The National Basketball Association, known for its diverse roster of athletes from around the world, includes players who follow various religious beliefs and spiritual practices. Among these diverse faith traditions, a notable group of current and former NBA players identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian denomination that originated in the 1870s and now boasts over 100,000 congregations worldwide.
Current and Former NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
Based on comprehensive research, there are approximately 10-12 former NBA players who have publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses, with three being the most prominently documented: Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon. However, the exact number varies across sources, as not all players publicly discuss their religious affiliations.
Most Notable Jehovah’s Witness NBA Players
Danny Granger (2005-2015)
Danny Granger, who played nine seasons primarily with the Indiana Pacers, was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household and maintained his faith throughout his career. The forward, who earned All-Star recognition in 2009, credited his religious beliefs for helping him maintain composure during high-pressure situations. “I have a great sense of serenity as a Jehovah’s Witness, and that peace carries over to the basketball court,” Granger told the Indianapolis Star in 2008. Notably, despite his religious upbringing, Granger wasn’t baptized until 2017, two years after his retirement.
Darren Collison (2009-2019, 2021)
Perhaps the most publicized case is that of Darren Collison, who made headlines in 2019 when he retired at age 31 to focus on his faith. After a decade-long career playing for teams including the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers, Collison announced his retirement in a letter to ESPN’s The Undefeated: “While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith. I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me”. He briefly returned to the NBA in 2021, signing a 10-day contract with the Lakers before his contract expired.
Dewayne Dedmon (2013-Present)
Currently 35 years old, Dewayne Dedmon represents a unique story among Jehovah’s Witness NBA players. Born into a Jehovah’s Witness family, his mother initially forbade him from playing basketball due to their religious beliefs. Dedmon didn’t start playing organized basketball until his senior year of high school, yet still managed to reach the NBA. He has played for multiple teams throughout his career, including the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and most recently, the Philadelphia 76ers as of the 2024-25 season.
Historical Jehovah’s Witness NBA Players
The list of former NBA players who were Jehovah’s Witnesses extends beyond the contemporary era and includes several notable figures from previous decades:
A.C. Green (1985-2001) – Perhaps the most famous Jehovah’s Witness in NBA history, Green played for the Los Angeles Lakers during their championship runs and was known for his unwavering commitment to his faith, including remaining celibate until marriage.
Other Notable Former Players:
- Michael Adams(1985-1996) – Point guard who converted to the faith later in life and became active in the Jehovah’s Witness community after retirement
- Mark Jackson(1987-2004) – Former point guard and current coach who embraced the faith during his career
- Reggie Theus(1978-1991) – Former player and coach who joined the faith in the 1990s
- Detlef Schrempf(1985-2001) – German-American player who became a Jehovah’s Witness during the 1990s and has remained an active member
- Dave Meyers(1975-1980) – Former Milwaukee Bucks player who retired early to focus on his faith and family
Challenges and Balance
Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA presents unique challenges. The faith’s teachings emphasize door-to-door preaching, avoiding certain celebrations, and prioritizing spiritual activities over secular pursuits. Some players, like Dedmon, faced family opposition to their basketball careers due to religious beliefs. Others, like Collison, ultimately chose to step away from basketball to focus more fully on their faith and volunteer ministry work.
The faith’s prohibition on blood transfusions can also present medical challenges for athletes, as evidenced by former baseball player Chet Lemon, who nearly died from a blood disorder in 1991 when he refused surgery due to his religious beliefs.
Current Status and Misconceptions
It’s important to note that some sources incorrectly identify certain players as Jehovah’s Witnesses. For instance, while some sources mentioned Kyrie Irving as a Jehovah’s Witness, recent information indicates that Irving is actually a practicing Muslim who observes Ramadan. This highlights the importance of accurate reporting when discussing players’ religious affiliations.
As of 2025, Dewayne Dedmon appears to be among the few active NBA players who are confirmed Jehovah’s Witnesses, though other current players may practice the faith privately.
Impact and Legacy
These athletes demonstrate that professional basketball careers and strong religious convictions can coexist, though not without challenges. Their stories reflect the diverse spiritual landscape of the NBA and show how faith can both support and complicate the demanding life of a professional athlete. Whether staying active throughout their careers like Granger and Green, or making the difficult choice to step away like Collison, these players have shown that personal beliefs and values can ultimately take precedence over even the most lucrative and prestigious athletic careers.
The presence of Jehovah’s Witness players in the NBA serves as a testament to the league’s religious diversity and the various ways that faith intersects with professional sports in America.
