Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that believes in the imminent return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of God’s kingdom on Earth. They are known for their door-to-door preaching, refusal of blood transfusions, and rejection of the Trinity doctrine. They have over 8.8 million members worldwide, according to their official website. Among their members are some famous athletes, including three NBA players who have publicly identified themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses. These are Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon.
3 NBA Players Who Are Jehovah Witnesses 2024
| Name | Position | College | Draft | NBA Teams | Career Stats | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danny Granger | Small Forward | New Mexico | 2005, 17th pick by Indiana Pacers | Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons | 16.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 43.4 FG%, 38.0 3P% | NBA All-Star (2009), NBA Most Improved Player (2009), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2006) |
| Darren Collison | Point Guard | UCLA | 2009, 21st pick by the New Orleans Hornets | New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers | 12.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 47.1 FG%, 39.4 3P% | NBA All-Rookie First Team (2010), Third-team All-American (2009), Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award (2009) |
| Dewayne Dedmon | Center | USC | 2013, undrafted | Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Ontario Clippers | 6.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 52.6 FG%, 33.6 3P% | NBA D-League |
How Many NBA Players Are Jehovah Witnesses?
Jehovah’s Witnesses, a membership exceeding 8.8 million, are a Christian group awaiting Jesus Christ’s return to establish God’s kingdom on Earth. They’re recognized for their distinctive practices like door-to-door evangelism and stance against blood transfusions. Notably, the faith counts NBA players Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon among its followers, all united by their shared beliefs and love for basketball. Despite facing challenges, these athletes have found success and fulfillment in their careers.
Danny Granger
Once an NBA luminary with the Pacers, Clippers, and Heat, Danny Granger found his rhythm both on the court and in his spiritual life. His post-retirement journey led him to embrace his faith entirely, finding solace and strength in his beliefs. Granger channels his drive into entrepreneurship and philanthropy today, impacting lives beyond basketball.
| Name | Danny Granger |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 20, 1983 |
| Place of Birth | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 222 lb |
| College | New Mexico |
| Draft | 2005, 17th pick by Indiana Pacers |
| NBA Teams | Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons |
| Career Stats | 16.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 43.4 FG%, 38.0 3P% |
| Awards | NBA All-Star (2009), NBA Most Improved Player (2009), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2006) |
| Religion | Jehovah’s Witness |
| Net Worth | $40 million |
| Income | $10 million |
Darren Collison
Darren Collison, a skilled point guard, graced the NBA with his talent across several teams, earning accolades like the All-Rookie First Team. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, he embraced his faith entirely in 2015. His surprising retirement at 31 reflected his desire to prioritize family and faith over basketball. Although he briefly returned to play for the Lakers, Collison found contentment away from the court, dedicating himself to his beliefs and personal life.
| Name | Darren Collison |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Rancho Cucamonga, California, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 175 lb |
| College | UCLA |
| Draft | 2009, 21st pick by the New Orleans Hornets |
| NBA Teams | New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers |
| Career Stats | 12.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 47.1 FG%, 39.4 3P% |
| Awards | NBA All-Rookie First Team (2010), Third-team All-American (2009), Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award (2009) |
| Religion | Jehovah’s Witness |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Income | $5 million |
Dewayne Dedmon
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NBA center Dewayne Dedmon, currently with the Miami Heat, has built a solid nine-year career, averaging 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Despite a challenging start, where his mother’s conversion to Jehovah’s Witnesses led to a ban on basketball and higher education, Dedmon pursued his passion. He played covertly, earned a scholarship to Antelope Valley College, and showcased his skills at USC. Although undrafted in 2013, he climbed from the G League to the NBA.
Today, Dedmon is a dependable NBA player and a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness, balancing his faith with his professional life. He honors his mother’s beliefs but follows his path, using basketball as a platform to inspire and assist others. Committed to lifelong learning, he aims to further his education in business.
| Name | Dewayne Dedmon |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 12, 1989 |
| Place of Birth | Lancaster, California, U.S. |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 245 lb |
| College | USC |
| Draft | 2013, undrafted |
| NBA Teams | Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Ontario Clippers |
| Career Stats | 6.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 52.6 FG%, 33.6 3P% |
| Awards | NBA D-League All-Star (2014) |
| Religion | Jehovah’s Witness |
| Net Worth | $12 million |
| Income | $2.5 million |
Conclusion
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination with over 8.8 million members worldwide, including three NBA players who have publicly identified themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses. These are Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon. These players have different backgrounds and stories but share a common faith and passion for basketball. They have also faced various challenges and difficulties, but they have also achieved multiple successes and accomplishments. They are examples of how one can balance one’s life and career and use one’s gifts and opportunities to honor God and help others.
FAQs
Q: What are some of the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
A: Some of the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses are:
- They believe that Jehovah is the only true God and that Jesus is his son and the king of God’s kingdom.
- They believe the Bible is God’s inspired and infallible word and the only source of truth and guidance.
- They believe that the world is under the control of Satan and that it is corrupted by sin and evil.
- They believe God will soon destroy the wicked and restore the Earth to a paradise where the righteous will live forever.
- They believe that only 144,000 faithful Christians will go to heaven, while the rest will live on Earth.
- They believe they must preach the good news of God’s kingdom to all people and warn them of the impending judgment.
- They reject the Trinity doctrine, the immortality of the soul, the hellfire doctrine, and the celebration of holidays and birthdays.
- They refuse to participate in politics, war, and blood transfusions, as they consider them to be against God’s will.
Q: How many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
A: According to Google, three NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses. These are Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon.
Q: How did Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon become Jehovah’s Witnesses?
A: Danny Granger and Darren Collison were raised in religious households by Jehovah’s Witnesses, but they didn’t get baptized until later after they had overcome some doubts and challenges. Dewayne Dedmon was not raised in a religious household by Jehovah’s Witnesses, but his mother converted to the faith when he was a teenager. He rebelled against his mother and secretly played basketball, leading to his NBA career. He then became a Jehovah’s Witness after learning more about the faith and its teachings.
Q: How do Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon balance their life and careers as Jehovah’s Witnesses and NBA players?
A: Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon balance their life and career as Jehovah’s Witnesses and NBA players by putting God first in everything they do and using their platform to spread their message and help others. They also attend meetings and preach regularly, and they follow their faith’s moral and ethical standards. They also respect and appreciate their family and friends and support various causes and organizations that align with their values.