Jehovah’s Witnesses are 8.7 million people around the world. However, if you conduct a quick search, you’ll find some of them in almost all walks of life. The NBA isn’t an exception.
So, if you’re wondering: How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? The National Basketball Association lists 14 ex-players who are/were Jehovah’s Witnesses over the years.
In this post, I’ll provide you with a list of those former players and showcase how their faith influenced their professional and personal lives.
The 14 Jehovah’s Witnesses Who Are Also Ex NBA Players
If you’re unfamiliar with Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s a Christian denomination founded in the 19th century. They are known for their belief in the near end of the world.
They don’t celebrate holidays like Easter and Christmas. This denomination also rejects blood transfusion because it contradicts their religious principles.
The following are 14 ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses:
1. Danny Granger
Danny Granger has been a Jehovah’s Witnesses faith member for many years. The former basketball player was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Bradley University after finishing high school.
The Indiana Pacers drafted the player in 2005. He continued to play for the team for nine seasons.
In 2014, he was transferred to the Los Angeles Clippers to play his 10th and final season in the NBA.
Granger was best known for his incredible scoring ability. Nonetheless, he suffered multiple injuries during his playing career, affecting his court abilities.
Despite these challenges, Granger was committed to his faith. He talked multiple times about how his strong faith helped him stay grounded.
During an interview with him in 2010, Granger mentioned how his faith influenced his career in basketball.
He stated that he firmly believes that everything happens for a reason. He added that this helped him get through the most challenging times.
2. Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson‘s professional career started in 1987 when the New York Knicks drafted him.
The former player played for other teams, such as the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers. He completed 17 seasons as an NBA player.
Jackson talked a lot about his religious beliefs during his career. He stated that his religion influenced his entire basketball journey.
In an interview with him in 1992, Jackson stated that his career as a basketball player wasn’t as important to him as his relationship with God.
Jackson started coaching after retiring as a player. He was the head coach of the Golden State Warriors for four years. He also continued to talk about his beliefs during his career as a coach.
3. Jim McIlvaine
Jim McIlvaine was born in Washington. Before starting his professional NBA career, he was one of Marquette University’s basketball players.
The former player became a Jehovah’s Witness in the middle of his career. Since then, McIlvaine has been open about how his faith influenced his career and life.
In an interview with him in 2007, he stated that being a Jehovah’s Witness directed him toward what’s really important in life.
He also said that his faith provided him with the courage to stand up for what he believes.
4. Thurl Bailey
Thurl Bailey is a former NBA player from Washington, DC. He started his professional career when the Utah Jazz drafted him in 1983. Bailey spent most of his 12-season career playing for that team.
The former player is well-known for being a Jehovah’s Witness. He always talked about how his faith helped him find the purpose of his life.
In an interview with Deseret News, he stated that his faith motivated him to do valuable things beyond basketball, such as supporting the community.
Bailey has spoken at multiple Jehovah’s Witness conversations and dedicated much of his social media effort to sharing his religious views.
After ending his career as a basketball player, he participated in various philanthropic activities.
He also founded a charity that holds his name to raise money for multiple causes, including supporting education and cancer research.
5. Greg Ostertag
Greg Ostertag is a former professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz. During his time in the NBA, he became a Jehovah’s Witness.
Although Ostertag was criticized for being devoted to his faith, he remained steadfast. He ended his basketball career in 2006 after 11 seasons in the NBA.
6. Michael Adams
Michael Adams was an NBA player for 11 seasons. He played for multiple teams, including the Washington Bullets and Charlotte Hornets.
Adams joined the Jehovah’s Witnesses in the 90s and has become a devoted follower since then.
After retiring as a player, he started a career in coaching and led six different teams. At the same time, Adams devoted most of his life to his beliefs and family.
7. Maurice Evans
Born in Kansas, Maurice Evans was an NBA player known for being a Jehovah’s Witness. He attended Texas University.
