how many ex-nba players are jehovahs witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses is a Christian denomination that is known for its door-to-door evangelism and unique behavior. While they are a relatively modest grouping, they take a diverse membership that includes individuals from all walks of life. This includes erstwhile NBA (National Basketball Clan) 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 game, these players have unique stories that shed light on the intersection of religion and sports.

Brief history of Jehovah's Witnesses

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

Jehovah'south Witnesses believe in the Bible equally the inspired word of God and that it should exist the ultimate say-so for all matters of religion and conduct. They as well reject the doctrine of the Trinity, believing that Jesus is the son of God but not role of a divine trinity.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Jehovah'due south Witnesses is their rejection of blood transfusions, which they believe goes against biblical teaching. They also practice non gloat holidays such as Christmas or Easter, which they believe have pagan origins.

Jehovah's Witnesses identify a stiff emphasis on evangelism and believe that they have to share their faith with others. They exercise this through their door-to-door ministry building, distributing literature, and property meetings in Kingdom Halls, which are their places of worship.

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

Top ix Ex-NBA players who are Jehovah's Witnesses

Danny Granger

Danny Granger is a sometime NBA player who was a member of the Jehovah'due south Witnesses during his playing career. Granger was built-in and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and attended Bradley University. He was drafted past 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 terminal 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 as well marked by injuries that express his playing time in later years. Despite the challenges he faced on the courtroom, Granger remained committed to his religion and often spoke near how information technology helped him to stay focused and grounded.

In an interview with the Indianapolis Star in 2010, Granger spoke virtually his organized religion and how information technology influenced his approach to basketball. He said: "I believe in God, and I believe that everything happens for a reason. I remember 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 banana 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 erstwhile NBA player who is known for his commitment to his organized religion as a Jehovah'south Witness. Greenish was born in Portland, Oregon, and attended Oregon State Academy.

He was drafted past the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985. He played in the NBA for xvi seasons, winning iii 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 conventionalities arrangement that'south been put in place for me to follow, and I follow it to the best of my ability."

Dark-green's commitment to his religion as well extended across 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.

Later on retiring from the NBA, Light-green connected his work as a motivational speaker and advocate for forbearance education. He has as well been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the A.C. Green Youth Foundation, which provides educational programs and resource for young people.

Maurice Evans

Maurice Evans is a onetime 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 past the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2001. He played in the NBA for eleven 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: "Information technology'due south something that helps me to keep a level caput, keep things in perspective, and understand that there's more to life than but basketball."

Evans has also been agile 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 religion and became involved in diverse 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 after in life and has spoken publicly well-nigh how his faith has helped him to find meaning and purpose across 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 across basketball, to use that platform to give dorsum 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 exterior of the NBA. He has spoken at Jehovah'due south 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 organized religion and became involved in diverse philanthropic efforts. He founded the Thurl Bailey Clemency Golf game Classic, which raises coin for various causes, including cancer inquiry and instruction.

Marker Jackson

Mark Jackson was born in Brooklyn, New York, and played college basketball game at St. John's Academy.

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 Gilded State Warriors.

Throughout his playing career, Jackson was open near his religious beliefs and how they influenced his arroyo 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 nearly important matter in my life. My relationship with God is."

Subsequently retiring from playing, Jackson transitioned to coaching and served as the head autobus of the Aureate Country Warriors from 2011 to 2014. He continued to exist open nearly his religion during his coaching career and was known for leading pregame chapel services for his players.

He has spoken at Jehovah'south Witness conventions and has been involved in diverse charitable efforts, including the Marker Jackson Foundation, which provides resource 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 every bit the Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers.

Collison became a Jehovah'due south Witness during his playing career and has spoken publicly well-nigh how his faith has helped him to maintain a healthy balance betwixt basketball game and other aspects of his life. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2019, Collison said: "My organized religion 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 religion 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 actor, who is also known for his faith every bit a Jehovah's Witness. Mensah-Bonsu was born in London, England, and played college basketball game 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'southward Witness is the near important affair to me. It'south what keeps me grounded, what keeps me focused."

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

Jim McIlvaine

Jim McIlvaine is a quondam 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 nigh the role that his faith has played in his life and career. In an interview with the Milwaukee Periodical Sentinel in 2007, McIlvaine said: "Beingness a Jehovah's Witness has given me perspective on what's important in life. It'south too given me the courage to stand up for my beliefs."

Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and played higher basketball at Seton Hall University. He was selected 7th overall in the 2001 NBA draft.

Griffin struggled with substance abuse and personal issues during his career, but his faith as a Jehovah'south 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. Information technology'south 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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