How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? Based on verified sources and documented evidence, at least 8-10 former NBA players have confirmed connections to the Jehovah’s Witness faith. This small but notable group includes All-Stars, role players, and even players who retired early specifically to focus on their religious beliefs.
Quick Answer: The most well-documented ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses include Danny Granger, Darren Collison, Dewayne Dedmon, A.C. Green, Dave Meyers, Michael Adams, Mark Jackson, and Detlef Schrempf. Some sources suggest up to 11 players total when including unverified cases.
Understanding Jehovah’s Witnesses in Professional Sports
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination with distinctive beliefs and practices that set them apart from mainstream Christianity.
The religion originated in the United States during the late 19th century and is known for its strong emphasis on evangelism, Bible study, and adherence to specific doctrines.
Key Beliefs That Impact NBA Careers:
- Door-to-door evangelism and ministry work
- No political involvement or nationalism
- Strict moral code and family-centered lifestyle
- Refusal of blood transfusions for medical reasons
- No celebration of holidays or birthdays
- Focus on spiritual priorities over worldly success
These beliefs can create unique challenges for professional athletes, explaining why as of 2025, no active NBA players are publicly confirmed as Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Complete List: Ex-NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
1. Darren Collison (2009-2019)
Teams: Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, LA Clippers, LA Lakers
Collison surprisingly announced his retirement from the NBA in 2019 at the age of 31, citing religious motivations. He emphasized that his faith held immense importance to him and expressed his desire to focus on his family and philanthropic activities.
Career Highlights:
- 10-year NBA career
- Averaged 12.5 points and 5.0 assists per game
- Retirement Quote: “While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important; which is my family and my faith. I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me”
2019 Impact: Collison’s early retirement shocked the basketball world, as he walked away from millions of dollars to pursue ministry work and community service.
2. Danny Granger (2005-2015)
Teams: Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat
Former NBA professional Danny Granger played as a small forward and had a successful career spanning from 2005 to 2015. Most notably, he played for the Indiana Pacers and earned an All-Star selection in 2009.
Career Highlights:
- NBA All-Star (2009)
- Most Improved Player candidate
- 9 seasons with Indiana Pacers
- Faith Journey: Being raised in a Christian family, Danny from the NBA has strong spiritual beliefs. He was publicly baptized after retiring from the game in 2017
Granger’s Testimony: “I have a great feeling of serenity as a Jehovah’s Witness, and that peace goes over to the basketball court. When I’m out there, I’m not thinking about all the pressure and the noise”.
3. Dewayne Dedmon (2013-2023)
Teams: Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers
Center Dewayne Dedmon had a stint with various NBA teams, including the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks. Interestingly, Dedmon’s basketball journey faced an unconventional start as he did not begin playing high school basketball until his final year.
Unique Story: Dedmon was raised in a household by Jehovah’s Witnesses and his mother forbade him from playing basketball. As a teenager, he was skinny and due to his family’s religion, he wasn’t coached.
Faith Impact: “I can honestly say that my faith has helped me overcome a lot of hardships in my life. It has helped me maintain my composure and my attitude in the midst of difficult circumstances”.
4. A.C. Green (1985-2001)
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat
A.C. Green represents the most public example of an active NBA player practicing as a Jehovah’s Witness. Throughout his 16-year career, he maintained his faith commitments while achieving significant success.
Career Highlights:
- 3× NBA Champion with Lakers
- NBA Iron Man record (1,192 consecutive games)
- Faith Commitment: A.C. stayed celibate until 2002, something that he openly associated with his spiritual beliefs
5. Dave Meyers (1975-1980)
Teams: Milwaukee Bucks
In 1980, Dave Meyers became one of the first high-profile players to retire early for religious reasons. Despite being drafted #2 overall in 1975, he left the NBA at age 26 to focus on his faith commitments.
Career Stats:
- 5 NBA seasons
- Averaged 11.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists
- Historic Decision: First prominent NBA player to retire early for religious reasons
6. Michael Adams (1985-1996)
Teams: Sacramento Kings, Washington Bullets, Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Hornets
Michael Adams was an active NBA player from 1995 to 1996. He is well known for his time at the Denver Nuggets and the Washington Bullets. He joined the religion in the late 90s and became a devoted follower of Jehovah.
7. Mark Jackson (1987-2004)
Teams: New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets
- NBA career spanning 17 seasons
- Later became NBA coach and broadcaster
- Faith Journey: Converted to Jehovah’s Witnesses during his playing career
8. Detlef Schrempf (1985-2001)
Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Seattle SuperSonics, Portland Trail Blazers
Detlef Schrempf is a Jehovah’s Witness ex-NBA player who is of light skin. He is of German American heritage and a committed Jehovah’s Witness fraternity member. Detlef had a successful basketball career between the 1980s and 1990s.
Achievements:
- 3× NBA All-Star
- 2× NBA Sixth Man Award winner
- Faith Timeline: Intriguingly, Schrempf adopted the Jehovah’s Witness faith during the 1990s and has been an active preacher ever since
Additional Ex-NBA Players (Unverified/Possible Cases)
Few NBA stars in the current generation have confessed to being followers of the denomination. The majority of the faithful are former players. Some sources mention additional players, though verification is limited:
Other Mentioned Names:
- Maurice Evans – Multiple NBA teams (1997-2012)
- Greg Ostertag – Utah Jazz center (1995-2006)
- Thurl Bailey – Utah Jazz forward (1983-1999)
- Jim McIlvaine – Various teams (1994-2001)
- Eddie Griffin – Multiple teams (2001-2007)
- Reggie Theus – Player and coach (1978-1991)
Note: Faith can be a private matter, so pinning down an exact count of ex-NBA players who are now Jehovah’s Witnesses is tough. Some NBA players who became Jehovah’s Witnesses share their beliefs openly, while others keep it close to the chest.
Why Ex-NBA Players Choose Jehovah’s Witness Faith
Common Themes in Player Stories:
1. Family and Upbringing
Many players were raised in Jehovah’s Witness households:
- Danny Granger: Raised in the faith, baptized after retirement
- Dewayne Dedmon: Mother’s religious beliefs initially prevented him from playing
- Darren Collison: Family background in the faith
2. Peace and Mental Clarity
Players often credit their faith with providing peace during high-pressure situations: “I have a great feeling of serenity as a Jehovah’s Witness, and that peace goes over to the basketball court” – Danny Granger.
3. Life Purpose Beyond Basketball
Darren Collison expressed: “I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry. The joy I feel is unmatched”.
4. Moral Guidelines and Discipline
The faith’s strict moral code appeals to athletes seeking structure and meaning beyond professional success.
Challenges of Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA
Scheduling Conflicts
- Ministry work requires significant time commitment
- Door-to-door evangelism conflicts with training schedules
- Religious meetings held multiple times per week
Lifestyle Restrictions
- No holiday celebrations (Christmas, birthdays)
- Limited social activities outside faith community
- Travel restrictions for non-essential games
Medical Concerns
- Blood transfusion refusal creates risks in contact sports
- Alternative medical treatments may be required
Cultural Pressures
- Team chemistry challenges when avoiding certain social events
- Media attention on religious practices
- Fan expectations vs. religious commitments
Impact on NBA Careers and Retirement Decisions
Early Retirement Cases
- Darren Collison (2019)
- Retired at age 31 in his prime
- Chose family and faith over $12+ million contract offers
- Briefly returned in 2021 but prioritized ministry work
- Dave Meyers (1980)
- Retired at age 26 after 5 seasons
- First high-profile case of faith-motivated retirement
- Set precedent for later players
Career Management Strategies
Successful Jehovah’s Witness NBA players typically:
- Maintain low public profile regarding faith during playing days
- Focus on basketball excellence while privately observing religious practices
- Use platform responsibly to represent faith positively
- Plan post-career ministry work and community involvement
Current Status: No Active NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
As of 2025, no active NBA players are publicly confirmed as Jehovah’s Witnesses. While rumors occasionally surface about players like Trey Burke or Jonathan Isaac, no reliable reports confirm their affiliation with the faith.
Why So Few Active Players?
- Time commitment conflicts with professional basketball demands
- Travel restrictions for ministry work
- Social expectations within NBA culture
- Medical policy concerns regarding blood transfusions
- Holiday game participation conflicts with religious calendar
Jehovah’s Witness NBA Players vs. Other Christian Athletes
Comparison with Mainstream Christian Players
| Aspect | JW Players | Mainstream Christian Players |
| Public Expression | Generally private | Often very public |
| Holiday Games | May have conflicts | No restrictions |
| Ministry Work | Required commitment | Optional involvement |
| Medical Treatment | Blood transfusion restrictions | No restrictions |
| Social Events | Limited participation | Full participation |
| Career Length | Often shorter | Typical career spans |
Notable Christian NBA Players (Non-JW)
- Stephen Curry (Presbyterian)
- Kevin Durant<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> (Baptist)
- Kyrie Irving<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> (Various spiritual beliefs)
- Tim Duncan (Baptist)
- David Robinson (Navy officer, Christian)
Statistical Analysis: Ex-NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
By Position
- Guards: 4 players (Collison, Adams, Jackson, Theus)
- Forwards: 3 players (Granger, Green, Schrempf)
- Centers: 2 players (Dedmon, Ostertag)
By Era
- 1970s-1980s: 3 players (Meyers, Green, Adams)
- 1990s-2000s: 4 players (Jackson, Schrempf, Granger, Evans)
- 2010s-Present: 3 players (Collison, Dedmon, Bailey)
Career Success Levels
- All-Stars: 3 players (Green, Granger, Schrempf)
- Champions: 1 player (Green – 3× with Lakers)
- Role Players: 5+ players (various contributions)
Community Impact and Post-Career Activities
Ministry and Evangelism Work
Retired Jehovah’s Witness NBA players actively engage in philanthropy, community service, and prioritize family life and spiritual growth, using their platform to contribute positively to society.
