Obviously, there are some basketball players who are Jehovah Witness. Also, sports like tennis, boxing, and football have players in the JW world.
Of course, the NBA is one of the most amazing basketball leagues in the world, comprising 29 teams in the United States of America and one in Canada.
So the NBA has players from different countries, races, religions, and sexualities. That also implies to other types of sports.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are very common in Africa, because the Africans are undoubtedly religious and stand firm on God.
However, it’s interesting to see basketball players who are Jehovah Witness. Regardless, it’s great to see them in this denomination.
Who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Well, they are somehow different from the Christian world. JW are members of a religious organization, that accepts some Christian ideas.
More like the orthodox churches, they have some traditional Christian views. Nevertheless, Witnesses have their own opinions about serving God.
They believe that God is Jehovah, seeing Him as their Most High. Surprisingly, JW sees Jesus Christ as God’s agent, not His son.
There are many unique things about the Jehovah Witnesses; their way of evangelism is very captivating.
Aside from that, their ways of singing and praising God are different from the Pentecostals.
Their doctrine doesn’t allow them to celebrate Christmas; they do go to their assembly twice a week, mostly Thursdays and Sundays.
North American countries like the United States of America and Canada don’t believe in worshipping God.
Nevertheless, there are some NBA players in the JW denomination. Even though their practice is kind of unusual.
Here are the basketball players who are Jehovah WitnessÂ
1. Darren Collison – GuardÂ
The 35-year-old American literally focused on his faith after he decided to retire in 2019. That was before he joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021.
Collison was in the NBA as a guard from 2009 to 2019, spending four years with the Indiana Pacers. Three years with Sacramento Kings.
Darren extended his years in the basketball world, playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, the Dallas Mavericks, and others. However, he later focused on being a JW after 31 years.
Having joined the Los Angeles in 2021, penned 10-20 days contract with the Lakers. He made just three appearances before he left.
Darren Collison stats with Los Angeles Lakers in 2021-2022
3 games
1.3 points per game
1.3 rebounds
1.3 defensive rebounds
0.7 assists
0.3 turnovers
1.7 personal fouls
2. Danny Granger – Forward-Guard
The 39-year-old American baller was raised in a religious Jehovah’s Witness family. However, his baptism was delayed until 2017, before his final campaign in the NBA.
He played as a forward-guard for the Indiana Pacers, as well as the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat.
Granger was impressive throughout his 9 seasons with the Pacers, being one of the most prolific scorers in the squad.
Despite his goal-scoring ability, he failed to win a championship. Nevertheless, he later retired and began practicing as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Danny Granger stats in the NBA in 2014-2015
30 matches
6.3 points per game
2.7 rebounds
2.0 defensive rebounds
0.6 assists
0.8 turnovers
2.2 personal fouls
3. Dewayne Dedmon – Center
Just like Granger, the 33-year-old basketball player was also raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household.
Surprisingly, his mother didn’t want him to play basketball. He wouldn’t have been in the NBA, if he had accepted his mother’s words.
However, Dedmon is one of the best centers in the NBA. He started his career with Golden State Warriors in 2013.
He also played for the likes of Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, and Sacramento Kings. And he’s currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Meanwhile, Dewayne was skinny and faithful as a result of his family’s religion. Because of that, he wasn’t coached by any manager.
Regardless, he got into the NBA as a result of his hard work. He’s literally an epitome of hard work and dedication.
Dewayne Dedmon stats with Philadelphia 76ers in 2022-2023 so far
31 games
5.6 points per game
3.5 rebounds
2.6 defensive rebounds
0.5 assists
0.6 turnovers
2.0 personal fouls