3 NBA players that are Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2024

Here are the known NBA players who continue to be followers of Jehovah's Witness in 2024.

3 NBA players that are Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2024

NBA Players who are Jehovah's Witnesses (Image: FS)

Jehovah’s Witnesses represent a minority group within the Christian faith who have a particular set of beliefs. According to the Pew Research Center, only 0.8% of the United States of America’s population identifies as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Notably, the NBA has had a few players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The NBA is a global league that encompasses players of diverse races, castes, and ethnicities. Many players express their faith openly and express gratitude to God in post-game interviews, trophy presentations, and social media. However, a handful of high-profile athletes have been active members of the minority group. Tennis legend Serena Williams got baptized at the Jehovah’s Witness Assembly after her retirement. Here are the known NBA players who continue to be followers of Jehovah’s Witness in 2024.

1. Danny Granger

Former NBA professional Danny Granger played as a small forward and had a successful career spanning from 2005 to 2015. Most notably, he played for the Indiana Pacers and earned an All-Star selection in 2009.

FS Video
NBA players that are Jehovah's Witnesses: Danny Granger
Danny Granger (via AP)

In an interview with the Indianapolis Star published in 2008, he claimed that his faith had enabled him to handle the demands of being a professional athlete.

I have a great feeling of serenity as a Jehovah's Witness, and that peace goes over to the basketball court. When I'm out there, I'm not thinking about all the pressure and the noise. I'm just playing the game I love.
Granger via the Indianapolis Star published in 2008

Beyond his on-court achievements, Granger gained recognition for his philanthropic efforts in Haiti and his advocacy for mental health awareness. Raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household, Granger spent his formative years attending Kingdom Halls with his family.

2. Dewayne Dedmon

Center Dewayne Dedmon had a stint with various NBA teams, including the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks. Interestingly, Dedmon’s basketball journey faced an unconventional start as he did not begin playing high school basketball until his final year. This delay was attributed to restrictions imposed by his mother, who, as a Jehovah’s Witness, opposed his involvement in athletics.

NBA players that are Jehovah's Witnesses: Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon (via SI)

Dedmon, though, was adamant about pursuing his love of basketball and working hard to improve his abilities. His impressive play in his senior year of high school prompted the USC Trojans men’s basketball team to add him to their roster.

I can honestly say that my faith has helped me overcome a lot of hardship in my life. It has helped me maintain my composure and my attitude amid trying circumstances.
Dedmon stated in an interview with Business Insider

Dedmon once shared that his religious beliefs helped him overcome the challenges at the start of his basketball career. Despite going undrafted after college, he was eventually signed by the Golden State Warriors in 2013.

3. Darren Collison

In a career spanning from 2009 to 2019, Darren Collison played in the NBA for various teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers. Throughout his tenure in the league, he maintained averages of 12.5 points and five assists per game.

Collison surprisingly announced his retirement from the NBA in 2019 at the age of 31, citing religious motivations. He emphasized that his faith held immense importance to him and expressed his desire to focus on his family and philanthropic activities in an interview with The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears.

I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith. I am one of the 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. The joy I feel is unmatched.
in an interview with The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears.
Darren Collison
Darren Collison (via Pinterest)

Like Granger and Dedmon, Collison grew up in a family that followed Jehovah’s Witness. In the same interview, he discussed the challenges of balancing his career and faith. However, he consistently felt that his religious convictions took precedence in his life.

Other than Darren Collison, a few other NBA players were Jehovah’s Witnesses at some point. FIBA Hall of Famer Detlef Schrempf, NBA legend A. C. Green, and former NBA center Sam Perkins are some of the known names from the list.

While followers of Jehovah’s Witnesses may be underrepresented in the NBA, the religious convictions of players like Granger, Dedmon, and Collison have indeed played a significant role in shaping their careers. These athletes overcame obstacles and found success in the game while staying true to their faith.

In case you missed it: