How Many Ex NBA Players Are Jehovah Witnesses?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most popular professional basketball leagues in the world. It features some of the most talented and successful athletes in the sport. The league has a diverse group of players with different religious backgrounds, and Jehovah’s Witnesses are one of the religious groups represented in the NBA.

What is Jehovah Witnesses?

Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian denomination that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. The religion emphasizes the importance of spreading the word of God, living a moral life, and rejecting worldly pursuits. Members of the religion are known for their door-to-door evangelism, and their beliefs prohibit them from participating in certain activities such as voting, celebrating holidays, or serving in the military.

In the NBA, there are a few notable players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. One of the most famous Jehovah’s Witness NBA players is Michael Jordan. Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, converted to Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1990. He is known for his devout faith, and his former Chicago Bulls teammate, Will Perdue, once described him as “the most religious person I’ve ever been around.” Jordan has been quoted as saying that his faith helped him deal with the pressures of being a high-profile athlete.

Another well-known Jehovah’s Witness NBA player is Markelle Fultz. Fultz, a point guard for the Orlando Magic, was raised in the religion and has been open about the role it has played in his life. He has spoken about the support he receives from his congregation, and how his faith helps him stay grounded and focused on his goals.

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Other Jehovah’s Witness NBA players include Hall of Famer Nate “Tiny” Archibald, who converted to the religion in the 1980s, and Maurice Evans, who played for several teams including the Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

It is difficult to say exactly how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, as religious beliefs are often considered private and not widely discussed. However, it is clear that the religion has had an impact on the lives and careers of some NBA players.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their strict moral code, which can sometimes conflict with the lifestyles of professional athletes. For example, the religion prohibits members from engaging in premarital sex, using drugs, or gambling. It also discourages the pursuit of wealth and fame, which are often important to NBA players.

Despite these challenges, some NBA players have found that their faith has helped them stay focused and grounded. In addition to Michael Jordan and Markelle Fultz, there have been other Jehovah’s Witness athletes in various sports who have cited their faith as a source of strength and inspiration. For example, Prince Fielder, a former Major League Baseball player, is a devout Jehovah’s Witness who has spoken about how his faith has helped him deal with the ups and downs of his career.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is difficult to say exactly how many NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses, it is clear that the religion has had an impact on some of the league’s most famous and successful athletes. From Michael Jordan to Markelle Fultz, these players have found strength and inspiration in their faith, even as they navigate the challenges of life as professional athletes. As the NBA continues to attract players from diverse backgrounds, it will be interesting to see how these different religious beliefs continue to shape the league.