In 2001, the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Evans. He spent 11 seasons as an NBA player, playing for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat.
Evans became a Jehovah’s Witness some time during his basketball career. Since then, he has spoken multiple times about how his faith boosted his focus and made him more grounded.
In 2009, he told ESPN that his faith helped him find the purpose of life. Evans used his popularity to share his religious views with large audiences.
After ending his career as a professional basketball player, Evans became involved in multiple philanthropic efforts.
8. A.C. Green
A.C. Green was born in Oregon and attended the University of Oregon. In 1985, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. He played for 16 seasons in the NBA and achieved three championships.
Green was open about his faith during his career. The former player followed his religious beliefs and committed to living a celibate life until marriage.
Green stated to ESPN during an interview in 2012 that he has a robust belief system he tries to follow to the best of his ability.
Green worked on spreading his beliefs about abstinence using his popularity as an NBA player. During that time, he was the spokesperson for multiple organizations that promote sexual abstinence.
After retiring from his playing career, he continued his work on spreading messages about his beliefs and religion.
9. Dave Meyers
Dave Meyers was a highly committed Jehovah’s Witness ex-NBA player. We can describe his NBA career with the UCLA Bruins as legendary.
He played a pivotal role in helping the team achieve two NCAA championships. He was open about his faith throughout his basketball career and continued his commitment to Jehovah’s Witness until his last breath.
One of the most crucial decisions in his life was when he refused to undergo back surgery after getting a severe injury.
He commented on the decision, stating that the operation contradicted his Jehovah’s Witness principles. The former NBA player passed away in 2015 at 62, succumbing to cancer.
10. Pops Mensah-Bonsu
Pops Mensah-Bonsu is a former English professional basketball player in the NBA. He was born in London and moved to the US to kickstart his career.
Mensah-Bonsu played for the George Washington University basketball team in college years. Then, he started his professional career.
The former player became a Jehovah’s Witness during his playing career. He was open about the role of his faith in directing his career and life.
In 2013, he stated to the Christian Chronicle during an interview that he considers being a Jehovah’s Witness the most important thing in life.
He added that his faith is what makes him highly focused and grounded. Moreover, Mensah-Bonus is well-known for his support of society and philanthropic efforts.
11. Eddie Griffin
Eddie Griffin was an NBA player from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He played for the Timberwolves and Houston Rockets for five seasons.
The player was well-known for being a Jehovah’s Witness. Griffin said in an interview with the New York Times that his faith helped him overcome tough times.
Sadly, the former basketball player passed away in a car accident in 2007 when he was 25.
12. Detlef Schrempf
Detlef Schrempf is a former German-American NBA player who was born in 1963. he’s been known to be a committed Jehovah’s Witness.
The former basketballer played for ten years for multiple teams, including Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazer, and Seattle Super Sonics.
Detlef has been open about belonging to the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith since he adopted it in the 90s. He has always talked about his spirituality and religious views openly.
13. Reggie Theus
Reggie Theus is a former professional basketball player and coach. He has always considered his belonging to Jehovah’s Witness as an integral part of his identity throughout his basketball career.
Theus has played for notable teams, including the Chicago Bulls, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Sacramento Kings.
In the 90s, the ex-player joined the church and has been committed since then.
14. Wayman Tisdale
Wayman Tisdale is another well-known former NBA Jehovah’s Witness. He had a successful career as a basketball player between 1958 and 1997.
Tisdale played for multiple teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers. In addition to basketball, Tisdale was a Jazz musician and dropped 13 albums.
Sadly, the former basketball player and musician passed away in 2009 when he was 44. He was a committed Jehovah’s Witness for the majority of his life.
Wrapping Up
How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? 14 former NBA players were well-known for being Jehovah’s Witnesses. Those are the players that make up our list above.
Hopefully, you’ve found this post helpful and enjoyable. If so, please share with your friends who may be interested in this topic.
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