Well, folks, if ya ever wondered if there were any Mormons in the NBA, I reckon I got somethin’ for ya. Now, don’t get me wrong, when ya think of basketball, folks usually think of big city boys with flashy moves, but there’s a good handful of Mormons who made their mark in the game, too. So, let me tell ya about some of them and what made ’em special. I ain’t got no fancy words, but I’ll make sure ya get the point.
1. Sam Merrill – From Utah to the Big League
Now, first up is Sam Merrill. This fella’s from Utah, where a lot of Mormons come from, ya know? Sam played for Utah State University, and then, by the luck of the draw, he got picked up in the NBA. Not only did he make it, but he was the last pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Some folks call that “Mr. Irrelevant,” but let me tell ya, Sam ain’t irrelevant at all. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks and even got himself a ring. Not bad for a small-town boy, eh?
2. Jimmer Fredette – The Three-Point Shooter
Next up, we got Jimmer Fredette. Now this boy was somethin’ else. He played for BYU, and I tell ya, the way he could shoot that ball from far out was like watchin’ a miracle. He was known for his three-pointers and even won a bunch of awards for bein’ the best college player around in 2011. He did his time in the NBA, too, although he didn’t stick for too long, but he made an impression. He went on to play overseas, and he’s still out there, shootin’ away, makin’ a name for himself across the world.
3. Thurl Bailey – A Big Man with Big Dreams
Then there’s Thurl Bailey, a big fella who played for the Utah Jazz for many years. Thurl was one of the first Mormon players to really make a splash in the NBA. I remember watchin’ him play, and he was a big ol’ guy who could get the job done. He didn’t just play the game, he did it with heart, and he stuck to his values, just like you’d expect from someone with his upbringing. Thurl was a solid player and even got himself a spot in the Utah Jazz hall of fame!
4. Danny Ainge – A Legend on the Court
Now, if you’re talkin’ about Mormon basketball players, you can’t leave out Danny Ainge. This fella played for the Boston Celtics, and he didn’t just play, he helped lead ’em to win championships! Danny’s one of the best, no doubt about it. He was a great player and then went on to be a top executive, managing the Celtics for years after he hung up his sneakers. He’s a legend in more ways than one.
5. Mike Smith – A Quiet but Effective Player
Mike Smith wasn’t the loudest player out there, but he sure was a steady one. He played for the Cleveland Cavaliers back in the day, and he wasn’t just about shootin’ hoops; he was about stickin’ to what he believed in. Mike was known for keepin’ a low profile and for his dedication to his faith, but don’t let that fool ya. When it came time to play, he gave it all he had. His career might not have been as flashy as some others, but he did a lot with what he had.
6. Scot Pollard – A Man with an Impressive ‘Do
Let’s talk about Scot Pollard, now. If you remember anything about Scot, it’s probably his wild hairstyles. This fella played for a few different teams in the NBA, including the Sacramento Kings, but honestly, it’s his hair that got him the most attention. He was always changin’ up his look, but he wasn’t just about looks. Scot was a tough player, and he played on some pretty good teams. Even though folks still talk about his hair, I reckon his skills on the court deserve some credit too.
7. Randy Wittman – A Coach Who Played
Randy Wittman wasn’t just a player, he also coached for a bit. He played for the Indiana Pacers and a few other teams, and after that, he took to coaching. But before all that, Randy was a solid point guard who helped his team get the ball where it needed to go. He wasn’t a superstar, but he was a good, dependable player who worked hard every game.
8. Chris Kaman – The Big Guy from the West
Now, Chris Kaman, he was one big fella, and he didn’t just use his size to block shots—he could score too. Played for a bunch of teams, like the Los Angeles Clippers and the New Orleans Hornets. His big ol’ frame helped him control the paint, and he had a solid career before he retired. Even though folks didn’t talk much about his faith, he’s another example of a Mormon makin’ it in the big leagues.
9. Michael Smith – A Standout Player
Michael Smith, now, he was known for his role as a solid player. Played a lot for the Chicago Bulls, and even though he wasn’t the star, he was one of them guys who always did what he was supposed to. You could count on him, and he stuck around for a few years in the NBA, making sure to stay true to his roots along the way.
10. Travis Hansen – A Player with Heart
Last but not least, let’s talk about Travis Hansen. He wasn’t one of the big stars, but Travis played for the Atlanta Hawks for a bit and then went on to play overseas. He was known for his heart on the court and for always giving 110%. Even though his time in the NBA was short, his passion for the game and his faith in the Lord kept him goin’ strong. A good fella, no doubt.
So, ya see, there’s a good bunch of Mormons who’ve made their way into the NBA. They come from all walks of life, but they all got somethin’ in common—dedication, hard work, and faith. They may not be the loudest or the flashiest players, but they sure do know how to play the game. And I reckon that’s somethin’ to be proud of, no matter where you come from.
Tags：[Mormon NBA Players, Mormon Basketball, Jimmer Fredette, Sam Merrill, Thurl Bailey, Danny Ainge, Scot Pollard, NBA History]
