NBA Players Turned Jehovah Witnesses, How Many Jehovah Witnesses are in the NBA?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated May 17, 2023
Jehovah Witness
Jehovah's Witnesses is a Christian denomination that was founded in the United States in the late 19th century. The religion's beliefs are based on the Bible, and members place a strong emphasis on evangelism and spreading their message. They are known for their door-to-door evangelism and the distribution of their literature, which includes the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Jehovah's Witnesses are also known for their strict adherence to certain practices and beliefs, such as the rejection of blood transfusions, the celebration of holidays and birthdays, and the prohibition of premarital and extramarital sex.
Jehovah's Witnesses have been recognized for their growth since their inception, with over 8 million members worldwide as of 2021. In addition to their evangelism efforts, Jehovah's Witnesses are also known for their organization and structure, which includes regular meetings, local congregations, and a hierarchical leadership structure. They do not have traditional clergy but instead rely on a small group of elders to provide spiritual guidance and oversight.
Religion has been the subject of controversy and criticism over the years, with some accusing the group of being a cult and alleging that certain practices, such as their rejection of blood transfusions, are harmful to members' health. However, Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that their practices and beliefs are based on their interpretation of the Bible and that their focus on living a moral and ethical life is essential for attaining eternal life in the future paradise on earth that they believe in.
NBA Players Turned Jehovah Witness
A number of NBA players belong to the religious denomination of Jehovah's Witnesses. The NBA, being the premier basketball league worldwide, is renowned for its diversity, encompassing players of various nationalities, races, religions, and even sexual orientations.
Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian denomination established in the 1870s, have a significant presence in the sports world, with numerous members achieving global recognition as professional athletes. As of 2022, the denomination boasts over 100,000 congregations worldwide.
Over the course of its existence, the NBA has seen players who are affiliated with the religious denomination of Jehovah's Witnesses. In fact, one player made the decision to retire from basketball in order to prioritize his health. In this article, we will delve into the stories of three NBA players who are Jehovah's Witnesses.
Darren Collison
Darren Collison had a successful NBA career spanning from 2009 to 2019. He played for various teams, including the Indiana Pacers for four years, and the Sacramento Kings for three years, and also had stints with the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and both Los Angeles teams.
In 2019, at the age of 31, Collison made a significant decision to retire from professional basketball and shift his focus toward his faith. This choice came after a productive season with the Pacers, during which he averaged 11.2 points and 6 assists per game.
However, Collison later made a brief comeback to the NBA when he signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in December 2021. Unfortunately, his time with the team was short-lived, as he only appeared in three games before his contract expired and the Lakers decided not to extend it.
Danny Granger
Granger played 10 seasons in the NBA and was a two-time NBA All-Star. He is known for his time with the Indiana Pacers, where he was a key player for several seasons. In 2014, Granger announced that he had converted to Jehovah's Witness. While Granger no longer plays in the NBA, he continues to be involved in basketball through his work as an NBA insider and analyst for various media outlets.
Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon, standing at an impressive 7 feet, has established himself as one of the NBA's top role players. However, it's interesting to note that his basketball career might not have materialized if he had adhered to his mother's counsel. Growing up in a household influenced by Jehovah's Witnesses, Dedmon's mother discouraged him from pursuing basketball.
In 2016, he announced that he had converted to Jehovah's Witness. Dedmon has spoken publicly about how his faith has helped him navigate the challenges of his career and personal life. He has also been involved in community outreach initiatives and has used his platform as an NBA player to advocate for social justice causes.
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, and 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 organizations, 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, known for his time with the Indiana Pacers, is not only a talented basketball player but also a devoted Jehovah's Witness. He spent a remarkable eight seasons with the Pacers, showcasing his scoring abilities. Following his tenure with the Pacers, Granger went on to play for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat.
Another notable basketball player who actively competed from 2009 to 2019 is Darren Collison. During his career, he spent four years with the Indiana Pacers and an additional three years with the Sacramento Kings. In 2019, at the age of 31, Collison made the decision to retire from professional basketball and prioritize his faith. This choice came after a successful season with the Indiana Pacers, where he averaged 11.2 points and 6 assists per game. Like Granger, Collison is also a devoted Jehovah's Witness.
Dewayne Dedmon, recognized as a strong presence in the NBA, is also a committed Jehovah's Witness. He was raised in a household influenced by the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, and his mother forbade him from pursuing basketball.
A.C. Green, a former NBA player, is another dedicated member of the Jehovah's Witnesses faith. Green played a pivotal role in the league for 16 years, notably with the Lakers, Suns, and Mavericks. He was a key contributor to the Lakers' three NBA championships in the late 1980s and early 1990s, earning him recognition as an NBA legend for his remarkable skills and reliability on the court.
Ex NBA Players that are Jehovah Witness
Jehovah's Witnesses are recognized for their active evangelism. Nonetheless, they hold certain beliefs that differ from mainstream Christianity. They value personal Bible study but discourage public displays of religion, including practices like blood transfusions and celebrating birthdays. Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their strong dedication to the Bible and their emphasis on ethical principles guiding their moral conduct in everyday life. Below is a compilation of NBA players who identify as Jehovah's Witnesses.
A.C. Green
A.C. Green, a former NBA player, is a devoted member of the Jehovah's Witness faith. Throughout his 16-year career, Green played a significant role in the NBA, notably with the Lakers, Suns, and Mavericks. He played a vital part in the Lakers' success, contributing to their three NBA championship victories in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his tenacity and reliability on the court, Green earned legendary status in the NBA.
