There are over 10 NBA players who have been publicly identified as Jehovah's Witnesses, including both current and former players. Some notable NBA players known to be Jehovah's Witnesses are Danny Granger, Darren Collison, Dewayne Dedmon, AC Green, Detlef Schrempf, Reggie Theus, Michael Adams, Mark Jackson, and Greg Ostertag. These players have openly practiced their faith during or after their NBA careers, demonstrating that it is possible to balance professional basketball and strong spiritual beliefs.
Notable Examples of Jehovah's Witness NBA Players
- Danny Granger: Baptist after retirement, played nine seasons, raised in the faith.
- Darren Collison: Retired early to focus on faith, then returned to the NBA.
- Dewayne Dedmon: Raised as a Jehovah's Witness, mother initially forbade playing basketball.
- AC Green: Held his faith throughout his career, celibate until 2002 due to beliefs.
- Detlef Schrempf: Joined in the 1990s, vocal about his spirituality.
- Reggie Theus, Michael Adams, Mark Jackson, and Greg Ostertag are also among others who embraced the faith.
In summary, while the exact number can vary given some privacy around personal beliefs and changes over time, the count of known NBA players who are Jehovah's Witnesses is generally reported to be over 10. This group includes both retired and active players who have been public about their faith.