The world of professional basketball has seen several players who, after or during their careers, have publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses. While the exact number is debated, at least a dozen former NBA players are known to have embraced this faith, with some making significant life decisions based on their beliefs.
Notable Ex-NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
- Darren Collison: Collison, a former point guard for teams like the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers, retired in 2019 at the age of 31. He cited his faith as the primary reason for stepping away from the NBA, stating that his commitment to Jehovah’s Witnesses and his desire to help others through ministry brought him more joy than basketball ever did.
- Danny Granger: Granger, a former All-Star with the Indiana Pacers, was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household. He was baptized in 2017, two years after retiring from the NBA. Granger has spoken about how his faith provided him with peace and helped him manage the pressures of professional sports.
- Dewayne Dedmon: Dedmon, who played for the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, began playing basketball later in life due to his mother’s Jehovah’s Witness beliefs. His late start in the sport is directly tied to his religious upbringing.
- A.C. Green: Green, known for his longevity and durability with the Los Angeles Lakers, has been a Jehovah’s Witness since the 1980s. He has been a regular speaker at religious gatherings and youth events, often sharing his experiences as a professional athlete and a Witness.
- Detlef Schrempf: Schrempf, a FIBA Hall of Famer, adopted the Jehovah’s Witness faith during the 1990s and has been an active preacher ever since.
- Reggie Theus: Theus, a former NBA player and coach, is known for blending his basketball career with his religious beliefs. He has spoken about his journey as a Jehovah’s Witness and how it has shaped his life beyond basketball.
- Michael Adams: Adams, who played for the Denver Nuggets and Washington Bullets, became a devoted follower of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the late 1990s. After retiring, he dedicated his life to his family and his faith.
- Dave Meyers: Meyers, a former UCLA and NBA player, quit his career early to commit to his family and his faith. He is known for his commitment to Jehovah’s Witnesses and his decision to prioritize his beliefs over basketball.
- Greg Ostertag: Ostertag, who played for the Utah Jazz, became a Jehovah’s Witness during his NBA career. He has spoken about how his faith influenced his decisions both on and off the court.
Reasons for Their Faith
Many of these players have cited their faith as a source of peace, purpose, and fulfillment. For some, like Darren Collison, the decision to retire was directly influenced by their desire to focus on ministry and family. Others, such as Danny Granger and A.C. Green, have spoken about how their faith helped them manage the pressures of professional sports and provided a sense of stability and serenity.
Conclusion
While the exact number of ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses may vary, the impact of their faith on their lives and careers is undeniable. These players have shown that professional success and deep religious commitment can coexist, inspiring others to pursue their beliefs with courage and conviction.