Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination from the late 19th century. They are known for their distinct beliefs and practices that often differ from mainstream Christianity. Central to Jehovah’s Witnesses is Jehovah as the God, and that the end of this world is imminent. With over 100,000 people following the faith as of 2022, it does not surprise us that many of our favorite NBA stars and other sporting personalities follow the faith as well. NBA sure is rich and diverse, culturally.
How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
As of 2023, 3 ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon. Collison and Granger are known for their association with the Indiana Pacers and were drafted during the latter half of the 2000s. On the other hand, Dedmon entered the NBA scene in 2013 and has donned jerseys of various teams, including Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers.
1. Darren Collison
Darren Collison is the first player to come to mind when evaluating NBA players and Jehovah’s Witnesses’ faith. This isn’t just because of his upbringing in the religion, but because he cited his religion as a prominent factor in his retirement. After a decade-long journey in the NBA, Collison made a surprising announcement in 2019. He opted for retirement after averaging nearly 28 minutes over 76 games. He primarily decided because of his desire to help the less fortunate through his Jehovah’s Witnesses faith.
In a letter penned to ESPN’s Undefeated, Collison expressed,“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. The joy I feel is unmatched. With that being said, I have decided to retire from the NBA.”
Two years later, Collison briefly returned to the court by signing a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally, he worked out with the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors.
2. Danny Granger
Danny Granger emerged as one of the most promising prospects for the Pacers in 2005. Over time, his dedication and improvement earned him the Most Improved Player with an all-star spot in 2009. However, after a prominent run from 2008 to 2012, his career took a downturn due to injuries.
Interestingly, like Collison, Granger also grew up in a Jehovah’s Witness household. He credited his Jehovah’s Witness faith in helping him manage the demands of being an elite athlete. “I have a great sense of serenity as a Jehovah’s Witness, and that peace carries over to the basketball court,”he said to the Indianapolis Star in 2008.
Apart from his contributions to the hardwood, Granger actively participated in philanthropic endeavors and advocated for mental health awareness. Intriguingly, despite having strong religious nets, Granger was baptized in 2017, two years after his retirement in 2015.
3. Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon is another notable NBA veteran with Jehovah’s Witnesses’ faith. Despite starting his basketball journey relatively late, in his senior year, Dewayne managed to make it to the 450 players in the NBA. Dedmon’s late immersion in basketball comes from the influence of his mother’s Jehovah’s Witness faith. She opposed his involvement in basketball or any other sport due to their religious beliefs. It was not until he was 18 years old that he confronted his motherregarding his passion for basketball.
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Despite facing challenges in balancing his religion and his aspirations, Dedmon firmly stated,“I can honestly say that my faith has helped me overcome a lot of hardships in my life. It has helped me maintain my composure and my attitude in the midst of difficult circ*mstances,”during a conversation with Business Insider.
Are there more NBA players to be Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Exploring Jehovah’s Witnesses with NBA unveils a realm of lesser-known territory. With the NBA’s history spanning over 75 years, several players adhere to the faith. However, the degree to which they have publicly discussed their beliefs has varied, with some opting to maintain their privacy.
A.C Green
Looking back to the 1980s, A. C. Green emerged as a devoted member of the Jehovah’s Witness faith. Around the time of his first championship in 1987, Green aligned himself with the worldwide Christian movement. Since then, he has been a regular speaker at religious gatherings and youth events.
Sam Perkins
Fast forward to a decade to the 90s. Seattle SuperSonics center Sam Perkins stirred controversy after standing out of line during the national anthem. He attributed this gesture to his commitment to Jehovah’s Witnesses’ faith.
Detlef Schrempf
Echoing Perkins’ stance was Detlef Schrempf, a FIBA Hall of Famer. Intriguingly, Schrempf adopted the Jehovah’s Witness faith during the 1990s and has been an active preacher ever since.
In total, there are over 10 NBA players who follow the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ faith. The list includes Michael Adams, Mark Jackson, Reggie Theus, Thurl Bailey, and more. Interestingly, there are instances where players embrace Jehovah’s Witnesses after undergoing multiple religious belief changes beforehand.
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NBA’s history serves as a diverse canvas reflecting the varied spiritual journeys of its athletes; Jehovah’s Witnesses add to its diverse and long-lasting galore.
