The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen players from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, including those who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for their distinct beliefs and practices, such as door-to-door evangelism and abstaining from certain secular activities. Over the years, several NBA players have been associated with this faith.
Notable Ex-NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
- Danny Granger
- Career Highlights: Granger was a prominent forward who played the majority of his career with the Indiana Pacers from 2005 to 2014. He was named an NBA All-Star in 2009 and earned the NBA Most Improved Player Award the same year.
- Faith Journey: Raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household, Granger was baptized into the faith in 2017, two years after retiring from professional basketball.
- Darren Collison
- Career Highlights: Collison was a skilled point guard who played for several teams, including the New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, and Indiana Pacers, from 2009 to 2019. He averaged 12.5 points and 5 assists per game over his career.
- Faith Journey: In 2019, at the age of 31, Collison retired from the NBA to focus on his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness, stating that his faith meant everything to him.
- Dewayne Dedmon
- Career Highlights: Dedmon is a 7-foot center who has played for multiple NBA teams, including the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks. Known for his defensive presence and rebounding skills, Dedmon has been a valuable role player throughout his career.
- Faith Journey: Raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household, Dedmon’s mother initially forbade him from playing basketball due to religious reasons. Despite this, he pursued a career in the NBA while maintaining his faith.
- Dave Meyers
- Career Highlights: Meyers was the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1975 NBA Draft and played four seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.
- Faith Journey: He retired from basketball in 1980 to focus on his family and his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.
- A.C. Green
- Career Highlights: Green is best known for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won three NBA championships. He holds the NBA Iron Man record for most consecutive games played.
- Faith Journey: A devout Christian, Green was known for his strong religious beliefs and commitment to celibacy until marriage, aligning with Jehovah’s Witnesses’ principles.
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Impact of Faith on Their Careers
For these players, their faith as Jehovah’s Witnesses has significantly influenced their lives and careers:
- Lifestyle Choices: Jehovah’s Witnesses adhere to specific moral and ethical guidelines, which can affect lifestyle choices, including abstaining from certain celebrations and maintaining particular health practices.
- Career Decisions: Darren Collison’s decision to retire at the peak of his career to focus on his faith underscores the importance of religion in his life.
- Public Perception: These players often serve as role models within their religious communities, demonstrating that professional success and religious devotion can coexist.
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FAQ
- How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
- There are several ex-NBA players known to be Jehovah’s Witnesses, including Danny Granger, Darren Collison, Dewayne Dedmon, Dave Meyers, and A.C. Green.
- Did their faith impact their NBA careers?
- Yes, their faith influenced various aspects of their lives, from lifestyle choices to career decisions, such as Darren Collison’s early retirement to focus on his faith.
- Are there current NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
- As of now, there are no publicly known current NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
- What are the core beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
- Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for their belief in Jehovah (God), the authority of the Bible, and practices such as door-to-door evangelism.
- How do Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs influence their lifestyle?
- Their beliefs lead them to adhere to specific moral and ethical guidelines, including abstaining from certain holidays and practices, and maintaining a focus on family and faith.
