of the NBA, I had an advisory board,” Thomas said.

For the unversed, As Chairman and CEO of Isiah International LLC, an investment holdings company, Thomas is also the owner of five companies: Isiah Real Estate, a development firm specializing in commercial properties; Isiah Imports, a champagne imports company, private equity, and asset management firm; Isiah Hemp and Ca**abis Products; and GRE3N, a utility vegetation management & pipeline/utility management company.

“Having a sports and entertainment background and having traveled to these places gives you a unique understanding of how you can continue to bring people together. So my involvement is very extensive. Thus, you know, the company, Isaiah International,” Isiah had also said in an interview with Business Insider in 2022. While The legendary point guard is making waves in the business landscape after bidding goodbye to the sport, his impact on the NBA has also also undeniable.

As the leader of the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era, Thomas exemplified grit, resilience, and sheer talent. Over his illustrious career, Thomas averaged 19.2 points, 9.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. His unforgettable 25-point quarter against the Lakers in the 1988 Finals, while playing on an injured ankle, remains one of the most heroic performances in sports. “I’m going to play. This is the NBA final, and I’ll play with a broken arm if I have to,” Thomas told the New York Times back then.

Despite his off-court success and enduring legacy, fans couldn’t help but express unease after the recent interview. Comments flooded the Instagram post, with viewers noting a perceived change in his speech and overall energy.

Fans are concerned regarding Isiah Thomas’ health

Thomas is legendary as a Hall of Famer and former Detroit Pistons star. But after his playing career, his post-NBA life has also been as dynamic, smoothly moving into the business world with real estate, with stocks, even in his one venture into the ca–abis world.

Still, his recent appearance has got the fans thinking about his numbness. “Is he ok? I see face paralysis…,” said one fan whereas another user commented, “He looks very different….“

With face paralysis in question, Thomas’ right side did look to be less actively involved in the muscular movements than his left. Additionally, his face also looked swollen in some places with the lopsidedness mentioned before. Some fans also connected Thomas’ numbness in the face to Bell’s Palsy, which is a neurological condition characterized by sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, typically affecting one side of the face.

One follower commented, “LOOKS LIKE HE HAS BELLS PALSY,” while another one said, “Whats wrong with Isaiah‘s jaw. Y’all look at his mouth while he talking. He had a stroke or nothing hopefully not or jaw broking.”

However, while others were concerned about Thomas’ health, one was more focused on his advice about connecting and building a close circle in the video as he commented, “Best advice ever.” While fans may worry, they should also remember the indomitable spirit that defined his career.