The National Basketball Association (NBA) has long been a melting pot of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and religious beliefs. Among the various faiths represented in professional basketball, one denomination that has produced several notable players is Jehovah’s Witnesses. This Christian religious movement, which originated in the 1870s and now boasts over 100,000 congregations worldwide, has seen some of its members reach the highest levels of professional basketball.
Understanding Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for their distinct beliefs and practices that often differ from mainstream Christianity. Central to their faith is the belief in Jehovah as God and the conviction that the end of this world is imminent. They believe that all wicked souls will be destroyed and a new paradise will be established on earth before doomsday. Additionally, they hold that Jesus is the son of God but not part of a Trinity.
The faith emphasizes door-to-door evangelism, regular Bible study, and maintaining high moral standards. Members are expected to avoid certain activities and maintain allegiance only to Jehovah, which can sometimes create challenges for professional athletes who must balance team loyalty with religious devotion.
Confirmed Former NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
Based on comprehensive research, several former NBA players have publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses, though the exact number varies depending on sources and the level of public disclosure about their faith.
Danny Granger
Danny Granger is perhaps the most well-known former NBA player who is a Jehovah’s Witness. The small forward played ten seasons in the NBA from 2005 to 2015, primarily with the Indiana Pacers. In 2009, he averaged 26 points per game and was named an All-Star and the league’s Most Improved Player.
Granger was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household but wasn’t baptized until 2017, two years after his retirement from professional basketball. He credited his faith with helping him maintain composure and peace during his career, stating, “I have a great sense of serenity as a Jehovah’s Witness, and that peace carries over to the basketball court”.
Darren Collison
Darren Collison made headlines in 2019 when he voluntarily retired from the NBA at age 31 to focus on his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. The point guard played ten seasons in the league from 2009 to 2019, representing teams including the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and both Los Angeles teams.
In his retirement announcement to ESPN’s The Undefeated, Collison explained: “While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith. I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me. I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry”.
Collison briefly returned to the NBA in December 2021, signing a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, but the team did not extend his contract after it expired.
Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon represents one of the most unique stories among Jehovah’s Witness NBA players. Born into a devout Jehovah’s Witness family, Dedmon’s mother initially forbade him from playing organized basketball due to their religious beliefs. She believed that team sports might encourage allegiance to external factors rather than maintaining exclusive devotion to Jehovah.
Dedmon didn’t begin playing competitive basketball until he was 18 years old and could make his own decisions as an adult. “At first, she definitely wasn’t a fan,” Dedmon told Business Insider about his mother’s reaction. “But like I said, I was 18, so I was an adult, so I could make my own decisions”.
Despite starting his basketball journey relatively late, Dedmon successfully made it to the NBA and has played for multiple teams including the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Other Former Players
Additional former NBA players who have been identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses include:
- Michael Adams– Former point guard who converted to the faith later in life and remained active in the Jehovah’s Witness community after retirement
- C. Green– Perhaps one of the most famous examples, Green was raised in the faith and remained committed throughout his career with teams including the Los Angeles Lakers
- Mark Jackson– Former point guard and coach who converted to become a Jehovah’s Witness
- Reggie Theus– Former player and coach who joined the faith in the 1990s
Current NBA Players
Information about current NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses is more limited, as many players prefer to keep their religious beliefs private. Some sources suggest that players like Trey Burke, Jahlil Okafor, and Jonathan Isaac practice the Jehovah’s Witness religion, though this information requires verification as religious affiliations can change over time.
Challenges and Balance
Jehovah’s Witness NBA players face unique challenges in balancing their professional careers with their faith. These challenges include managing time for religious duties, maintaining moral standards in a competitive environment, and addressing potential criticism or misconceptions about their beliefs.
The religion’s emphasis on door-to-door evangelism, regular Bible study, and community service can conflict with the demanding schedule of professional basketball. However, the players who have successfully navigated both worlds demonstrate that it’s possible to excel in the NBA while remaining true to religious convictions.
Impact Beyond Basketball
Many of these former players have used their platform to promote their faith and engage in community service. After retirement, several have remained active in Jehovah’s Witness congregations and have worked as motivational speakers, sharing their experiences of balancing faith and professional sports.
Conclusion
While the exact number of NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses may be difficult to determine due to the private nature of religious beliefs, the confirmed cases of players like Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon demonstrate the intersection of faith and professional basketball. These athletes have shown that it’s possible to maintain strong religious convictions while competing at the highest levels of professional sports, often using their experiences to inspire others both within and outside their faith community.
The stories of these players highlight the diversity within the NBA and showcase how personal faith can both challenge and strengthen professional athletes in their careers and beyond.
