How Many NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

The NBA is one of the most diverse professional sports leagues in the world, bringing together players from different countries, cultures, and belief systems. This diversity often leads fans to ask deeper questions about players’ personal lives, including their religious backgrounds. One question that frequently appears online is: how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

The short answer is that there is no confirmed or official number. Religious affiliation is considered a private matter, and most NBA players do not publicly disclose their faith unless it plays a significant role in their life decisions.

Why There Is No Exact Number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA

When asking how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s important to understand the limitations of available information.

• The NBA does not collect or publish data on players’ religious beliefs.
• Jehovah’s Witnesses value personal privacy and humility, often avoiding public attention.
• Some players may have been raised in the faith but are no longer active members.
• Others may practice quietly without discussing it publicly.

Because of these factors, only players who have openly spoken about their faith can be identified with confidence.

What Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that emerged in the United States in the late 19th century. They are known for distinctive beliefs and practices that set them apart from mainstream Christianity.

Core Beliefs and Practices

• Bible Authority: They believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and primarily use the New World Translation.
• Use of God’s Name: Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize using the name “Jehovah” for God.
• Non-Trinitarian Belief: They reject the Trinity, believing Jehovah is one God and Jesus is His son, not equal to Him.
• Salvation Beliefs: They believe 144,000 will rule in heaven, while others may live forever on a restored paradise Earth.
• No Blood Transfusions: They refuse blood transfusions based on biblical interpretation.
• Political Neutrality: They do not vote, serve in the military, or participate in political activities.
• Evangelism: Door-to-door preaching is a central part of their faith.

These beliefs can significantly influence lifestyle choices, including career decisions.

Known NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses

While the overall number remains unclear, a few NBA players have publicly discussed their connection to Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Darren Collison

Darren Collison is the most well-known example when discussing how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses. He played in the NBA from 2009 to 2019, most notably with the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings.

At just 31 years old, Collison voluntarily retired from the NBA, stating that he wanted to focus on his faith and family. He openly identified as a Jehovah’s Witness and explained that his religious values ultimately outweighed his desire to continue playing professional basketball.

Danny Granger

Danny Granger, a former All-Star and long-time Indiana Pacers forward, was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. While he did not publicly emphasize his faith during his playing career, it has been reported that he was baptized after retiring from the NBA.

Granger’s case highlights an important distinction: being raised in the faith does not always mean active participation during an NBA career.

Dewayne Dedmon

Dewayne Dedmon has spoken about being raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household. His mother, a devout member of the faith, initially discouraged him from playing basketball, believing it might interfere with religious priorities.

Despite this, Dedmon went on to build a successful NBA career, showing that upbringing and personal faith journeys can evolve differently for each individual.

Are There Active Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA Today?

As of now, there are no widely confirmed active NBA players who have publicly stated they are practicing Jehovah’s Witnesses. That does not mean none exist—only that no current players have openly discussed it in interviews or public statements.

Given the religion’s emphasis on modesty and privacy, it’s entirely possible that some players practice quietly without public acknowledgment.

Faith and Professional Sports: A Personal Balance

The question of how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses ultimately highlights a broader theme: the intersection of faith and professional sports. For some athletes, religion is a guiding force that shapes major life decisions, including retirement, career direction, and public behavior.

Professional sports demand intense schedules, media exposure, and commercial involvement—factors that may conflict with the values of certain faiths. Darren Collison’s retirement is one of the clearest examples of how religious conviction can take precedence over athletic success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

There is no confirmed number. Only a few former players, such as Darren Collison, have publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Are there any current NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

No current players have publicly confirmed this, though some may practice privately.

Why don’t more NBA players talk about their faith?

Religion is a personal matter, and many players choose to keep it private unless it directly affects their career.

Did Darren Collison really retire because of his faith?

Yes. Collison publicly stated that his decision to retire was driven by his commitment to being a Jehovah’s Witness.

Wrapping Up

So, how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? The honest answer is that we don’t know an exact number—and likely never will. What we do know is that a small number of players, past and possibly present, have had meaningful connections to the faith.

In a league defined by diversity, the presence of Jehovah’s Witnesses—however limited—reinforces an important truth: professional athletes are individuals first, each navigating personal beliefs alongside public careers. Faith, like talent, takes many forms, and the NBA reflects that complexity both on and off the court.