The question “how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses” sparks curiosity among basketball fans and those interested in the intersection of faith and professional sports. The NBA, a global league known for its diversity, includes players from various cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Among them, a small but notable group of players have publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian denomination with distinct beliefs and practices. This article explores the number of current and former NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, their stories, and how their faith influences their lives and careers. With a focus on well-researched details, this piece aims to provide a comprehensive look at this unique aspect of the NBA.
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Understanding Jehovah’s Witnesses and Their Beliefs
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination founded in the late 19th century, known for their strict adherence to biblical teachings, door-to-door evangelism, and nontrinitarian beliefs. They emphasize living a moral life, abstaining from practices like voting, military service, and blood transfusions, and using the name “Jehovah” for God. According to the Pew Research Center, only 0.8% of the U.S. population identifies as Jehovah’s Witnesses, making it a minority faith. For NBA players, balancing the demanding schedule of professional basketball with the rigorous expectations of this faith presents unique challenges.
How Many NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
As of 2025, identifying the exact number of NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses is challenging due to limited public disclosures and the private nature of religious affiliations. However, based on available data, no active NBA players are currently confirmed as Jehovah’s Witnesses. One source from 2024 suggested that Dewayne Dedmon, a former Philadelphia 76ers center, was the only active player at the time, but he has since moved to the NBA G League with the Ontario Clippers, leaving no confirmed active players in the NBA for the 2024-25 season.
Among former NBA players, several have openly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses. The most frequently cited names include:
- Darren Collison: A point guard who played from 2009 to 2019 for teams like the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings, Collison retired at age 31 to focus on his faith and family. He briefly returned in 2021 for a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and played in the G League in 2022.
- Danny Granger: An All-Star forward with the Indiana Pacers, Granger was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household and was baptized in 2017 after retiring. His faith provided him serenity during his career.
- Dewayne Dedmon: A center who played for multiple teams, including the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, Dedmon faced resistance from his mother, a devout Jehovah’s Witness, but pursued basketball and credits his faith for resilience.
- A.C. Green: A three-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, Green is renowned for his faith-driven decision to remain celibate until marriage in 2002, a year after retiring.
- Dave Meyers: Drafted second overall by the Lakers in 1975, Meyers played four seasons and was a Jehovah’s Witness until his death in 2015.
Other former players like Michael Adams, Mark Jackson, Detlef Schrempf, and Thurl Bailey have been mentioned in various sources, but their affiliations are less consistently documented or may involve admiration for the faith rather than formal membership. For instance, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has expressed respect for Jehovah’s Witnesses but is not a member. Some sources, like one claiming over 10 players, including Allen Iverson and Derrick Rose, lack credible evidence and appear speculative.
Conservatively, at least five former NBA players are confirmed Jehovah’s Witnesses, with estimates suggesting up to a dozen retired players may be affiliated, though exact numbers are unavailable due to the faith’s private nature.
The Intersection of Faith and Basketball
For NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, faith shapes both their personal lives and professional careers. The denomination’s emphasis on ministry, community, and moral living often influences their decisions. Darren Collison’s retirement at the peak of his career exemplifies this, as he prioritized volunteer ministry work over multi-million-dollar contracts. In a letter to ESPN’s The Undefeated, he wrote, “I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me. I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry.”
Danny Granger, in a 2008 Indianapolis Star interview, noted that his faith brought “a great sense of serenity” that carried over to the court, helping him manage the pressures of professional sports. Dewayne Dedmon’s story is particularly compelling, as his mother initially opposed his basketball career due to religious beliefs, yet he persevered and credits his faith for helping him overcome hardships.
A.C. Green’s commitment to abstinence, rooted in his faith, made him a role model for balancing personal convictions with a high-profile career. His three NBA championships with the Lakers highlight that faith and success can coexist. These players demonstrate how Jehovah’s Witnesses navigate the demands of the NBA while adhering to their spiritual principles.
Challenges of Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA
The life of an NBA player involves intense travel, media scrutiny, and a focus on fame, which can conflict with the Jehovah’s Witness emphasis on humility and ministry. Players like Collison and Granger faced the challenge of maintaining spiritual routines, such as attending Kingdom Hall meetings and engaging in evangelism, amidst packed game schedules. Dedmon’s story highlights familial tensions, as his mother’s disapproval of sports created early barriers to his career.
The faith’s prohibition on certain activities, like celebrating holidays or participating in political events, can also set players apart in a league where team bonding often includes such occasions. Despite these challenges, these athletes found ways to integrate their beliefs, often using their platform to advocate for their faith and inspire others.
Why This Matters to Fans
For basketball fans, particularly those in the USA, understanding the religious diversity within the NBA adds depth to their appreciation of the game. The stories of Jehovah’s Witness players highlight the human side of athletes, showing how personal beliefs shape their journeys. These narratives resonate with fans who value authenticity and resilience, offering a glimpse into how players balance fame with faith.
FAQs About NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
- How many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2025?
how many nba players are jehovah’s witnesses As of 2025, no active NBA players are publicly confirmed as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Former players like Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon are among those known to follow the faith. - Why did Darren Collison retire from the NBA?
how many nba players are jehovah’s witnesses Darren Collison retired in 2019 at age 31 to focus on his family and Jehovah’s Witness faith, prioritizing ministry work over his basketball career. He briefly returned in 2021 but is no longer active in the NBA. - How does being a Jehovah’s Witness affect an NBA player’s career?
how many nba players are jehovah’s witnesses The faith’s demands, such as ministry work and abstaining from certain activities, can conflict with the NBA’s schedule and culture. Players like Collison and Granger balanced these by prioritizing their spiritual commitments. - Who is the most famous Jehovah’s Witness NBA player?
how many nba players are jehovah’s witnesses A.C. Green, a three-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, is arguably the most well-known due to his publicized commitment to abstinence and his faith. - Are there any current NBA players rumored to be Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Rumors about players like Trey Burke or Jonathan Isaac have surfaced, but no reliable evidence confirms their affiliation with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Conclusion
The question “how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses” reveals a small but impactful group of athletes who blend faith with professional basketball. While no active players are confirmed as Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2025, former players like Darren Collison, Danny Granger, Dewayne Dedmon, A.C. Green, and Dave Meyers have left a legacy of balancing their spiritual convictions with their careers. Their stories highlight the NBA’s diversity and the power of personal belief in shaping life choices. For more insights into the NBA’s cultural and religious landscape, explore our other articles on sports and spirituality.
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