A few former NBA players have joined the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith, but it’s hard to establish exactly how many.
Unlike many other religions,Jehovah’s Witnesses do not maintain records of their members, and they do not disclose statistics regarding the size of their membership.
However, some former NBA players have shared their experiences with the religion of their choice
Including the choice they took to become Jehovah’s Witnesses. A prominent example of this can be found in A.C. Green. He played in the NBA between 1985 and 2001. Throughout his NBA career, which included stints with teams such as the
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Phoenix Suns
- Dallas Mavericks
Green remained a devoted Jehovah’s Witness
A faith he embraced since his college days, and he continued to uphold his religious commitment.
Mark Jackson, who had a career in the NBA spanning from 1987 to 2004.
He is a notable example of a former NBA player who later became a Jehovah’s Witness. Jackson came from the Jehovah’s Witness group and was a part of the faith throughout his NBA pro career. In the past, he’s been ordained as a pastor and has shared his faith with people across the world.
Other former NBA Players
Other former NBA stars who have accepted Jehovah’s Witnesses religion include
- Michael Adams
- Pervis Ellison
- Eddie Griffin
- Michael Jordan’s father James Jordan.
While they are among the most well-known examples
Many other players have also been members of the group but aren’t making the faith an integral part of their lives.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are firmly convinced of the necessity of observing the guidelines of the Bible and also maintaining a modest, moral life. They abstain from celebrating holidays and refrain from partaking in other activities such as military service or voting. Their faith is also a barrier to receiving blood transfusions or receiving specific medical treatments.
While the exact number of the number of Ex NBA players who are members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses is not known, it’s evident that religion had an impact on certain athletes throughout their lives before and after their basketball careers.
Despite the challenges and sacrifices that come with the sport.
Many former players find satisfaction and fulfillment through their commitment to the fundamentals and beliefs of the Jehovah’s Watches.
#1 Darren Collison
Between 2009 and 2019 Darren Collison was a member of the NBA. He played for four years with the Indiana Pacers and three years playing with the Sacramento Kings. Additionally, he served as a point guard for Dallas, New Orleans, and both Los Angeles teams.
The Guard at the time of 2019 decided to leave and concentrate on his faith. At the age of 31, the decision was made after an outstanding season,
During which the guard achieved 11.2 points and six assists per game with the Pacers.
#2 Danny Granger
Danny Granger, who is also a Jehovah’s Witness, was part of the Indiana Pacers for nine seasons and was renowned as one of the team’s top scorers. After his time with the Pacers, Granger went on to play for both the Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat. However, in the end, the Heat did not successful in winning a significant title.
Granger was raised in the Orthodox Jehovah’s Witnesses The Jehovah’s Witnesses did not allow him to the baptismal ceremony until 2017 which was two years after the time he played his last game during his time in the NBA.
#3 Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon is regarded as one of the premier players in the NBA. Despite his 7-foot frame, he might have never pursued a career in the NBA if he had followed his mother’s advice. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, his mother discouraged him from pursuing basketball, even drawing an imaginary line to deter him from the sport.
During his teenage years, he was not particularly slim, and because of his family’s religious beliefs, they did not permit him to play basketball. However, he persevered and eventually was recognized by the NBA.
While Dedmon has not yet won any awards, he finds himself approaching the end of his illustrious professional career. His inspirational journey serves as a testament to the fact that with unwavering perseverance and hard work, one can achieve anything.