The NBA, a realm of elite athletes, includes players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. This Christian denomination has influenced several NBA players, like Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat, and Darren Collison from the Sacramento Kings. Their careers, spanning nine seasons, intertwine basketball skills with spiritual beliefs.
These players, often from Jehovah’s Witness households, balance their faith with their professional lives. Their presence in teams like the Los Angeles Lakers adds a unique dimension to the NBA, showcasing how religious beliefs shape athletes’ lives and careers.
As Jehovah’s Witnesses, they bring a distinct perspective to the sport, contributing to the league’s diversity.
Brief History Of Jehovah’s Witnesses Faith
Jehovah’s Witnesses, dating back to the 19th century, began with Charles Taze Russell‘s Bible study group in 1879 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This Christian denomination believes in one God, with Jesus as His son and savior, and anticipates the imminent end of the world and the establishment of God’s kingdom on Earth. Their practices include door-to-door preaching, baptism, and abstaining from military service, politics, and competitive sports.
Despite their traditional views, some Jehovah’s Witnesses have engaged in professional sports, like basketball. This involvement illustrates a nuanced relationship with modern life, embracing aspects like technology while shunning nationalism and secularism.
Their stance on avoiding competitive sports and political activities has drawn criticism for being conservative. Yet, the presence of Jehovah’s Witnesses in arenas like the NBA shows their adaptability and the diverse backgrounds of athletes in professional sports.
How Many NBA Players Are Jehovah Witnesses?
The intersection of faith and professional basketball is a unique and intriguing topic. Our exploration centers on present and ex-NBA players, who practice the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith.
We delve into how these athletes balance their high-profile careers with their deeply held spiritual beliefs, revealing the stories of those who navigate this distinctive path.
Current NBA Players:
Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon, a notable Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA, has had a significant journey in professional basketball.
Despite initial restrictions due to his mother’s religious beliefs, Dedmon pursued basketball at 18.
He played for several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and Sacramento Kings.
Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 245 pounds, Dedmon’s physical presence has been impactful on the court.
As of now, he plays for the Ontario Clippers in the NBA G League. His career, marked by his faith and basketball prowess, demonstrates the unique paths of Jehovah’s Witness athletes in professional sports.
Ex-NBA Players:
Danny Granger
Danny Granger, raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household, carved a notable ten-year career in the NBA.
His achievements include being an All-Star in 2009 and winning the Most Improved Player Award the same year.
Granger’s career average of 17 points per game at a 42 percent shooting rate highlights his offensive prowess. Though retired, his influence continues through mentoring young players and his dedication to community service.
Darren Collison – Ex-Los Angeles Lakers NBA Player
Darren Collison, a notable Jehovah’s Witness, made his mark in the NBA. Drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2009, he played for teams like the Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers.
His college career at UCLA was distinguished, earning All-Pac-10 honors thrice and the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as a senior.
Collison retired from the NBA in 2019, citing his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness, but returned in 2020 to play for the Lakers and the South Bay Lakers.
Dave Meyers
Dave Meyers, an ex-NBA player and a Jehovah’s Witness, is a notable figure in basketball history. Selected as the second overall pick by the LA Lakers in the 1975 draft, Meyers spent his entire NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks.
From 1975 to 1980, he averaged 11.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on the basketball court. In a significant move, Meyers retired after the 1980 season to fully commit to his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness, demonstrating the profound impact of religious beliefs on professional athletes’ careers.
Are there Johova’s Witnesses in the NBA today?
Jehovah’s Witnesses, with nearly two million followers, stand as one of the world’s largest religious groups. Among its members are four former NBA players, showcasing the faith’s reach even in the realm of professional sports. While no current players in the league are Jehovah’s Witnesses, these ex-players represent the religion’s influence across various fields, including basketball.
Who is Jehovah in Jehovah’s Witness?
Jehovah’s Witnesses hold a distinct belief in the importance of using God’s name, favoring the form ‘Jehovah.’ This term, derived from the Tetragrammaton, is central to their faith. They view Jehovah as the sole true God, the creator of everything, and the “Universal Sovereign.” This belief underscores their religious teachings and practices, reflecting their unique perspective on spirituality and divinity.
How many Jehovah’s Witnesses are there?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their nontrinitarian, millenarian, and restorationist beliefs. As of 2022, this group has about 8.5 million members actively engaged in evangelism. Notably, their annual Memorial of Christ’s Death draws an attendance of 19.7 million people, reflecting the widespread appeal and commitment of their faith community.
