If Brittany Schmitt’s video has sparked your curiosity, leading you to Google ‘how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses,’ then you’ve arrived at the perfect page.
Here, we not only address that intriguing question but also delve into the stories and implications behind it. From Brittany Schmitt’s comedic revelations to the personal journeys of former NBA stars, this article provides all the insights and answers you’re seeking.
Short Summary
- This article explores the stories of three former NBA players, Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon, focusing on how they shifted from their basketball careers to deeply follow the Jehovah’s Witness faith.
- It highlights how important their faith has been in giving them direction, strength, and a sense of belonging. This shows the way their beliefs have shaped their lives and careers.
- By looking at their experiences, we see the wider role of spirituality in sports. It shows us how faith can be a source of power and motivation, helping athletes deal with the challenges of professional basketball.
How Many Ex-NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witness? A List Of Ex-NBA Players (2024)
Three ex-NBA players have been recognized for their commitment to the Jehovah’s Witness faith: Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon. We will explore each of their stories in more detail below.
1. Darren Collison
Darren Collison, a talented point guard, surprised many when he announced his retirement from the NBA in 2019 after nine seasons. Citing his desire to focus on his faith, Collison walked away from a successful basketball career to dedicate his life to the Jehovah’s Witness community.
However, the pull of basketball proved too strong for Collison, who made a comeback in 2021 after two years away from the game. His return to the NBA, this time with one of the Los Angeles teams, the Los Angeles Lakers, showcased his ability to balance his passion for basketball with his spiritual commitments, proving that he truly does love basketball.
2. Danny Granger
Raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household, former NBA player Danny Granger grew up with a strong foundation in his faith. Granger lent his talents to the Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat during his nine-season NBA career, while remaining true to his religious beliefs.
Danny Granger, the former NBA All-Star, found himself back in the spotlight due to a surge in interest sparked by comedian Brittany Schmitt’s viral “Ex in the NBA” sketch, despite having retired from professional basketball more than seven years ago.
In her routine, Schmitt humorously recounted a call from a former NBA player she once dated, who informed her of his new faith as a Jehovah’s Witness and suggested she should repent, leading her to laugh and suggest her audience look up former NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, describing her ex as “the light-skinned one.”
While Schmitt never explicitly mentioned Granger, NBA fans quickly began speculating about his involvement. This speculation gained further traction considering Granger’s own public journey with faith, as he chose to be baptized in 2017, two years after his last NBA season, openly embracing his new religious path.
3. Dewayne Dedmon
As a Jehovah’s Witness pursuing a career in basketball, Dewayne Dedmon faced numerous challenges. Despite religious obstacles and a slender physique, Dedmon persevered and eventually earned a roster spot in the NBA, playing for multiple teams throughout his career.
Dedmon’s mother initially struggled with her son’s athletic pursuits due to their family’s religious convictions. However, she ultimately came to accept his passion for basketball and even attended some of his games. Dedmon’s journey demonstrates the power of determination in overcoming adversity.
Related reading: NBA Team Rosters: How Many Players on an NBA Team?
What is Jehovah’s Witness (JW)?
Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW) is a Christian denomination with unique beliefs:
- Bible-Centric: They strictly follow their interpretation of the Bible and reject the Trinity doctrine, viewing God (Jehovah) as singular, Jesus as His son, and the Holy Spirit as God’s force.
- Evangelism: Known for door-to-door preaching and distributing their literature.
- End Times Belief: They believe in Armageddon and a paradise on Earth for faithful followers.
- Secular Neutrality: They abstain from political activities and military service.
- Health Restrictions: They refuse blood transfusions based on biblical interpretations.
- No Holidays or Birthdays: They don’t celebrate these, focusing instead on Jesus Christ’s death.
- Organization: Led by a Governing Body, with local congregations managed by elders.
Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize living according to their biblical interpretations, maintaining distance from secular society’s values.
The Role of Faith in Professional Basketball
The world of professional basketball, including the National Basketball Association, can be a demanding and challenging environment, with players facing immense pressure and adversity both on and off the court.
For many athletes, their faith serves as a source of strength and support, helping them navigate the highs and lows of their careers. The stories of ex NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses illustrate the powerful role that faith can play in helping athletes cope with the challenges they encounter throughout their careers.
Faith can provide a sense of purpose and meaning beyond the game, acting as a buffer against stress and offering comfort, support, and inner strength during challenging times. For many players, their religious beliefs not only guide their personal lives, but also impact their approach to the game, fostering discipline, determination, and a sense of camaraderie with their teammates.
