Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian denomination that is known for its door-to-door evangelism and unique beliefs. While they are a relatively small group, they have a diverse membership that includes individuals from all walks of life. This includes former NBA (National Basketball Association) players.

In this article, we will explore the experiences of several ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses and how their faith has impacted their lives both on and off the court. From facing discrimination to finding a sense of purpose beyond basketball, these players have unique stories that shed light on the intersection of faith and sports.

Brief history of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian denomination that was founded in the late 19th century by Charles Taze Russell. They are known for their door-to-door evangelism and their belief in the imminent end of the world.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the Bible as the inspired word of God and that it should be the ultimate authority for all matters of faith and conduct. They also reject the doctrine of the Trinity, believing that Jesus is the son of God but not part of a divine trinity.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Jehovah’s Witnesses is their rejection of blood transfusions, which they believe goes against biblical teaching. They also do not celebrate holidays such as Christmas or Easter, which they believe have pagan origins.

Jehovah’s Witnesses place a strong emphasis on evangelism and believe that they have to share their faith with others. They do this through their door-to-door ministry, distributing literature, and holding meetings in Kingdom Halls, which are their places of worship.

Overall, Jehovah’s Witnesses is a relatively small Christian denomination with around eight million members worldwide.

Top 9 Ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses

Danny Granger

Danny Granger is a former NBA player who was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses during his playing career. Granger was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and attended Bradley University. He was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2005. He played for the Pacers for nine seasons before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014, where he played his final NBA season.

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During his playing career, Granger was known for his scoring ability and was named an NBA All-Star in 2009. However, his time in the NBA was also marked by injuries that limited his playing time in later years. Despite the challenges he faced on the court, Granger remained committed to his faith and often spoke about how it helped him to stay focused and grounded.

In an interview with the Indianapolis Star in 2010, Granger spoke about his faith and how it influenced his approach to basketball. He said: “I believe in God, and I believe that everything happens for a reason. I think that helps me get through the tough times and stay positive.”

Granger’s commitment to his faith continued after his NBA career, as he became a regular speaker at Jehovah’s Witness conventions and events. He also served as a special assistant to the Pacers’ coaching staff in the 2018-2019 season, where he helped to develop the team’s young players.

A.C. Green

A.C. Green is a former NBA player who is known for his commitment to his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. Green was born in Portland, Oregon, and attended Oregon State University.

He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985. He played in the NBA for 16 seasons, winning three championships with the Lakers in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Throughout his playing career, Green was known for his strong Christian faith and his commitment to living a celibate lifestyle until marriage, which he attributed to his religious beliefs. In an interview with ESPN in 2012, Green said: “I have a belief system that’s been put in place for me to follow, and I follow it to the best of my ability.”

Green’s commitment to his faith also extended beyond his personal life, as he used his platform as an NBA player to spread his message of abstinence and faith. He became a spokesperson for various organisations, promoting sexual abstinence.

After retiring from the NBA, Green continued his work as a motivational speaker and advocate for abstinence education. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the A.C. Green Youth Foundation, which provides educational programs and resources for young people.

Maurice Evans

Maurice Evans is a former NBA player who is known for his strong commitment to his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. Evans was born in Wichita, Kansas, and attended the University of Texas.

He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2001. He played in the NBA for 11 seasons, playing for teams such as the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Atlanta Hawks.

Evans became a Jehovah’s Witness during his playing career and has spoken publicly about how his faith has helped him to stay grounded and focused. In an interview with ESPN in 2009, Evans said: “It’s something that helps me to keep a level head, keep things in perspective, and understand that there’s more to life than just basketball.”

Evans has also been active in sharing his faith with others, both in and out of the NBA. He has been a speaker at Jehovah’s Witness conventions and has used social media to share his religious views with fans and followers.

After retiring from the NBA, Evans remained active in his faith and became involved in various philanthropic efforts. He founded the Maurice Evans Foundation, which aims to provide education and mentorship opportunities for young people.

