Okay, so y’all ever caught yourself wondering: how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? Like, seriously—this question popped up while I was doomscrolling through Twitter one slow Tuesday, and I figured, why not dig a little? Because honestly, the NBA world is filled with big names, big egos, big sneakers… and big mysteries when it comes to faith.
So, I rolled up my sleeves, grabbed a cold one (because research can be thirsty work), and dove deep. What I found? Well, it’s not as simple as stats from Basketball Reference. There’s a sprinkle of faith, a dash of privacy, and a whole lot of life beyond the hardwood.
Anyway, here’s the kicker—how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses isn’t a headline you see every day, but the stories behind it? Wildly fascinating.
What the Heck Is a Jehovah’s Witness Anyway?
Before we get too deep into “how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses,” lemme break down the basics—because not everyone grew up hearing about door-to-door preaching or the Watchtower magazine.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian group, sure, but they don’t play by the usual rules. No birthdays, no Christmas (yeah, I know—it sounds like a party pooper’s dream). They avoid politics and military service, and are super big on spreading their message—usually by knocking on your door when you least expect it.
Honestly, their whole vibe is about living modestly and keeping your eyes on the big picture—spiritual life over worldly distractions. Which makes you wonder: how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses when the NBA is kinda the epitome of glitz, glam, and sometimes—well, distractions.
Religion and the NBA: More Common Than You Think (But Not That Common)
You probably know plenty of NBA players talk openly about faith. Steph Curry? Big time Christian. Kyrie Irving? Has his spiritual angles. But when it comes to Jehovah’s Witnesses—now that’s rarer than a dunk contest winner pulling off a 720.
And here’s the thing—how many ex NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? That’s where it gets juicy.
The Short List: Who’s Actually a Jehovah’s Witness?
Alright, here’s what I actually found after scouring interviews, social media, and more articles than I’d like to admit (including some shady forum posts that smelled like conspiracy theories).
Only about three players have publicly acknowledged ties to the faith:
Darren Collison: The Faith-First Point Guard
Darren Collison’s story? Man, it’s something else. This guy was ballin’, a solid point guard with the Pacers and Clippers, but then—bam—he retires at 31. Not because he got hurt or couldn’t make a team. Nope.
He stepped away because of his Jehovah’s Witness beliefs.
I mean, talk about commitment. Collison once said, “I gotta follow what’s true in my heart.” And honestly? Respect. I’d retire early if it meant more time with family and peace of mind too.
Danny Granger: The Quiet Witness?
Some folks say Danny Granger’s also connected to the faith, but dude is pretty low-key about it. Rumors swirl, but no big public declarations. Still, whispers count when you’re figuring out how many ex NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Dewayne Dedmon: The Late Bloomer
Dedmon’s story is nuts. His mom was super strict about faith and didn’t let him play organized basketball till late. So, the guy had to hustle like crazy just to catch up—and he made it to the NBA.
Faith shaped his path, no doubt. And he’s a proud Jehovah’s Witness, walking that fine line between sports and spirituality.
Why So Few? The NBA Lifestyle vs. Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs
Here’s where things get real.
When you ask how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, remember this: the faith’s lifestyle clashes big time with pro sports culture.
Think about it:
- The nonstop travel. Congregations expect attendance, and you gotta put your spiritual life first.
- The flashy lifestyle. Jealous? Nope. Witnesses avoid material obsession.
- The parties, the endorsements, the late nights. Nah, that ain’t their jam.
So it makes sense there aren’t a ton of Jehovah’s Witnesses dunking on the court every night.
Personal Side Note: Why I’m Rooting for Collison
I gotta admit, I kinda admire Darren Collison. It’s like, here’s a dude making millions who says, “Eh, I’m good. I want something deeper.”
Kinda like when I gave up my fantasy basketball league last year because the smack talk was too real. Not exactly spiritual, but hey, priorities.
Anyway, Collison’s story answers the “how many ex NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses” question in a way you don’t see on ESPN.
The Curiosity Factor: Why Folks Keep Asking
You ever notice how random questions get stuck in your head? I caught myself wondering how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses after a viral TikTok joke about players quitting to preach.
That got me thinking about all those times players do something unexpected—retiring early, changing careers, going full monk mode.
People love a good mystery mixed with faith, fame, and drama.
What About Now? Any Current NBA Witnesses?
As of 2025, no NBA players have publicly come out as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Maybe some are quiet about it. Maybe some decided faith’s better off kept private.
Or maybe, just maybe, it’s a combo of all that.
Spoiler: Life After the NBA Can Be… Different
For those who leave the game for faith, life changes fast.
- Collison’s chilling with family and church.
- Granger’s doing his thing off-court.
- Dedmon’s balancing pro ball and belief.
It’s kinda like when I switched from binge-watching basketball games to binge-watching cooking fails on YouTube. Different vibe, same dedication.
Fun Fact That Has Nothing to Do With Basketball
Did you know Victorians thought talking to ferns could keep you sane? I’m not joking. I talk to my houseplants just in case. Maybe that’s why mine keep dying.
Speaking of dying plants—my first herb garden went belly-up faster than my 2020 sourdough starter. RIP, Gary the basil.
The Bottom Line on “How Many NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses”
If you skipped to the end, here’s the cliff notes:
- There’s about three NBA players we know of who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
- Faith and basketball often don’t mix easily.
- Most players keep their beliefs private.
- The stories behind the numbers are way more interesting than the numbers themselves.
Quick Bullet Recap (Because I Know Y’all Love These)
- Darren Collison: Retired early for faith.
- Danny Granger: Quietly linked to the faith.
- Dewayne Dedmon: Raised in faith, played late.
- Jehovah’s Witness lifestyle conflicts with NBA hustle.
- No confirmed current NBA Jehovah’s Witnesses (yet).
- Curiosity around this question comes from unexpected retirements and viral jokes.
Before You Bounce…
If you want me to dig into other sports-religion mashups, or maybe a wild tale about how my backyard tomato plants staged a rebellion last summer, just say the word.
Oh, and remember: The cracked watering can from Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave survived my overwatering phase. A true hero.
About The Author