By relying on their faith to help them overcome adversity, these athletes are able to maintain focus and drive even in the face of trying circumstances. In doing so, they demonstrate that faith and sport can coexist harmoniously, with each serving to strengthen and inspire the other.
Coping with Pressure and Adversity
Faith can be a powerful tool for athletes facing pressure and adversity in professional basketball. By providing a sense of purpose beyond the game, faith can help athletes maintain focus and drive, even when faced with difficult circumstances. Moreover, faith can offer solace and support during trying times, helping athletes find inner strength and resilience.
The stories of ex NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses provide compelling examples of the ways in which faith can help athletes cope with the challenges they face. From Darren Collison’s decision to retire and then return to the NBA to the perseverance shown by Dewayne Dedmon in overcoming religious obstacles, these athletes demonstrate the power of faith in helping them navigate the complexities of professional basketball.
Building a Supportive Community
Faith can also play a crucial role in building a supportive community within professional basketball. By fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among athletes, faith can facilitate greater collaboration and ultimately lead to enhanced outcomes on the court.
For players like Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon, their faith not only helps them cope with the challenges they face individually, but also contributes to a more positive and supportive environment within their teams.
By maintaining a strong connection to their faith, these athletes are able to cultivate a sense of belonging that transcends the boundaries of the basketball court, promoting better relationships and a more positive atmosphere for all involved.
Other Notable NBA Players with Strong Religious Beliefs
The ex NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses are not the only athletes in the league with strong religious convictions. Many other notable NBA players, such as Kobe Bryant and Jeremy Lin, have also made their faith an integral part of their lives, showcasing the importance of spirituality in the world of professional sports.
Kobe Bryant’s Catholic Faith
The late Kobe Bryant, one of the most iconic figures in the history of basketball, was a devout Catholic. Raised in a Catholic household and attending Catholic school, Bryant was instilled with the significance of faith and prayer from an early age.
Throughout his life, Bryant was a staunch advocate of the power of faith and prayer, frequently discussing the importance of spirituality in his life and how it helped him during difficult times. His unwavering faith serves as a testament to the impact that religion can have on an individual’s life, both on and off the court.
Jeremy Lin’s Christian Devotion
Jeremy Lin, another prominent NBA player, is known for his unwavering devotion to Christianity. Active in his church and a frequent reader of the Bible, Lin’s faith plays a significant role in his life and basketball career.
Lin’s devotion to his faith has not only guided his personal life, but has also influenced his approach to the game, instilling in him a sense of purpose and direction that transcends the basketball court. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that faith can have on the lives of professional athletes.
Summary
The stories of ex NBA players who have embraced the Jehovah’s Witness faith, as well as those like Kobe Bryant and Jeremy Lin with strong religious beliefs, demonstrate the profound impact that faith can have on the lives and careers of professional athletes.
Through their dedication to their beliefs, these players have shown that faith can provide a sense of purpose, strength, and support in the face of adversity, helping them navigate the demanding world of professional basketball.
As we reflect on the inspiring journeys of these athletes, we are reminded of the power of faith in shaping our lives and guiding our decisions. Whether on the basketball court or in the wider world, faith can be a source of strength, hope, and inspiration for all who embrace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ex NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses and have a cousin Keith?
It is believed that only three former NBA players, Danny Granger, Dewayne Dedmon and Darren Collison, are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
There are three ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses: Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon.
What is the significance of ex-NBA players being Jehovah’s Witnesses?
It shows the diversity of religious beliefs within the NBA community and highlights the individual choices of players in matters of faith.
How many of the former players achieved All-Star status during their NBA careers?
Danny Granger is the only former NBA player among the Jehovah’s Witnesses who achieved All-Star status during his career.
When did Darren Collison decide to retire from the NBA?
Darren Collison decided to retire from the NBA in 2019.
Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a Christian denomination?
Yes, Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination with their own distinct beliefs and practices.
Which teams did these ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses play for?
Danny Granger played for the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers, Darren Collison played for the New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings, and Dewayne Dedmon played for the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, and Sacramento Kings.
How did the journey in the NBA differ for these ex-players as Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Their faith as Jehovah’s Witnesses likely influenced their personal and professional decisions while in the NBA and may have presented unique challenges and opportunities for them.
What is the estimated number of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide in 2024?
As of the latest available data, there are 8,816,562 Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.
What makes the inclusion of ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses significant in NBA history?
It highlights the diversity of religious beliefs and backgrounds among players in the NBA and adds to the richness of the league’s history and the individuality of its players.