Faith plays an integral role in the lives of many NBA players.
Over the years, several basketball stars have used their platform to spread the message of Jesus Christ through their words and actions.
Here are 10 of the most prominent Christian NBA players who are leading by example and sharing their beliefs on and off the court.
1. Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has never been shy about expressing his Christian faith.
He can often be seen pointing a finger to the sky during games in a show of praise to God. Curry also frequently posts Bible verses and other inspirational messages on social media for his legions of followers.
The sharpshooting guard helped lead a team chapel service during the Warriors’ five-year run to the NBA Finals and even scribbled “I can do all things” on his shoes, referencing Philippians 4:13.
That message of leaning on God for strength has clearly resonated with Curry throughout his MVP-caliber career.
2. Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is known to be rather private about his personal life.
But he has opened up over the years about his blossoming Christian faith.
Durant now says he reads the Bible daily and leans on his spiritual beliefs to guide him through professional and personal challenges.
The 12-time All-Star has several religious tattoo tributes as well, including a portrayal of Jesus Christ on his back. And he’s spoken about wanting “to grow spiritually with the Lord and get to know Him as well as I can.”
That devotion drives Durant to be salt and light as a believer in the NBA.
3. Andre Iguodala
Longtime NBA swingman Andre Iguodala publicly praised God as an integral part of the Golden State Warriors’ success during his time there.
The 2015 Finals MVP said after clinching that championship that the team was full of devout Christians who frequently attended chapel together.
Iguodala added that “God has a purpose for you” and cited his own purpose as using his basketball talents to bring glory to his faith.
The veteran leader works to represent biblical principles well through ongoing community service initiatives too.
4. Jeremy Lin
Jeremy Lin took the basketball world by storm during his meteoric Linsanity days with the New York Knicks back in 2012.
But through all the fame and attention, the Harvard graduate remained vocal that his Christian identity is what truly defines him.
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Now as he extends his pro career internationally, the 34-year-old Lin keeps perspective by admitting he’s still just “a sinner saved by grace.”
He strives to point others to Christ as well through his play on the court and various outreach ministries off it.
5. Dwight Howard
Eight-time NBA All-Star center Dwight Howard may have switched teams plenty over his long career.
But his devoted Christian beliefs have anchored him every step of the way. Howard frequently attends chapel and is constantly lifting up prayers on and off the court.
The imposing big man is covered in religious tattoos pointing to his faith too. And he emphasizes that through all his ups and downs, “I just want to grow spiritually with the Lord and get to know Him as well as I can.”
That purpose still drives Howard daily.
6. Emmanuel Mudiay
Currently starring in the NBA G League, veteran point guard Emmanuel Mudiay has been leaning into his Christian faith since childhood.
He grew up with various hardships in the Congo but says his religious mother instilled perspective by constantly reiterating that “God’s your father.”
Mudiay still looks to God the Father as his guiding force now amidst continuing adversity. And he strives to exhibit how spiritual growth and maturity can help overcome all of life’s difficult moments that test faith.
7. Damian Lillard
Superstar point guard Damian Lillard knows he’ll have to answer to God one day for his enormous influence. That’s why he works hard to grow deeper spiritually in living for Jesus Christ with integrity and purpose.
Lillard is very intentional about surrounding himself with wise believers who will sharpen his faith instead of weakening it. And he testifies that growing closer in his relationship with God has been crucial for helping him stand strong through various professional and personal storms.
8. Jonathan Isaac
Orlando Magic rising talent Jonathan Isaac’s young career has already been sidetracked multiple times by severe knee injuries. But the stalwart power forward details in his book “Why I Stand” how prayer and reading Scripture sustained him mentally through painful rehabs.
Isaac emphasizes he felt God’s love most profoundly when he stopped striving and resting in grace instead.
Now he strives to play for an audience of one in Jesus Christ each time he finally gets back on the court healthy again.
9. A.J Griffin
As an NBA rookie with the Atlanta Hawks, wing scorer A.J. Griffin is already very vocal about his motivation being Jesus Christ.
He emphasizes “everyone needs a relationship with God” because embracing faith changed his whole perspective during tough high school injury recoveries.
Griffin further explains “I want [Christ’s redemptive work] to happen to others too” as his purpose for playing.
The young phenom is quickly becoming one of the Association’s rising faith representatives in the process.
10. Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies‘ franchise cornerstone Ja Morant taps into his Christian faith daily as he’s exploded into NBA stardom. The All-Star frequently tweets Bible verses and messages about leaning into God’s strength through all circumstances.
As he continues ascending into the sport’s highest stratosphere at just 23 years old, Morant strives to utilize his monumental platform to inspire and connect with fans.
His spiritual guidance and grounded perspective clearly fuel Morant‘s determination to grow not just as a player but also as a devoted believer.
Faith shapes far more NBA athletes than just these 10 standouts too.
Numerous pro basketball stars past and present have shared how embracing Christianity profoundly centers and strengthens them.
So expect to keep witnessing inspiring spiritual testimonies as the fruitful connection between the church and hardwood continues growing.
Sources:
sportandfaith.com/10-christian-basketball-players-who-are-talking-about-their-faith-on-the-world-stage/
bleacherreport.com/articles/465216-jesus-squad-dwayne-wade-dwight-howard-and-the-nba-all-time-christian-team