Thurl Bailey

Thurl Bailey was born in Washington, D.C., and attended North Carolina State University. He was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 1983. He played in the NBA for 12 seasons, spending most of his career with the Jazz.

Bailey became a Jehovah’s Witness later in life and has spoken publicly about how his faith has helped him to find meaning and purpose beyond basketball. In an interview with the Deseret News in 2019, Bailey said: “My faith has allowed me to realise that basketball was a platform for me to do things beyond basketball, to use that platform to give back to the community, to teach life skills and principles to young people.”

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Bailey has been active in sharing his faith with others, both within and outside of the NBA. He has spoken at Jehovah’s Witness conventions and has used his social media platforms to share his religious views with fans and followers.

After retiring from the NBA, Bailey remained active in his faith and became involved in various philanthropic efforts. He founded the Thurl Bailey Charity Golf Classic, which raises money for various causes, including cancer research and education.

Mark Jackson

Mark Jackson was born in Brooklyn, New York, and played college basketball at St. John’s University.

He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1987. He played in the NBA for 17 seasons, playing for teams such as the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, and Golden State Warriors.

Throughout his playing career, Jackson was open about his religious beliefs and how they influenced his approach to basketball. In a 1992 interview with the New York Times, Jackson said: “I know the Lord has allowed me to play basketball, but it’s not the most important thing in my life. My relationship with God is.”

After retiring from playing, Jackson transitioned to coaching and served as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2014. He continued to be open about his faith during his coaching career and was known for leading pregame chapel services for his players.

He has spoken at Jehovah’s Witness conventions and has been involved in various charitable efforts, including the Mark Jackson Foundation, which provides resources and support for underprivileged people.

Darren Collison

Darren Collison was born in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and played college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

He was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2009. He played in the NBA for 10 seasons, playing for teams such as the Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers.

Collison became a Jehovah’s Witness during his playing career and has spoken publicly about how his faith has helped him to maintain a healthy balance between basketball and other aspects of his life. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2019, Collison said: “My faith is very important to me. It keeps me grounded and gives me a sense of purpose beyond basketball.”

He has remained active in sharing his faith with others, both within and outside of the NBA. He has been a speaker at Jehovah’s Witness conventions and continues to use his platform to share his religious views with fans and followers.

Collison has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. He founded the Darren Collison Foundation, which aims to provide educational and athletic opportunities for young people.

Pops Mensah-Bonsu

Pops Mensah-Bonsu is a former NBA player, who is also known for his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. Mensah-Bonsu was born in London, England, and played college basketball at George Washington University before playing professionally in the NBA and overseas.

Mensah-Bonsu became a Jehovah’s Witness during his playing career and has spoken publicly about the role that his faith has played in his life and career. In an interview with The Christian Chronicle in 2013, Mensah-Bonsu said: “Being a Jehovah’s Witness is the most important thing to me. It’s what keeps me grounded, what keeps me focused.”

In addition, Mensah-Bonsu has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. He has been a supporter of charities that provide aid to people affected by natural disasters and has also worked with organisations that provide resources and support for young people.

Jim McIlvaine

Jim McIlvaine is a former NBA player. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, McIlvaine played college basketball at Marquette University before playing professionally in the NBA.

McIlvaine became a Jehovah’s Witness during his playing career and has been open about the role that his faith has played in his life and career. In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2007, McIlvaine said: “Being a Jehovah’s Witness has given me perspective on what’s important in life. It’s also given me the courage to stand up for my beliefs.”

Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and played college basketball at Seton Hall University. He was selected seventh overall in the 2001 NBA draft.

Griffin struggled with substance abuse and personal issues during his career, but his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness played an important role in his life. In a 2007 interview with The New York Times, Griffin said: “My faith in God is very important to me. It’s helped me through a lot of tough times.”

Griffin passed away in 2007 at the age of 25 in a car accident.

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