The search for ex NBA player Jehovah Witness often leads basketball fans to three familiar names: Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon. Each has a different connection to Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian religious denomination. Their stories reveal how faith, family, and personal beliefs have influenced their basketball careers and lives beyond the NBA.
Profile Bio
| Personal Details | Danny Granger | Darren Collison | Dewayne Dedmon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Danny Granger Jr. | Darren Michael Collison | Dewayne Jamal Dedmon |
| Date of Birth | April 20, 1983 | August 23, 1987 | August 12, 1989 |
| Age (2026) | 43 years | 39 years | 37 years |
| Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana | Rancho Cucamonga, California | Lancaster, California |
| Nationality | American | American | American |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) | 6 ft (183 cm) | 6 ft 10 in (208 cm) |
| Listed Weight | 222 lbs (101 kg) | 160 lbs (73 kg) | 245 lbs (111 kg) |
| Profession | Former NBA Forward | Former NBA Point Guard | Former NBA Center |
| Education | University of New Mexico | UCLA | University of Southern California |
| Family | Brother Scotty Granger; married with children | Wife Keyosha Collison; parents Dennis and June | Raised by his mother, a Jehovah’s Witness |
| NBA Career | 2005–2015 | 2009–2019; brief 2021 return | 2013–2023 |
| Net Worth | Exact 2026 figure unverified | Exact 2026 figure unverified | Exact 2026 figure unverified |
| Religious Background | Raised Jehovah’s Witness; reportedly baptized in 2017 | Publicly identified as Jehovah’s Witness | Raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household |
Which NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Three former NBA players frequently associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses are Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon. Collison openly identified with the religion, Granger was raised in the faith, and Dedmon grew up with a Jehovah’s Witness mother. These distinctions matter because sharing a religious upbringing does not necessarily mean someone continues practicing that religion.
Danny Granger’s Early Life
Danny Granger was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and developed his basketball skills during his school years. He attended Bradley University before transferring to the University of New Mexico. Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall, Granger combined impressive height with excellent shooting ability, eventually becoming one of the Indiana Pacers’ most recognizable players.
Danny Granger’s NBA Career
The Indiana Pacers selected Granger in the 2005 NBA Draft. His strongest season came in 2008–09, when he averaged 25.8 points and earned NBA All-Star honors. He also received the Most Improved Player Award. Later injuries affected his performance, and his NBA career ended in 2015 after appearances with Indiana, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Danny Granger’s Religion and Family
Granger grew up in a Jehovah’s Witness household and was reportedly baptized in 2017, after his basketball career. His younger brother, Scotty Granger, works in music, while gospel legend Mahalia Jackson was his great-aunt. Granger has also been described as married with three children, although he generally keeps his family relationships away from public attention.
Danny Granger’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
Granger earned millions through professional basketball, including a five-year contract extension worth approximately $60 million with Indiana. However, his exact net worth in 2026 is not independently established. Following retirement, he pursued opportunities in real estate and basketball broadcasting. His lifestyle appears considerably more private than during his years as an NBA All-Star.
Darren Collison’s Early Life
Darren Michael Collison was born on August 23, 1987, in Rancho Cucamonga, California. His parents, Dennis Collison and June Griffith Collison, competed internationally in athletics, while his mother represented Guyana at the 1984 Olympics. Collison attended UCLA and developed into a skilled point guard known for his speed, shooting accuracy, and intelligent decision-making.
Darren Collison’s NBA Career
Collison entered the NBA in 2009 after the New Orleans Hornets selected him with the 21st overall pick. He later played for Indiana, Sacramento, Dallas, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite standing only 6 feet tall, he became a reliable starting guard, averaging 12.5 points and 5.0 assists throughout his professional career.
Why Darren Collison Retired
In June 2019, Collison surprised basketball fans by announcing his retirement at age 31. He explained that his family and Jehovah’s Witness faith had become more important than continuing professional basketball. His decision attracted attention because he was still performing well and could have signed another valuable NBA contract.
Darren Collison’s Family and Lifestyle
Collison is married to Keyosha Collison, whom he praised in his retirement announcement for supporting him throughout his basketball journey. His decision to leave the NBA reflected his desire to spend more time with family and participate in religious ministry. He briefly returned in December 2021, playing three games for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Darren Collison’s Net Worth
Collison reportedly earned approximately $43 million in NBA salaries before his original retirement in 2019. Although several websites publish personal wealth estimates, his exact current net worth remains unclear. His retirement demonstrated that professional earnings were not his only priority, as he chose to focus on family responsibilities, religious activities, and community service.
