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Introduction
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) is its premier professional league. Over the years, many talented players have graced the NBA courts, including some who are also devout Jehovah’s Witnesses. In this article, we take a closer look at some of these players, their faith, and how it has impacted their careers.
What is Jehovah’s Witness?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that believes in the Bible as the word of God. They believe in the importance of preaching and teaching the gospel, and that only a select group of people will go to heaven. They also believe in the importance of living a moral and ethical life, and not participating in practices that are deemed unscriptural, such as celebrating birthdays and holidays.
How Many Jehovah’s Witness Players are in NBA?
There are currently no active NBA players who openly identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, there have been a few players in the past who have publicly acknowledged their faith, and some who were raised in the faith.
Former NBA Players Who Were Jehovah’s Witnesses
Michael Porter Sr.
Michael Porter Sr. played in the NBA for three seasons before retiring in 1999. He later became a coach and is currently an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets. Porter is a devout Jehovah’s Witness and has spoken publicly about how his faith has influenced his life and career.
Brian Grant
Brian Grant played in the NBA for 12 seasons before retiring in 2006. He was known for his gritty style of play and was a fan favorite during his time in Portland. Grant was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and has talked about how his faith has helped him overcome challenges both on and off the court.
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson played in the NBA for 17 seasons before retiring in 2004. He later became a coach and led the Golden State Warriors to an NBA championship in 2015. Jackson was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and has talked about how his faith helped him stay grounded and focused throughout his playing and coaching careers.
How Has Being a Jehovah’s Witness Affected These Players’ Careers?
Being a Jehovah’s Witness can be challenging in the hyper-competitive world of professional sports, where players are often expected to put their careers above everything else. However, for these players, their faith has been a source of strength and guidance, helping them stay true to their values and principles.
For Michael Porter Sr., his faith has helped him maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity. In an interview with the Denver Post, he said, “I don’t look at the negative. I don’t get down on myself. I don’t get down on my players. I just try to stay positive and keep pushing forward.”
For Brian Grant, his faith has helped him stay focused on what’s truly important. In an interview with The Oregonian, he said, “When you’re going through something, you realize that basketball is just a game. It’s not life or death. My faith helps me keep that perspective.”
For Mark Jackson, his faith has helped him stay grounded and humble. In an interview with The New York Times, he said, “I’m not bigger than the game. I’m not bigger than my players. I’m just a guy who loves basketball and loves coaching.”
Conclusion
Although there are currently no active Jehovah’s Witness players in the NBA, the faith has played an important role in the careers of some former players. Michael Porter Sr., Brian Grant, and Mark Jackson are just a few examples of players who have used their faith to guide them on and off the court. Their stories serve as inspiration to others who may be facing their own challenges and struggles, reminding us that having a strong faith can be a powerful tool in achieving success and fulfillment in life.
