Meet the NBA Players Who Are Jehovah Witnesses in 2023!

By Sophie K. Last updated Aug 6, 2023

Step right up and get ready to be amazed in 2023 when we look into the lives of the NBA’s most mysterious players. These ballers aren’t just good at slam dunks and three-pointers; they’re also devoted Jehovah’s Witnesses. Yes, you heard that right. These high-flying players keep their faith strong while balancing their skills on the hardwood.

Join us as we learn about the lives of these followers on the court and see how they went from the Kingdom Hall to the highlight reel. From fast breaks to heartfelt prayers, get ready to meet the NBA’s spiritual stars! Don’t miss this interesting look into the lives of these Christians who love basketball!

How Many NBA Players Are Jehovah Witnesses?

Dewayne Dedmon (now of the Miami Heat) and his previous colleagues Danny Granger and Darren Collison (both of the Indiana Pacers) are all Jehovah’s Witnesses, according to a Google search. Schmitt appears to be referring to Granger based on the pale skin tone that is the only other identifying feature of her set.

3 NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses: Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and more https://t.co/IrOUl76fnU #NBA #Basketball

— Sports Worldwide (@Sportsworld0412) October 2, 2022

But she also says she has a cousin named Keith, and I couldn’t find any Granger or Collison relatives named Keith through a simple online search.

1. Danny Granger

Danny Granger was a great small forward who spent 12 years in the NBA (2005-2015). He spent the majority of his career with the Indiana Pacers and was named an All-Star that year. Granger was well-known not only for his judicial work but also for his philanthropic efforts in Haiti and advocacy for better mental health.

Granger grew up in a Jehovah’s Witness family, and he spent much of his childhood in the Kingdom Halls.

2. Dewayne Dedmon

Center The Miami Heat, the Sacramento Kings, and the Atlanta Hawks were just a few of the NBA clubs that Dewayne Dedmon played for during his career. Due to his mother’s restrictions based on their religious beliefs, he did not begin playing basketball until his senior year of high school. His mother, a devout Jehovah’s Witness, strongly discouraged him from engaging in sports.

But Dedmon was adamant about following his passion for basketball and developing his skills. He was recruited by the USC Trojans men’s basketball team after a stellar senior year of high school play. He was unselected in the NBA draft following college, but the Golden State Warriors signed him in 2013.

Earlier articles about the life of this NBA star have covered the following topics:

3. Darren Collison

Darren Collison is a former NBA player who spent time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers between 2009 and 2019. During his time in the league, he contributed 12.5% on offense and 5% on assists.

Collison, unexpectedly announced his retirement from the NBA, citing religious reasons. In an interview with Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, he underlined the significance of his faith and stated a desire to devote more time to his family and charitable work. He said:

“I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith. I am one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me. I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry. The joy I feel is unmatched.“

Here you can read the full statement in this given below tweet:

“While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith. I am one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me,” – now retiring Darren Collison told @TheUndefeated https://t.co/EYDLaDpadd #NBA

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) June 29, 2019

Like Granger and Dedmon, Collison was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household. He admitted in the same interview that it was hard for him to put his religious beliefs ahead of his career, but that he ultimately did so. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses are underrepresented in the NBA, the beliefs of these three players have had a significant impact on their careers. These athletes overcame adversity to achieve victory.

You can let us know in the comments if there’s another NBA star about whom you’d like to know more. You can also follow us on Twitter, where you can talk to us.