How Many NBA Players Are Now Jehovah’s Witnesses
How many NBA players are now Jehovah’s Witnesses? In the NBA, a league known for its diversity, there exists a wide range of ethnic and religious backgrounds among the players.
How many NBA players are now Jehovah’s Witnesses? In the NBA, a league known for its diversity, there exists a wide range of ethnic and religious backgrounds among the players.
While the majority of NBA players identify as Christians or atheists, there are also a few who practice Jehovah’s Witness.
This article will focus on the lives of three NBA players who are now Jehova’s Witness: Danny Granger, Dewayne Dedmon, and Darren Collison.
1. Danny Granger
Danny Granger, a talented small forward, had a successful career in the NBA from 2005 to 2015. He primarily played for the Indiana Pacers and achieved All-Star status in 2009.
Beyond his contributions on the court, Granger was well-known for his charitable work in Haiti and his advocacy for mental health awareness.
Granger was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household and spent his formative years attending Kingdom Halls with his family.
In an interview with the Indianapolis Star in 2008, he expressed how his faith provided him with a sense of serenity and peace that transcended onto the basketball court.
According to Granger, his faith helped him navigate the pressures and noise of being a professional athlete, allowing him to focus on the game he loved.
How Many Ex-NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
2. Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon, a 7-foot center, has played for several NBA teams, including the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks.
Due to religious restrictions imposed by his mother, who is a Jehovah’s Witness, Dedmon was not allowed to participate in high school basketball until his final year.
Despite these limitations, Dedmon remained steadfast in his pursuit of basketball and dedicated himself to improving his skills.
His perseverance eventually caught the attention of collegiate recruiters, earning him a spot on the USC Trojans men’s basketball team.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced at the beginning of his basketball career, Dedmon credits his religion for helping him overcome hardships.
In an interview with Business Insider, he acknowledged that his faith played a pivotal role in maintaining composure and a positive attitude during difficult circumstances. Dedmon’s religious convictions served as a source of strength throughout his journey.
3. Darren Collison
Darren Collison, a former point guard who played for teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers, had a successful tenure in the NBA from 2009 to 2019. Throughout his career, Collison averaged 12.5 points and 5 assists per game.
In 2019, Collison announced his retirement from the NBA at the age of 31, citing religious motivations as a primary factor.
In an interview with The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears, he emphasized the significance of his faith and expressed his desire to prioritize his family and philanthropic activities.
Similar to Granger and Dedmon, Collison grew up in a family of Jehovah’s Witness followers. He openly discussed the challenges of balancing his work and faith, ultimately prioritizing his religious convictions above all else.
Although Jehovah’s Witness followers are underrepresented in the NBA, the religious beliefs of players like Granger, Dedmon, and Collison have significantly influenced their careers. These individuals overcame obstacles and achieved success in a highly competitive sporting environment.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: How many NBA players practice Jehovah’s Witness?
A1: While the majority of NBA players identify as Christians or atheists, only a few players practice Jehovah’s Witness.
Q2: Which teams did Danny Granger play for during his NBA career?
A2: Danny Granger primarily played for the Indiana Pacers throughout his NBA career.
Q3: Did Dewayne Dedmon face challenges due to his religion?
A3: Yes, Dewayne Dedmon encountered challenges in pursuing his basketball career due to religious restrictions imposed by his mother, who is a Jehovah’s Witness.
Q4: When did Darren Collison retire from the NBA?
A4: Darren Collison announced his retirement from the NBA in 2019 at the age of 31.
Q5: How did religion impact the careers of these NBA players?
A5: Religion, particularly their adherence to Jehovah’s Witness, provided these players with a sense of strength, composure, and guidance in their careers, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve success.