Dewayne Dedmon’s Early Life
Dewayne Jamal Dedmon was born on August 12, 1989, in Lancaster, California. His mother was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness who initially discouraged organized basketball because of religious concerns. Consequently, Dedmon began competitive basketball unusually late, around age 18, before developing his abilities at Antelope Valley College and the University of Southern California.
Dewayne Dedmon’s NBA Career
Despite going undrafted in 2013, Dedmon eventually established himself as an NBA center. He played for several franchises, including Orlando, San Antonio, Atlanta, Sacramento, and Miami. Standing 6 feet 10 inches tall, he became known for rebounding, defensive positioning, and physical strength. His NBA career lasted until 2023, with averages of 6.3 points and 5.8 rebounds.
Dewayne Dedmon’s Family and Religion
Dedmon’s mother’s religious beliefs significantly influenced his childhood and early sporting opportunities. However, his upbringing should not be confused with a confirmed statement about his present religious affiliation. Unlike Darren Collison, Dedmon has not made a comparably well-documented public declaration identifying himself as a practicing Jehovah’s Witness during his professional basketball career.
Dewayne Dedmon’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
Dedmon earned substantial income through NBA contracts, including a three-year agreement worth approximately $40 million with Sacramento in 2019. His exact net worth in 2026 is not publicly established. His professional journey remains remarkable because he reached the NBA despite starting organized basketball much later than most professional players.
How Religion Influenced Their Careers
Religion played different roles in these athletes’ lives. Collison voluntarily left the NBA to prioritize his faith, while Granger’s religious upbringing remained part of his personal background. Dedmon experienced restrictions on organized basketball during childhood because of his mother’s beliefs. Their experiences illustrate how family values and personal decisions can influence sporting careers.
Where Are They Now?
Following his NBA career, Danny Granger pursued interests in real estate and basketball broadcasting. Darren Collison briefly returned to professional basketball after initially retiring for religious reasons. Dewayne Dedmon last appeared in the NBA in 2023. All three remain recognizable to basketball fans, although details about their current private lives are limited.
Social Media and Public Presence
Darren Collison has been associated with the X account @Darren_Collison, while Dewayne Dedmon’s Instagram profile has been listed as @d_dedmon3. Danny Granger maintains a comparatively limited public social media presence. Fans should verify account authenticity before relying on information shared through unofficial pages or fan accounts.
Why Is This Topic Popular?
Interest in former NBA players connected to Jehovah’s Witnesses increased after comedian Brittany Schmitt discussed an unnamed former basketball player in a comedy routine. Online speculation connected the story to Danny Granger, but the player’s identity was not publicly confirmed. Collison’s unusual retirement decision also continues attracting attention from fans interested in athletes’ personal beliefs.
Final Thoughts
The keyword ex NBA player Jehovah Witness highlights three different basketball journeys. Danny Granger experienced a religious upbringing, Darren Collison publicly prioritized his faith over professional basketball, and Dewayne Dedmon overcame early restrictions connected to his mother’s beliefs. Their stories demonstrate how religion, family, and personal choices can influence athletes both during and after their NBA careers.
Must Read: Luke Nichols Net Worth: How Much Has the Outdoor Boys Star Earned?
FAQs
Which former NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Darren Collison, Danny Granger, and Dewayne Dedmon are commonly associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, their religious backgrounds differ, with Collison openly identifying with the faith and Dedmon having a Jehovah’s Witness upbringing.
Why did Darren Collison leave the NBA?
Darren Collison retired in 2019 at age 31 to prioritize his family, religious ministry, and Jehovah’s Witness beliefs. He briefly returned to the NBA in December 2021.
Is Danny Granger a Jehovah’s Witness?
Danny Granger grew up in a Jehovah’s Witness family and was reportedly baptized in 2017, following his NBA career. He is also remembered for his successful years with the Indiana Pacers.
What is the net worth of these former NBA players?
Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon earned millions through NBA contracts. However, their exact individual net worth figures in 2026 have not been reliably established.
Is Dewayne Dedmon still playing in the NBA?
Dewayne Dedmon last played in the NBA in 2023. He is known for his defensive abilities and unusual journey into professional basketball after beginning organized competition at approximately 18 years old.
One Comment