Summer 2024

Pistons Anthony Tolliver says he plays basketball to glorify God

Pistons forward Anthony Tolliver has been through it all in his 10-year NBA career. He’s played on good teams, bad teams and everything in between. He’s played for nine different teams, including three separate stints with Detroit, where he’s settled in now as a key contributor off the bench for a team that looks like it’ll be competing for a berth in the postseason this year.

Tolliver has averaged 7.9 points per game in 49 games for the Pistons this season, and on Monday night, his 15 points and seven rebounds helped the Pistons to a 111-91 win over Portland, Detroit’s fourth win in a row.

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Tolliver told Active Faith recently that he believes his gifts as a basketball player come from above and wants to use his NBA status as a way to shine the light back on Christ. “I really felt that God was calling me to become the best basketball player I can be and get on this stage and really glorify Him.”

Tolliver’s Christian testimony started when he was in middle school. “My relationship with Christ started when I was about 12 years old,” he said. “Went to church one day and that day forever changed my life. I was actually listening to what the pastor was saying and it just touched me. Ever since then, I’ve been a follower. Ever since I came to Christ at the age of 12, it’s been a relationship. It’s had ups and downs. There’s always going to be obstacles, things that will try to trip you up.”

Tolliver shared his entire faith testimony with Active Faith. 

Tolliver says no matter the ups and downs of life, he leans on Proverbs 3:5-6 to keep him going.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

The Pistons are currently 26-26, ninth in the Eastern Conference, but with the acquisition of All-Star Blake Griffin from the Clippers, Detroit has won four in a row and is looking to be a tough out come playoff time.

Related links:
– Celtics rookie Semi Ojeleye shares Bible verses as source of encouragement
– Rockets Ryan Anderson praises God in both triumph and tragedy
– Former NBA Player Michael Redd purchased church for Father