How many Ex-NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

What is an NBA Player?

An NBA player is a professional basketball player who competes in the National Basketball Association (NBA), which is the top men’s basketball league in the world, based in the United States and Canada.

Key Facts about NBA Players:

1. Talent and Skill:

   • NBA players are among the most talented and skilled athletes in the world.
   • They are known for their athleticism, speed, strength, and basketball IQ.

2. Global Background:

   • Players come from all over the world, not just the U.S.
   • The NBA has stars from countries like France, Canada, Serbia, Nigeria, Australia, and more.

3. Famous NBA Players:

   • Past Legends: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Shaquille O’Neal.
   • Current Stars (as of 2025): LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić.

4. Lifestyle and Influence:

   • NBA players often become celebrities and influence fashion, music, and culture.
   • Many have business ventures, endorsements, and large social media followings.

5. Salary and Contracts:

   • NBA players can earn millions of dollars per year.
   • Top players sign multi-year contracts worth hundreds of millions in salary and endorsements.

6. Team System:

   • Each NBA team can have a roster of up to 15 players during the regular season.
   • Players are drafted, traded, or signed as free agents.

7. Training and Dedication:

   • NBA players train year-round and follow strict fitness and nutrition routines.
   • Most players start in high school and college basketball before going pro.

Key aspects of Jehovah’s Witnesses

1. Belief in Jehovah

• Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jehovah is the one true God, the Creator.
• They reject the concept of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit as one God).

2. Jesus Christ

• Jesus is seen as God’s son, not God Himself.
• They believe Jesus died as a ransom sacrifice for humankind’s sins and was resurrected as a spiritual being.

3. The Bible

• The Bible is considered the inspired Word of God and their primary guide for life.
• They use their own translation, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

4. Preaching Work

• Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for door-to-door evangelism.
• They believe they have a duty to spread the “good news” of God’s Kingdom.

5. The Kingdom of God

• They believe that God’s Kingdom is a real government in heaven, ruled by Jesus since 1914.
• The goal is to see this Kingdom bring peace to Earth after the destruction of current world systems at Armageddon.

6. Separation from the World

• They avoid political involvement, military service, and saluting national flags.
• Holidays, birthdays, and national celebrations are typically not observed because of their pagan origins or conflict with Biblical principles.

7. Moral and Ethical Conduct

• Strict standards include avoiding premarital sex, homosexuality, smoking, drunkenness, and gambling.
• Discipline within the congregation can include disfellowshipping (excommunication) for unrepentant sin.

8. Neutrality

• They remain politically neutral and do not vote or run for office.
• They do not participate in warfare, citing Jesus’ example of peace.

9. Meetings and Worship

• Meetings are held at Kingdom Halls, and include Bible discussions and public talks.
• Members are encouraged to study the Bible regularly and attend meetings weekly.

10. No Blood Transfusions

• Based on biblical commands to “abstain from blood,” they refuse blood transfusions, even in life-threatening situations.

Determining the exact number of ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses is challenging, as many athletes maintain privacy regarding their religious affiliations. However, several former NBA players have publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses, either during or after their careers. While the list is not exhaustive, here are some notable examples:

1. Darren Collison – A former point guard who played for multiple NBA teams, Collison retired in 2019 at age 31 to focus on his faith and family. He has publicly stated, “I am one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me”.
2. Danny Granger – Granger, known for his time with the Indiana Pacers, was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household. He was baptized in 2017, post-retirement, to fully embrace his faith.
3. Detlef Schrempf – The German-American NBA veteran, who played for teams like the Seattle SuperSonics and Indiana Pacers, converted to Jehovah’s Witnesses in the 1990s and has since been an advocate for the faith.
4. C. Green – A three-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, Green was known for his commitment to celibacy, which he attributed to his Jehovah’s Witness beliefs. He maintained this vow until his marriage in 2002.
5. Dave Meyers – Drafted second overall by the LA Lakers in 1975, Meyers played for the Milwaukee Bucks. He retired in 1980 to dedicate himself to his spiritual life.
6. Mark Jackson – After his playing career, Jackson became a Jehovah’s Witness, even though he had previously converted to Christianity.
7. Michael Adams – A former NBA player, Adams converted to Jehovah’s Witnesses in the late 1990s and has since focused on his faith and family.
8. Reggie Theus – Both a former NBA player and coach, Theus embraced Jehovah’s Witnesses in the 1990s, integrating his spiritual beliefs with his basketball career.
9. Sam Perkins – Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, Perkins maintained his faith throughout his NBA career, even choosing to stand apart from teammates during the national anthem due to his beliefs.

While these examples highlight some ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, the total number is likely higher, as many athletes prefer to keep their religious affiliations private.

Here are some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, written in English:

FAQs: How Many NBA Players Are Jehovah Witnesses?

Q1: How many former NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

A: While there is no official count, at least 8 to 10 former NBA players have publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses. This number may be higher, as some players keep their religious beliefs private.

Q2: Who are some well-known ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

A: Some notable examples include:

• Darren Collison
• Danny Granger
• A.C. Green
• Dave Meyers
• Mark Jackson
• Michael Adams
• Reggie Theus
• Sam Perkins

Q3: Did any NBA players retire early because of their faith?

A: Yes. Darren Collison retired in 2019 at age 31 specifically to focus on his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. Dave Meyers also retired early for spiritual reasons.

Q4: Are Jehovah’s Witnesses allowed to play professional sports like basketball?

A: Yes. Jehovah’s Witnesses can play professional sports, but they are expected to follow the religion’s teachings, which may affect their participation in certain activities (like standing for national anthems or holiday celebrations).

Q5: Are any current NBA players Jehovah’s Witnesses?

A: As of now, there are no confirmed active NBA players who have publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, this could change or be kept private.

Q6: Do Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA avoid certain traditions?

A: Yes. They may avoid:

• Standing for the national anthem
• Celebrating birthdays or holidays
• Military-related promotions
• Certain team activities that conflict with their beliefs

Would you like more information on one of these players or Jehovah’s Witness beliefs in sports?

Final Verdict:

How Many Ex-NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses? There are at least 8 to 10 former NBA players who are either confirmed or widely believed to be Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some of the most well-known include Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and A.C. Green. These athletes have openly spoken about their faith or made career decisions influenced by their religious beliefs.

While the exact number is uncertain—due to privacy and personal choice—it’s clear that Jehovah’s Witnesses have had a quiet but meaningful presence in professional basketball. Their commitment to their faith has often shaped both their personal and professional lives.