The National Basketball Association (NBA), the world’s first professional basketball league, has produced some of the best athletes in history. However, a 19th-century religion known as Jehovah’s Witnesses has seen its following increase in recent years.
We will also consider the contribution of these players as ambassadors of their faith, both within and outside of basketball. In the late 19th century, Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian sect, were founded in the United States.
Believers of this faith place a strong emphasis on preaching and spreading their message, and their doctrine is based on the Bible. Their publications, which include The Watchtower and Awake! the publications are distributed door to door and are known for their proselytism.
History of Jahovah’s Witnesses
The origins of Jahovah’s Witnesses date back to this time. The genesis of the religion was the founding of a Bible study club in 1879 by Charles Taze Russell in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jesus was the son and savior of one God, according to Jahovah’s Witnesses.
Additionally, they believe that this world will soon end and God’s rule will exist on Earth. The religion engages in a number of customs, including door-to-door evangelism, baptism, exemption from military duty, and non-participation in political or sporting activities.
The Church’s relations with the outside world have always been tumultuous. They accept certain aspects of modern life, such as technology and science, but they reject others, such as nationalism, secularism, consumerism, sporting competition and political engagement.
For this reason, they have been criticized by those who consider them too conservative or close-minded. Despite this criticism, many Jahovah’s Witnesses still play basketball and other professional sports.
Which NBA players became Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Players linked to the Jehovah’s Witnesses religious movement have been a part of the NBA throughout its history. One athlete even decided to retire from basketball in order to prioritize his health. Three NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses will have their stories examined in this article.
Darren Collison
From 2009 to 2019, Darren Collison played in the NBA and enjoyed success. He played for a number of organizations, including the Sacramento Kings for three years and the Indiana Pacers for four years, as well as the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans and both Los Angeles franchises.
Collison made the important choice to leave the NBA in 2019 at the age of 31 and focus on his faith. He had a successful season with the Pacers last year, averaging 11.2 points and 6 assists per game.
Collison then made a brief return to the NBA, after agreeing to a 10-day deal with the Los Angeles Lakers in December 2021. Unfortunately, his time with the organization was brief; he only played three games before the Lakers chose not to renew his contract.
Danny Granger
Granger spent ten seasons in the NBA and was twice selected to the NBA All-Star team. He gained notoriety during his tenure with the Indiana Pacers where he played an important role for several seasons.
He was so good before the injuries!
HBD Danny Granger
NBA All-Star, Most Improved Player and Paul George’s mentor at Indiana.pic.twitter.com/XDPYIDSfao– Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 20, 2023
Granger announced that he had become a Jehovah’s Witness in 2014. Although Granger is no longer an NBA player, he is still involved in basketball through his work as an NBA insider and analyst for several media sites.
Dewayne Dedmon
With his incredible height of 7 feet, Dewayne Dedmon has distinguished himself as one of the tallest players in the NBA. It’s funny to think that if he had listened to his mother, his basketball career wouldn’t have taken off. He declared his conversion to Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2016.
Dedmon has spoken publicly about how his faith has allowed him to successfully overcome difficulties in his personal and professional life. Additionally, he has participated in community service projects and championed social justice causes using his position as an NBA player.
Conclusion
Although the Church has a controversial relationship with the outside world and its policies have drawn criticism in some quarters, these athletes have used their platform to defend their religion and have a lasting impact on basketball and other sports .
Athletes who practice this religion include Dewayne Dedmon, Danny Granger and Darren Collison. They have demonstrated through their efforts that it is possible to succeed in the game while respecting its moral principles.