Professional Athletes with Religious Convictions: NBA Players and Jehovah’s Witnesses

The National Basketball Association (NBA), the world’s most prestigious basketball league, is known for its remarkable diversity. Its players come from various backgrounds, boasting different races, nationalities, sexualities, and religious beliefs. Interestingly, there is a significant intersection between the NBA and a Christian denomination that originated in the 1870s: Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Religious Beliefs in the NBA

Despite being a minority religion with a congregation of around 100,000, Jehovah’s Witnesses boast a history of notable members from different walks of life, including several world-famous athletes. The professional careers of these basketball players, while shaped by their passion for basketball, have been equally influenced by their religious convictions. Some players have even chosen to retire for religious reasons. So, who are these individuals who’ve managed to create a niche for themselves in the history of the National Basketball Association?

Darren Collison: Choosing Faith over Fame

Collison was a part of the NBA from 2009 to 2019. He played with Sacramento for three years and the Indiana Pacers for four years. He also played for New Orleans and Dallas, both the teams of Los Angeles.

“While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith.”

A notable basketball player, Darren Collison, graced the NBA from 2009 to 2019. During his professional career, Collison played with several teams, including the Sacramento Kings, the Indiana Pacers, New Orleans, Dallas, and both Los Angeles teams. Despite a promising basketball career, Darren Collison made the surprising decision to retire in 2019 to focus on his faith.

After a season averaging 11.2 points and 6 assists per game with the Pacers, 31-year-old Collison prioritized his family and religious beliefs. His decision emphasizes the power of personal life choices over professional aspirations.

Danny Granger: A Late Baptism

Another Indiana Pacers player is part of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. One of the best team scorers, Danny was on the team for nine years. He also played for the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers. Sadly, he couldn’t win a championship.

Another ex-NBA player associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses is Danny Granger. Known as one of the best team scorers, Granger was a crucial part of the Indiana Pacers for nine years. His basketball career also included stints with the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers. However, a championship win eluded Granger.

Interestingly, despite growing up in a religious household, Granger was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness only in 2017, two years after his final NBA season. This marked a significant shift in his personal life, indicating a deeper commitment to his religious beliefs.

Dewayne Dedmon: A Journey of Perseverance

Dewayne Dedmon, one of the best role players in the NBA, also hails from a Jehovah’s Witnesses household. Growing up, Dedmon’s mother strictly forbade him from playing basketball. Ignoring this advice, a skinny Dedmon worked hard on his game before making it to college basketball and, subsequently, the NBA.

Dedmon’s journey to professional basketball was not easy. However, his determination and passion for basketball propelled him to defy familial expectations and carve out a successful career. His story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.

It is remarkable how these ex-NBA players balanced their passion for basketball and religious convictions. Whether Collison prioritizing his faith, Granger choosing late baptism, or Dedmon defying his family’s religious beliefs, each player has a unique story. These narratives highlight the profound impact of personal beliefs on professional careers, adding another layer to our understanding of these exceptional athletes.