To get the answer of the question, how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah witnesses, you must go through this article. Well, Several NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses. The most prestigious basketball league in the world is very diverse.
Also, it has players of different nationalities, races, religions, and even sexualities. Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that first originated in the 1870s. In 2022, it has over 100,000 congregations and many of its members are world-famous athletes.
Throughout its history, members of the NBA have belonged to this denomination and one player has even retired to focus on his health. This article will look at three NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
History of The Jehovah Witnesses
Charles Taze Russell established the Christian community known as the Jehovah Witnesses in the late 19th century. They are renowned for their door-to-door teaching and belief that the world’s end is near.
According to Jehovah Witnesses, the Bible should be the last authority in all questions of faith and behaviour. Who regard it as God’s inspired message. They also disagree with the Trinity idea. For contending that Jesus is God’s son but not a member of the holy trinity.
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not accept blood transfusions because they feel that doing so. Also, violates biblical teaching, making this one of their most distinguishing characteristics. They also don’t observe festivals like Christmas or Easter since they think they have pagan roots.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses prioritise evangelism and feel compelled to spread their beliefs to others. They accomplish this through their door-to-door outreach. The distribution of literature, and the conducting of meetings in their worship spaces, known as Kingdom Halls. Around eight million people worldwide belong to the tiny Christian denomination, Jehovah’s Witnesses.
How Many Jehovah Witnesses are in the NBA?
There have been at least three NBA players who have converted to Jehovah’s Witnesses over the years, including Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon.
These players have spoken publicly about how their faith has influenced their lives and careers. Also, some have even retired from basketball to focus more on their spiritual pursuits.
It is important to note that religious affiliation is a personal matter and is not typically disclosed by sports organisations. So there may be other NBA players who have also converted to Jehovah’s Witnesses but have not publicly stated their religious beliefs.
Danny Granger
Another Jehovah’s Witness basketball player is Danny Granger. He was a member of the Indiana Pacers and played for them. OveThroughouts nine-year stay with the Pacers, Granger was one of their top scorers. The forward later had spells with the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers after his tenure with Indiana.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, he was unable to earn a title. Granger was raised by Jehovah’s Witnesses in a spiritual environment. Also, he didn’t undergo baptism until 2017, two years after his NBA career came to an end.
Darren Collison
Darren Collison played in the National Basketball Association from 2009 until 2019. He spent three seasons with the Indiana Pacers and four with the Sacramento Kings. With the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and both Los Angeles teams in the past, the point guard had experience.
The guard decided to retire in 2019 so he could focus on his beliefs. He made this choice at the age of 31 after ending a season with the Pacers in which he averaged 11.2 points and 6 assists a game. He had recently had a season in which he dominated every statistic for the Pacers.
Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon is one of the NBA’s top supporting players in terms of talent. But the 7-foot centre would not be in the NBA today if he had followed his mother’s advice and listened to her. Dedmon’s mother firmly prohibited him from playing any sports, including basketball, while he was growing up in a home with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
He was always slender and was never coached as a young man due to his family’s strict religious views. He persisted though, and the NBA eventually added him to their roster.
Dedmon has not yet achieved professional success in a championship, even though he is nearing the end of his career. His biography serves as a compelling illustration of how tenacity and grit may get through apparently insurmountable challenges.
Final Thoughts
NBA athletes represent a diverse spectrum of cultures and beliefs. Others have more hidden or unconventional religious ideas, while other gamers adhere to mainstream religions like Christianity. The fact that many Ex NBA players are now Jehovah’s Witnesses is remarkable.
Whatever belief system NBA players practice, their spiritual journey may be fascinating. We trust that our article How Many Ex-NBA Players are Jehovah’s Witnesses has given you enough knowledge on the religious affiliations of your favourite NBA players.
Also read: Kevin Durant Joins Michael Jordan and LeBron James in Nike’s exclusive lifetime deal group.
