Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA: A Closer Look

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been home to many talented athletes who have captivated fans with their skills and athleticism. While the league is often associated with fame, fortune, and flashy lifestyles, it has also been a platform for players who embrace different faiths and values. Among these athletes are a handful of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who have made their mark on the court while remaining true to their religious beliefs.   

Who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Before delving into the NBA players who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s important to understand the faith itself. 

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for their door-to-door ministry and their distinctive beliefs, which include the belief in a single God, Jehovah, and the imminent end of the world. They also abstain from blood transfusions and military service.   

Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA

While the exact number of Jehovah’s Witnesses who have played in the NBA is difficult to pinpoint, a few notable players have publicly identified with the faith. 

Here are some of the most prominent:

Dewayne Dedmon: Currently a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, Dedmon is one of the few active NBA players who openly identifies as a Jehovah’s Witness. He has spoken about how his faith has influenced his life and career, and he has been vocal about his desire to use his platform to spread his beliefs.

Dewayne Dedmon

Danny Granger: A former NBA All-Star, Granger was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and became baptized in 2017. He has spoken about how his faith has helped him stay grounded and focused throughout his career.

Danny Granger

Darren Collison: A former NBA point guard, Collison retired at the age of 31 to focus on his family and his faith. He has been open about his belief in God and his desire to live a life that aligns with his religious values.   

Darren Collison

The Impact of Faith on NBA Careers

For some NBA players, their faith has played a significant role in their decision-making, both on and off the court. Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, are known for their pacifist beliefs, which may have influenced some players’ decisions regarding certain aspects of the game.   

Additionally, the faith’s emphasis on family and community may have contributed to some players’ choices to retire early or to prioritize their personal lives over their basketball careers.

Challenges and Controversies

While most NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses have been able to balance their faith with their basketball careers, there have been some challenges and controversies along the way. For example, the faith’s stance on blood transfusions has raised concerns among some fans and medical professionals.

In addition, some players have faced criticism for their religious beliefs, particularly when those beliefs have led them to make decisions that have been perceived as unconventional or controversial.

The Future of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA

It remains to be seen how many more NBA players will identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses in the future. However, the presence of players like Dewayne Dedmon suggests that the faith will continue to have a presence in the league.

As the NBA continues to evolve, it is likely that more and more players will embrace their own unique beliefs and values, regardless of whether they align with traditional notions of sports stardom.

Beyond the Court

The impact of Jehovah’s Witnesses on the NBA extends beyond the court. The faith’s emphasis on community and service has inspired some players to give back to their communities through charitable work and volunteerism.

For example, some players have organized basketball clinics and other events for underprivileged youth, while others have donated money to charitable causes.

FAQs

How many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Currently, only one active NBA player, Dewayne Dedmon, is known to be a Jehovah’s Witness. Several retired players, including Danny Granger and Darren Collison, are also Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Who are the most notable NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Among the most prominent are:

Darren Collison, who retired in 2019, citing his faith as a key reason.

Danny Granger, a former Indiana Pacers star.

A.C. Green, an “Iron Man” known for his abstinence and adherence to faith during his 16-year NBA career.

Detlef Schrempf and Michael Adams are other notable players who have associated with this faith at various points in their careers.

What challenges do Jehovah’s Witnesses face in the NBA?

Jehovah’s Witnesses often face challenges balancing their faith with the demands of a professional sports career. The religion’s stance on refraining from certain celebrations and promoting modest lifestyles can make it difficult in an environment often focused on fame and wealth. For example, Dedmon initially avoided basketball due to his mother’s faith-based concerns but eventually found a way to pursue it while maintaining his beliefs​

Why did Darren Collison retire from the NBA?

Darren Collison retired in 2019 to focus on his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. He expressed that his religion brought him immense joy, which he sought to experience more fully by dedicating himself to ministry and helping others​.

How does being a Jehovah’s Witness affect an NBA player’s lifestyle?

Being a Jehovah’s Witness often influences players’ lifestyles significantly. Many observe principles of modesty, abstinence, and community service. A.C. Green, for example, famously adhered to a strict lifestyle, maintaining abstinence throughout his career, while Granger and Dedmon credit their faith for helping them navigate pressures within the league​.

Conclusion 

In the NBA, Jehovah’s Witnesses have represented a small but notable group, showcasing their commitment to their faith while excelling in professional sports. The intersection of a high-profile basketball career and the private, disciplined life encouraged by Jehovah’s Witnesses presents unique challenges. Many adherents avoid the spotlight, opting for a life rooted in faith-based values like modesty, community service, and humility. For players like Darren Collison, this meant stepping away from the NBA entirely to devote himself to religious pursuits, underscoring the deep impact that faith can have on life choices.

The presence of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA sheds light on the diversity within the league and exemplifies how personal values can influence one’s path, even in fields like professional sports. While many athletes prioritize brand endorsements and public recognition, players like A.C. Green and Danny Granger have chosen a different route, finding strength and purpose beyond the game. This decision, while difficult, aligns with Jehovah’s Witnesses’ encouragement to focus on spiritual goals over secular achievements.

Given the rarity of active Jehovah’s Witnesses in the league, Dedmon’s career highlights how athletes can balance personal convictions with professional aspirations. For those observing the faith, it can also inspire fans who may struggle with balancing their beliefs with career ambitions. The stories of these players illustrate that dedication to one’s beliefs can coexist with success on a professional platform, offering a compelling example to other athletes and individuals alike.

In essence, while the number of NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses is limited, their influence is meaningful, reinforcing the idea that sports can serve as a medium for diverse expressions of identity and belief.

While the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA may be relatively small, their impact on the league has been significant. These players have shown that it is possible to achieve success in professional sports while remaining true to one’s faith.

As the NBA continues to grow in popularity around the world, it is likely that we will see more and more players from diverse religious backgrounds. By embracing these differences, the league can continue to be a source of inspiration and unity for fans of all faiths.

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