Ex Nba Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a renowned professional basketball league that originated from merging the National Basketball League and the Basketball Association of America in 1949.
Over the years, the NBA has become one of the largest and most prominent sports leagues in the United States and Canada, boasting 30 teams, with 29 based in the United States and one in Canada.
With approximately 450 players across the league, it’s not uncommon to find individuals from diverse backgrounds and belief systems.
In this article, we’ll explore the presence of Jehovah’s Witnesses among former NBA players and highlight three notable athletes who have embraced this faith.
Danny Granger: A Devout Jehovah’s Witness
Early Career and NBA Journey
Danny Granger, born on April 20, 1983, is a former professional basketball player who began his career in 2001 with the “Bradley Braves men’s basketball” team.
However, it was in 2005 that he entered the NBA when the Indiana Pacers first drafted him after completing a two-year college term in New Mexico.
Granger went on to play for the Indiana Pacers for ten seasons from 2005 to 2014, making a name for himself as a talented and dedicated player.
Strong Foundation of Faith
Raised in a devout family of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Danny Granger has always adhered to a high personal standard that sets him apart.
However, it was in 2017 that he took a significant step in his spiritual journey by getting baptized.
This public declaration of faith showcased his commitment to his beliefs and demonstrated the importance of his religious identity in his life.
Dave Meyers: Balancing Faith and Family
Basketball Career and Transition
David William Meyers, widely known as Dave Meyers, began his basketball journey in 1972 as a player for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
His career took a significant turn in 1975 when he signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks within a week.
Devotion to Jehovah’s Witness Beliefs
On April 30, 1980, Meyers surprised the basketball world by announcing his retirement. His decision stemmed from a desire to spend more time with his family and focus on his Jehovah’s Witness beliefs.
Meyers had been baptized in August of 1977 and was actively involved in spreading the teachings of his faith. While still enjoying basketball, he found greater fulfillment in his preaching activity.
Willie Wise: Faith and Career Decisions
Early Life and Basketball Career
Willie Wise, better known by his nickname “Wonderous Willie,” was born on March 3, 1947, and is currently 75 years old.
His basketball journey began in 1965 when he played for the “City College of San Francisco” team. He later joined the “Drake Bulldogs men’s basketball” team and played for them until 1967.
ABA Career and Transition
In 1969, Willie Wise seized the opportunity to join the American Basketball Association’s (ABA) team, the “Los Angeles | Utah Stars.” He subsequently played for the “Virginia Squires.”
Wise’s career in the ABA spanned nine seasons until the merger between the NBA and ABA in 1976. Following the merger, from 1976 to 1977, he played for the Denver Nuggets and the Seattle SuperSonics. Unfortunately, his playing career came to an end due to a knee injury.
Strong Faith and Misunderstandings
In an interview with “apbr.org,” Willie Wise revealed that his faith played a significant role in his life. He recalled a time when he expressed his inclination towards becoming a Jehovah’s Witness minister to a reporter during the Final Four.
However, he later discovered that the reporter had published his comments, which caused many teams to shy away from recruiting him due to misconceptions surrounding his faith.
FAQs
Ques: Are there any current NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Ans: Currently, there are no known active NBA players who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, the faith of an individual can change over time, so it’s possible that new players may embrace this belief in the future.
Ques: What other notable achievements did Danny Granger have in his NBA career?
Ans: Danny Granger was a highly regarded player during his time in the NBA. In 2009, he was named an NBA All-Star, showcasing his talent and skills among the league’s elite players.
Ques: Did Dave Meyers make a comeback to basketball after his retirement?
Ans: No, Dave Meyers did not make a comeback to professional basketball following his retirement. He remained dedicated to his family and his beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Ques: How did Willie Wise’s faith impact his basketball career?
Ans: Willie Wise’s strong faith in Jehovah’s Witnesses caused some teams to hesitate in recruiting him. Despite his talent and abilities, misconceptions surrounding his faith affected his opportunities in the NBA.
Ques: Are there any other well-known athletes who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Ans: Yes, there are several other athletes, both within and outside the NBA, who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Notable examples include Serena and Venus Williams, Prince Fielder, and A.C. Green.