How Many Ex NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Looking for a directory of former NBA players who also happen to be Jehovah’s Witnesses? Now we begin! A small number of Jehovah’s Witnesses currently active NBA players. The most popular basketball league in the world contains athletes from many different countries, cultures, religious backgrounds, and sexual orientations. Professional athletes from all around the world participate here.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian sect that emerged in the 1870s but claims a history stretching all the way back to the time of Jesus. In 2022, it had more than 100,000 members, many of whom were professional athletes with widespread fame.
There have been times in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) when a significant number of players were members of this religious group. One player has reportedly departed the league to focus on his health. Three NBA players who also happen to be Jehovah’s Witnesses will be the focus of this article.
Introduction
The National Basketball Association features some of the world’s best and most recognised athletes. However, a few of these ex-NBA players have taken a quite different career route. They belong to the worldwide Christian sect known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some may be surprised to learn that several former NBA players are now active members of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In this article, we’ll profile a few of these athletes and investigate what led them to become Jehovah’s Witnesses. Many former NBA players are now active in the Jehovah’s Witness organisation, including Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Steve Francis, and many others.
Ron Harper, Metta World Peace, John Salley, and Etan Thomas are among the other former players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. One possible explanation for the paucity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the active player pool is the religious group’s policy of not celebrating birthdays or attending parties. Nonetheless, many former NBA players have found consolation in the faith and have opted to become Jehovah’s Witnesses after their playing careers have ended.
Approximately How Many Former NBA Players Are Witnesses?
Roughly ten active and retired NBA players have come forward as being Jehovah’s Witnesses. Dwight Howard, Etan Thomas, Metta World Peace (previously Ron Artest), and Carl Thomas are just a few of the former players that are now coaches. Others, like Alonzo Mourning, who played in the NBA, may or may not be Jehovah’s Witnesses, but those who are are often very loud about it. They have discussed in interviews how their beliefs shape their actions both on and off the court. For instance, Dwight Howard frequently discusses how his faith keeps him grounded and in the game. Jehovah’s Witnesses are no exception to the general trend that religion plays a significant role in the lives of many NBA players. Although the precise number of Jehovah’s Witness NBA players is unknown, the religion is clearly represented in the league.
Who Are The Former NBA Players Active Jehovah’s Witnesses
Granger Danny
Another NBA player who also happens to be a Jehovah’s Witness is Danny Granger. He was a member of the Indiana Pacers and played basketball for them. For the entirety of his nine seasons with the Pacers, Granger was a top scorer for the team. The forward then played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat when his time with Indiana ended. Unforeseen difficulties prevented him from becoming a champion. Although Granger grew up in quite a religious family of Jehovah’s Witnesses. To be mentioned here, he didn’t get baptised until 2017—till two years after his NBA playing days were done.
Collison Darren
Darren Collison played for an NBA team from 2009 until this year. He spent three years with the Indiana Pacers and four with the Sacramento Kings. The point guard had played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks before. The guard retired in 2019 to devote more time to his faith. At age 31, he made this choice after a season with the Pacers in which he averaged 11.2 points and 6.0 assists. He had just finished a season in which he dominated all statistical categories for the Pacers. Shortly after, Collison announced his retirement, saying, “While I still love basketball, I realise there is something more important, and that is my family and my faith”. The point guard made his NBA comeback in December 2021, signing a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Even though he only appeared in three games with the Lakers, they waived him when his contract expired.
Toby Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon is, among bench players in the NBA, one of the best. But the 7-foot centre probably wouldn’t be in the NBA if he’d listened to his mother and done what she recommended. When Dedmon was a kid, his mother prevented him from playing any sports, including basketball, because they were Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was always skinny because his religious family forbade him from ever receiving coaching. Despite this, he worked hard and was signed by an NBA team. Dedmon has not yet won a championship in his professional career, despite the fact that he is nearing the end of it. His story exemplifies the transformative power of grit and drive in the face of adversity.
