It has been more than 75 years since the establishment of NBA as a professional basketball league. And over these many years, several players of diverse ethnicities, nationalities, religions, and even sexualities have graced the league’s hardwoods
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination which first emerged in the early 1870s. Over the years, the denomination reportedly has over 100,000 congregations, with several famous personalities and athletes conforming to the same. In the NBA, several former players from this denomination have played and found significant glory in their career. Here are three such NBA players who conform as Jehovah’s Witnesses
Darren Collison
Darren Collison was a professional NBA player from 2009 to 2019. He played four seasons as a point guard for the Indiana Pacers and later, three seasons with the Sacramento Kings. Collison has also had brief stints with the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and both Clippers and Lakers as well.
In 2019, Collison took an important decision to retire from the game and focus on faith and religion. At the age of 31, Collison made this announcement during the off-season, after averaging 11.2 points and six assists with the Pacers.
However, the point guard also made an eventual return to the NBA with a 10-day contract from the LA Lakers in December 2021. From this contract, Collison appeared in three games, following which the Lakers released him after the successful expiry of his contract.
Danny Granger
Danny Granger is another Indiana Pacer player who also belongs to the Jehovah’s Witnesses denomination. He has spent nine seasons playing at Indiana and has been one of the best scorers for the franchise. The forward has also played stints in Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat as well. However, the only thing he lacks in his resume is a successful NBA championship.
Granger was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness by a religious household. However, it was only in 2017 that the Pacers star was baptized.
Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon is considered as one of the most ideal role players in basketball. Though raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, we would never had seen Dedmon’s incredible performances had he listened to his mother’s advice. Dewayne’s mother forbade him from playing basketball. However, despite all odds and without formal coaching, Dedmon worked his way up to eventually be in the NBA.
Though Dewayne’s NBA resume lacks a championship trophy, it’s never too late to erase any chances. As the 7-footed star role player is entering the final seasons of his career, he has always been an inspiration for several athletes who are looking to make their way to the top of their respective sports and fields.