During the mid-1980s, Green embraced the global Christian movement of Jehovah's Witnesses. He has used his platform as a celebrity to share his religious beliefs and experiences. Green openly discusses how his faith has guided him in upholding his personal and professional values. He regularly speaks at religious gatherings and youth events, inspiring others to follow Christ and sharing anecdotes from his own life.
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Abdul-Rauf played a crucial role for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA for six years, capturing the hearts of fans with his impressive scoring abilities and unique shooting style. Unlike most players, he held the ball in his right hand and shot with his left, which further added to his popularity. In 1991, Abdul-Rauf underwent a significant transformation when he converted to Islam and changed his name from Chris Jackson to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. Later on, he embraced the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses and has remained actively engaged with the organization ever since.
Detlef Schrempf
Detlef Schrempf, a former NBA player, is known for his strong commitment to the Jehovah's Witness faith. Over his 16-year career in the NBA, he played for teams such as the Indiana Pacers, Seattle SuperSonics, and Portland Trail Blazers. Schrempf's versatility on the court led to him being honored as an All-Star player twice, both in the NBA and while representing the German national team.
During the mid-1990s, Schrempf made the decision to become a Jehovah's Witness, and he has actively practiced his faith ever since. Apart from his contributions to basketball in his home country of Germany, he has also served as an international ambassador for the NBA, promoting the sport on a global scale.
Michael Adams
For the majority of his 11-year NBA career, Adams played for the Denver Nuggets and the Washington Bullets. He showcased his exceptional skills on the court, particularly in the 1988-1989 season when he led the league in steals. Known for his agility and impressive long-range shooting, Adams quickly rose to stardom. In the late 1990s, he experienced a profound religious transformation and became a dedicated follower of God.
Wayman Tisdale
Following a successful 12-season career in the NBA, primarily with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns, Tisdale made the decision to retire from professional basketball. Prior to his NBA journey, he achieved notable recognition as a three-time All-American while playing college basketball for the University of Oklahoma. His scoring abilities and competitive drive set him apart on the court.
In the mid-1990s, Tisdale underwent a significant spiritual transformation and embraced the Jehovah's Witness faith. He dedicated his musical and public speaking talents to spreading the gospel and sharing his newfound beliefs. Sadly, Tisdale passed away at the age of 44 due to complications from cancer. He will be remembered not only as a gifted basketball player but also as a devoted Christian who left a lasting impact on and off the court.
Mark Jackson
Throughout his impressive 17-year NBA career, Jackson showcased his skills on teams such as the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Golden State Warriors. Known for his exceptional court vision and passing abilities, he earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the league's top playmakers, ranking third in all-time assists.
In the late 1990s, Jackson underwent a significant spiritual transformation and embraced Christianity, becoming a devoted follower. Following his retirement as a player, he made a successful transition into coaching and led the Warriors to their first NBA championship in four decades in 2015. More recently, Jackson, along with other former NBA players, made the decision to convert to Jehovah's Witnesses, further solidifying his commitment to his faith.
Reggie Theus
During his successful 13-year career in the NBA, Theus made a name for himself playing for teams like the Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks. Recognized as a two-time NBA All-Star, he impressed with his scoring abilities and versatility on the court. In the early 1990s, Theus made a life-changing decision to become a devoted Jehovah's Witness and has since remained dedicated to the organization.
Antoine Carr
Throughout his remarkable 16-year NBA career, Carr was a prominent figure, notably representing the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Utah Jazz. Renowned for his tenacity and scoring prowess, he played a crucial role in guiding the Jazz to the NBA Finals in both 1997 and 1998. In the early 1990s, Carr made a significant life choice and embraced the Jehovah's Witness faith, becoming an active and dedicated member who continues to practice his beliefs to this day.
Thurl Bailey
Thurl Bailey, a former NBA player, is known for his strong affiliation with the Jehovah's Witness faith. Over the course of his 12-year NBA career, he made valuable contributions to teams such as the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves. Bailey's versatility on the court played a significant role in the Jazz's successful NBA Finals appearances in the 1990s. In the mid-1990s, Bailey made a personal decision to embrace the beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and he has remained an active and devoted member of the faith ever since.
Jim McIlvaine
During his seven-season tenure in the NBA, Jim McIlvaine showcased his skills primarily with the Washington Bullets, Seattle SuperSonics, and New Jersey Nets. He gained recognition for his shot-blocking prowess and relentless determination on the court. McIlvaine played a vital role in the SuperSonics' journey to the NBA Finals in 1996. In the late 1990s, he embraced the Jehovah's Witness faith and has actively practiced it ever since, remaining committed to his beliefs.
NBA Players Turned Jehovah Witnesses - FAQs
Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon are three NBA players who have publicly spoken about their conversion to Jehovah's Witnesses.
Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their strict adherence to beliefs such as the rejection of blood transfusions and the prohibition of premarital and extramarital sex. They also practice door-to-door evangelism and distribute their literature.
For some players, converting to Jehovah's Witnesses has led to changes in their diet and lifestyle to align more closely with their religious beliefs. Others have even retired from basketball to focus more on their spiritual pursuits.
It's possible that there are other NBA players who have converted to Jehovah's Witnesses but have not publicly spoken about it, as religious affiliation is considered a personal matter.
Religion can provide athletes with a sense of meaning, purpose, community, and moral guidance beyond their sport. Some athletes have even become religious leaders or used their platform to promote their faith.