Several NBA players are or have been Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian denomination known for distinct beliefs and practices. Notable players include:

• Darren Collison : Played in the NBA from 2009 to 2019, primarily with the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings. He retired at age 31 to focus on his faith and family, citing his Jehovah's Witness beliefs as a key reason. He briefly returned in 2021 for a short stint with the Lakers

• Danny Granger : Spent nine seasons with the Indiana Pacers and also played for the Clippers and Miami Heat. Raised in a Jehovah's Witness household, he was baptized in 2017 after retiring in 2015. Granger credited his faith with helping him maintain peace and balance during his career

• Dewayne Dedmon : A 7-foot center who faced early challenges due to his mother's Jehovah's Witness beliefs forbidding sports. Despite this, he pursued basketball and had a successful NBA career with multiple teams. Dedmon has spoken about how his faith helped him overcome hardships

Other former NBA players known to be Jehovah's Witnesses include:

• A.C. Green : Joined the faith in the mid-1980s and remained a devout member throughout his career

• Detlef Schrempf : Adopted the faith in the 1990s and has been active in religious activities since

• Reggie Theus : Joined the church in the 1990s and balanced his basketball career with his faith

• Michael Adams : Became a Jehovah's Witness in the late 1990s after his playing career and devoted himself to his beliefs

• Greg Ostertag : Converted during his NBA career and stayed committed despite criticism

• Sam Perkins and Mark Jackson are also reported to have followed the faith

In total, there are over 10 NBA players, past and present, who have been Jehovah's Witnesses, reflecting the diversity of religious beliefs in the league

Summary Table

Player| NBA Career Highlights| Jehovah's Witness Connection
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Darren Collison| 2009-2019, Pacers, Kings| Retired to focus on faith; brief return in 2021
Danny Granger| 9 seasons, Pacers, Clippers, Heat| Raised JW; baptized post- retirement in 2017
Dewayne Dedmon| Multiple teams, late basketball start| Raised JW; faith helped overcome challenges
A.C. Green| 1980s-1990s, multiple teams| Joined JW mid-80s, lifelong member
Detlef Schrempf| 1980s-1990s, Pacers, Sonics, Blazers| Joined JW in 1990s, active preacher
Reggie Theus| 1970s-1980s, Bulls, Kings, Hawks| Joined JW in 1990s
Michael Adams| Mid-1990s, Nuggets, Bullets| Converted post-career, devoted follower
Greg Ostertag| Utah Jazz, 1990s-2006| Converted during career, remained committed
Sam Perkins| 1980s-1990s, SuperSonics| Followed JW faith
Mark Jackson| 1980s-2000s, multiple teams| Reported JW

This list highlights the presence of Jehovah's Witnesses in the NBA both historically and currently