Current Activities:
- Darren Collison: Full-time ministry work, community outreach
- Danny Granger: Youth mentorship, religious education
- A.C. Green: Speaking engagements, faith-based programs
- Detlef Schrempf: International preaching, basketball camps
Family Life and Values
Many ex-NBA Jehovah’s Witness players emphasize:
- Strong family relationships as priority over fame
- Teaching children religious values and discipline
- Community service within their local congregations
- Simple living despite financial success from NBA careers
FAQs
Q1: How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses exactly?
Based on verified sources with documentation standards, at least 5 former NBA players have confirmed connections. However, various sports media reports suggest the total number could be higher, with estimates ranging up to 8-11 players when including unverified claims.
Q2: Which ex-NBA Jehovah’s Witness is most famous?
A.C. Green is likely the most well-known due to his three NBA championships with the Lakers, his “Iron Man” consecutive games streak, and his open discussion of faith during his playing career.
Q3: Did any NBA players retire early because of their Jehovah’s Witness faith?
Yes. Darren Collison shocked the basketball world in 2019, retiring at just 31 to focus on his faith and family. Dave Meyers also retired early in 1980 for religious reasons.
Q4: Are there any current NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
As of August 6, 2025, no confirmed current NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Most known cases, like Collison or Dedmon, are ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Q5: What makes it difficult for Jehovah’s Witnesses to play in the NBA?
The faith requires significant time for ministry work, door-to-door evangelism, and religious meetings. Additionally, medical restrictions (no blood transfusions) and lifestyle requirements can conflict with professional basketball demands.
Q6: Do Jehovah’s Witness ex-NBA players still follow the religion?
Most documented cases show continued faith commitment post-retirement. From dropping buckets for the Pacers, Clippers, and Heat to embracing his faith, Granger’s story is one of rediscovering his roots as an ex-NBA player turned Jehovah’s Witness.
Q7: How does their faith influence their post-NBA careers?
Many focus on full-time ministry work, community service, and family life. They often use their platform and financial resources to support religious activities and help others in their communities.
Q8: Were any of these players All-Stars?
Yes, several achieved All-Star status: A.C. Green (NBA Champion), Danny Granger (2009 All-Star), and Detlef Schrempf (3× All-Star, 2× Sixth Man Award).
Conclusion: The Intersection of Faith and Professional Basketball
The question “how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses” reveals a fascinating intersection between professional sports and deeply held religious beliefs. Within the realm of professional basketball, only a handful have openly declared their faith as Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Among these are former NBA players: Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon, each with unique journeys that exemplify the intersection of sports and faith.
Key Takeaways:
- Small but Significant Group: At least 8-10 former NBA players have documented connections to the Jehovah’s Witness faith
- Career Impact: Some players retired early (Collison, Meyers) to focus on religious commitments
- Success Stories: Multiple All-Stars and champions maintained their faith while achieving basketball excellence
- No Current Players: As of 2025, no active NBA players are publicly confirmed as Jehovah’s Witnesses
- Post-Career Focus: Most continue active ministry work and community service after basketball
Their stories highlight the intersection of professional ambition and personal belief, demonstrating how spiritual priorities can shape life-altering decisions.
The legacy of these ex-NBA Jehovah’s Witness players extends beyond basketball statistics. They demonstrate that professional success and deep religious faith can coexist, even when that faith requires significant personal sacrifices.
Their stories continue inspiring both basketball fans and fellow believers, showing that there’s life beyond sports when guided by strong spiritual convictions.
Final Count
While exact numbers remain debated due to privacy concerns, 8-10 former NBA players have verifiable connections to the Jehovah’s Witness faith, making them a unique and inspiring subset of professional basketball history.
Sources: ESPN, Sportskeeda, Technology.org, EssentiallySports, Legit.ng, and other verified sports media outlets. Religious information verified through public statements and documented interviews.
