Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian religion which is followed by around 8.5 million people worldwide. While the religion has had a small representation in professional sports, there are currently four NBA players who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses: Thon Maker, Deandre Ayton, Stanley Johnson and Wilson Chandler.
A Brief Overview of the Religion
Jehovah’s Witnesses adhere to the teachings of the Bible and believe that God is the creator and ruler of all things. They reject certain traditional Christian beliefs such as the Trinity and they also do not celebrate holidays such as Christmas or Easter – instead worshipping solely at local Kingdom Halls. In addition to these beliefs, followers of this religion are expected to follow certain rules relating to their daily life, such as abstaining from gambling, alcohol consumption and smoking.
The Four NBA Players Who Identify As Jehovah’s Witnesses
- Thon Maker: Born in Sudan, Maker was forced to flee his home country due to civil war when he was 5 years old – eventually moving to Australia before joining the Milwaukee Bucks in 2016. Since then he has cemented himself as an important player for the team and is respected for his commitment to his faith, often referring to it during interviews along with discussing issues related to it on social media.
- Deandre Ayton: Drafted 1st overall in 2018 by the Phoenix Suns franchise, Ayton has quickly established himself as one of the leading big men in today’s game – averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds per game over his first two seasons with the Suns. A close friend of Thon Maker since high school, Ayton identifies himself as ‘heavily spiritual’, often citing his belief in God as a source of guidance during difficult times throughout games or practises – showing that religion can indeed be an important part of many athletes’ lives.
- Stanley Johnson: Another former 1st-round draft pick (8th overall) by Detroit Pistons back in 2015 – Johnson currently plays for Toronto Raptors but previously spent two years with Phoenix Suns alongside Deandre Ayton from 2017-2019 before being traded before this past season. Johnson frequently gives credit to God for what he has achieved so far in his career, crediting prayer for help overcoming obstacles throughout multiple training camps or pre-season matches over recent years.
- Wilson Chandler: The final NBA player who identifies themselves as a Jehovah’s Witness is veteran forward Wilson Chandler who recently finished up a 9-year stint with the Denver Nuggets earlier this year after being traded twice late last season – finishing out 2019/20 playing for Brooklyn Nets due contract expiry at end of June 2020. Identified largely by his trademark headband affectionally dubbed ‘Bauer band’ by many fans across the country during a 10+ year career so far, Chandler regularly credits God after big wins or major achievements both on & off the court underlining the importance faith has played a role development both person & athlete over course long basketball career so far.
Conclusion
Religion plays an important role for many professional athletes including those playing in the NBA who identify themselves as followers of various religions including the Jehovah’s Witness faith represented here by 4 current players who have discussed their spirituality publicly time again both through interviews & social media accounts. Despite challenges posed by strict rules set down within religion itself, each player mentioned here has managed to stay true themselves & continually strive to reach the highest levels of success possible despite sometimes having to give up activities normal basketball players involved to remain true to life choices outlined faith.