With all of the publicity and hype that goes with fame, it is inspiring to see men of faith not waiver from their convictions. The NBA has many active Christian basketball players that lead lives as servants. From charity giving to speaking the truth these men are impacting children and adults worldwide by spreading the love of Christ.
Dwight Howard is a center-forward for the Houston Rockets. He is by far one of the most vocal athletes in the NBA about his faith! When asked about using his platform to affect lives he said,
“I’m down to earth. I’m laid back. I just like to make sure people smile. Everybody needs to realize that it doesn’t matter how old you are or how young you are, you still can be a Christian and live for God. It’s not easy but that’s why we have God’s word and He forgives us when we do something we shouldn’t be doing. You know, God sent His son to die for us and He paid that sacrifice so you can go to Heaven.”
Chris Paul is a point guard for the Los Angeles Clippers. He has had his fair share of public failures when he had an affair and was then traded from the Hornets to the Clippers. His response to getting through this extremely tough time was through prayer. Failures don’t make the man, his response to them does and Chris outshined his failure by going to God.
Linsanity has come and gone, but Jeremy’s faith has remained solid! Former NY Knick, now Houston Rockets guard, is one of the most vocal men you will find in the NBA about his faith in God.
Dwyane Wade is a guard for the Miami Heat and he is definitely vocal about his faith. He even picked number 3 for his jersey to represent the trinity. He also tithes regularly and gives to many different charities.
Kevin Durant plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder and not only is he their star player; he is on fire for Christ! In an interview, Kevin stated his faith in a real, transparent way. He said,
“I’m not perfect at all by any means. I’ve got a long way to go to become closer to the Lord but hopefully I can continue to stay on the path. I might take a few steps forward and take a couple steps back and take some steps forward, but I want to get better.”
Nate Robinson is a guard for the Denver Nuggets. He is definitely an encourager. Back when he played for the Golden State Warriors he encouraged Houston Rockets’ Terrence Williams through Twitter by saying,
“Just stay ready bro; God will bless you, trust me. I play the way I do because God blessed me and I represent for those who get looked over.”
Derek Fisher is a point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His faith is solid and he is vocal about it. He told the 700 Club,
“God blessed me with an ability to play this game very well. So then, in response to that, to show Him that I appreciate that blessing, I’m supposed to try to be the best at playing the game of basketball. I know all of it is because of Him. There’s no question about it. The source of my power and strength is God, and I know it, without a shadow of a doubt.”
Richard Jefferson is a small forward for the Utah Jazz. He is as confident in his faith as he is on the court. He lives by Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” That is why he said,
"When I step out on the court I don't believe there's anybody I can't guard, I don't believe there's a shot I can't make."
Michael Redd plays guard for the Phoenix Suns. He like the rest mentioned is very dedicated to his faith. He remained celibate until he married his wife. He said about his faith,
“It’s not just to play basketball but it’s to show who Christ really is. That’s my goal. It’s not necessarily to win a championship every year, which would be wonderful, it would be wonderful and that’s why I play, but I think ultimate success is if someone says what must I do to be saved? That’s the ultimate success. It’s an awesome responsibility but at the same time I love it, I love it.”
Blake Griffin plays forward for the LA Clippers. His family growing up was from a strong Christian background. His parents homeschooled him and that gave them the ability to instill core Christian values into him. Blake’s dad said,
"Homeschool helped them a lot because it gave them a foundation. We've deviated (in America) from our past to where we are right now. Here's a nation founded on the opportunity for freedom of religion, and every time you look around, there's people saying God has to be taken out of this, out of this."
These are 10 of the most vocal and active Christians in the NBA today. They have a great opportunity to be role models for Christ and I know I am thankful for their boldness! God bless you all!