Epilepsy is a widespread (the 4th most) neurological disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. People with this disorder experience excessive electrical activity within their brains, which can cause reoccurring seizures. Although a severe condition, there are plenty of examples of people not allowing it to stop their passions.
The most famous NBA player with epilepsy is Bobby Jones, the ABA legend, NBA champion, and four-time All-Star. He didn’t let his disorder affect his career’s longevity or performance. The Olympic gold medalist Draymond Green also revealed that he has epilepsy after a decade-long career in the NBA.
This article will explore all of the players mentioned above in great detail. To learn everything you need to know about the two NBA players with epilepsy, read on.
1. Bobby Jones
Robert Clyde Jones, better known as Bobby, is known as one of the best defensive players in the history of the NBA.
He started his professional career with Denver Nuggets in the ABA (American Basketball Association) before its merger with the NBA in 1976. Bobby then went to play for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1978 to 1986.
He led a successful career, winning multiple all-star, defense team nominations and even the sixth man of the year award in 1983. The same year he and his team went on to win a national championship cementing him in an elite class of talent. Bobby Jones earned the Secretary of Defense nickname and even had his number retired after his long carer.
Besides his Hall of Fame level of play, Bobby Jones is widely known as an inspiring figure for those with epilepsy.
He was diagnosed in 1978 and never let the disorder limit his ability. Bobby was very open about his condition making healthy strides to remove the stigma around the disorder.
This trend of openness would extend to other fields many years after his retirement.
2. Draymond Green
Draymond Jamal Green Sr is a highly successful professional athlete playing for the Golden State Warriors. Throughout his decade-plus career, Draymond has garnered various accolades, including four NBA championships, four NBA All-Star nominations, and even two Olympic gold medals.
He has gotten multiple spots on the All-NBA and All-Defensive Team and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2017. Although he’s gone on to have such a prosperous carer, Green is no stranger to beating the odds.
He was taken late in the second round of the draft (35th overall) and is known for playing multiple positions and defending players way above his size. In 2022 Draymond revealed that he had been taking medication to limit seizures until he was 28. Fans were surprised but supportive when the news broke, offering their well-wishes for Draymond’s health and recovery. Not much is known about the specifics of his condition. Although it hasn’t been directly connected to epilepsy, Draymond is one of the only NBA players to go on record as someone who deals with seizures, even claiming he had an episode that lasted over an hour as a child.