NBA star Jaden Ivey is baptized: “Nothing without Jesus”

Published: August 22, 2024

NBA star is baptized: “Nothing without Jesus”

By Movieguide® Contributor

Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey is about to enter his third professional year, but has decided to be baptized before the start of the season.

In a post on Instagram, he shared several photos of his baptism. “NOTHING WITHOUT JESUS,” he explained.

Ivey also added two Bible verses. The first is 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.”

The second verse is James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, from the Father of the heavenly lights. He does not change like the shifting shadows.”

Ivey was accompanied by his wife Caitlyn and the two were baptized together.

“A new life ✝️ Mark 16:16,” she posted along with photos from that day.

This is not the first time the athlete has spoken openly about his faith. At a Detroit Pistons press conference, Ivey referred to John 14:6.

“First of all, I just want to say that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life,” he told reporters. “For anyone in the world who hears this message, the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus is coming back, and we all need to repent of our sins and put our faith in Jesus. He will come back when you least expect it, and it’s time to wake up if you haven’t put your faith in Jesus Christ.”

“I give all glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for these gifts,” he said earlier at the press conference, “and for being able to praise him in heaven.”

“The Pistons selected Ivey with the No. 5 overall pick in 2022. In his two NBA seasons, he has averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 29.9 minutes per game,” Sports Spectrum reported of his NBA career. “Under new coach JB Bickerstaff, Ivey and his Pistons teammates will look to deliver the first winning season for the franchise since 2015-16. Last season, the team won a franchise-low 14 games. Detroit begins the regular season on Oct. 23 at home against the Indiana Pacers.”

For more inspiring sports stories, visit Sports spectrum.

Movieguide® previously reported on Ivey’s faith and his relationship with his mother:

In 2022, ahead of their first NCAA Tournament appearance, he talked about the possibility for him and his mother to play and coach in their first-ever NCAA Tournament.

His mother, Niele Ivey, is the head coach of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team.

When asked what it’s like watching each other’s games, he said, “We’re just super blessed to be in this position. I think it’s just what God did for us to put us in this position. You know, we’re both in March Madness right now. We’re doing what we love. It’s just a blessing.”

“Obviously, I won’t have her in the stands, but I know she’ll be cheering me on, and I’ll be cheering her on,” Ivey added. “You know, I don’t want to see her — I want her to go far, so I don’t want to see her in the stands, and I know she doesn’t want to see me in the stands. I’m just so happy to be here, and I know she’s super excited to start her journey, too.”

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