What makes NBA players unique is their diversity. Many players in the professional basketball league come from different countries and continents and belong to different ethnic groups and religions.
For this reason, it is not surprising that several former NBA players are members of the Mormon Church. This article will list five such players as we will take a look at their respective careers, accolades and stats.
These former NBA players are members of the Mormon Church
1) Jimmer Fredette
Jimmer Fredette is one of several former NBA players who are Mormons. Fredette’s NBA career was relatively short, but he played for five different teams, appeared in 241 games, and averaged 6.0 points per game.
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The 6-foot-2 guard was a good shot, but his skills didn’t translate to the professional basketball league. The lack of playmaking and athleticism is a big reason the once-hyped guard is no longer in the NBA.
2) Scott Pollard
Many basketball fans remember Scott Pollard for his looks as he sported some interesting hairstyles. The 11-year NBA veteran is another Mormon and also won the basketball league championship.
Like Fredette, Pollard played for five different teams, including the Sacramento Kings. He was a useful big man, averaging 4.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game during his career.
The 6-foot-11 center won the ring with the Boston Celtics in 2008, the final year of his pro career.
3) Shawn Bradley
Shawn Bradley is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Although the 7-foot-6 player, who is also Mormon, never won a championship ring, he had a long and successful basketball career, averaging 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.
In 2021, the former NBA player suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Bradley was hit by a motorist while riding a bike causing this unfortunate incident.
4) Tom Chambers
Tom Chambers is perhaps the greatest Mormon player in NBA history. During his 16-year professional basketball career, the 6-foot-10 forward averaged 18.1 points and 6.1 rebounds.
The forward completed four All-Star Games and won the 1987 All-Star Game MVP award. Despite his incredible career, Chambers failed to win the championship ring. He played in the 1993 NBA Finals, but Michael Jordan defeated Chambers’ Phoenix Suns.
5) Jabari Parker
Jabari Parker used to be one of the most exciting players in the NBA. The 6-foot-8 forward drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks averaged 20.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in the third year of his career. Unfortunately, Parker’s injuries severely hampered his career.
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Despite being only 27, Parker is no longer in the league. He most recently played for the Boston Celtics, playing just 12 games in the 2021-22 season.
