Detroit Pistons fans are hoping the 2024-25 NBA season will be one in which shooting guard Jaden Ivey catapults himself into the All-Star discussion.
Yet before the season even starts, the third-year pro out of Purdue has already been given a much more significant identifier: the sign of salvation through the sacrament of baptism.
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Ivey revealed in an Instagram post on Monday that he was baptized this offseason, declaring that he’s “nothing without Jesus” and citing the Bible verses James 1:17 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” — James 1:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
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In addition to a photo of Ivey clapping as he rose from the water, the 22-year-old also included photos of his wife, Caitlyn, and their two children, Noah James and Shiloh Elizabeth. According to an Instagram post from Caitlyn, she too was baptized, and the baptisms occurred in June.
Caitlyn and Jaden were both college athletes at Purdue, and they both post frequently on social media about their faith in Christ. “Jesus is King” writes Caitlyn in her Instagram bio, while Jaden writes that “Jesus is Lord” in his.
And despite his high-profile job in the NBA, Jaden hasn’t sought to hide his faith from reporters. He concluded a press conference in March by referencing the Bible verse John 14:6.
“First, I just want to say that Jesus is the way, the truth, the life,” he said. “To anyone in the world that’s hearing this message, the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Jesus is coming back, and we all have to repent for our sins and we have to 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.”
Earlier in the press conference, Ivey spoke about his on-court improvement.
“I give all the glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving me these gifts,” he said, “and just being able to glorify Him in Heaven.”
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Ivey spoke about his faith while in college at Purdue as well. He was asked in March 2022 to reflect on his mother, Niele, coaching Notre Dame in the Women’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 at the same time as he was leading Purdue to the Men’s Sweet 16.
“We’re just super blessed to just be in this position,” Ivey said before Purdue’s first-round victory against Yale. “I just think it’s just what God’s done for us to put us in this position. You know, both of us are in March Madness right now. We’re doing what we love to do. It’s just a blessing.”
Earlier that March, Ivey told andscape.com that “I can only thank God for all the blessings that I have and that I still have yet to receive. … Just gradually working towards my goal, which is to be in the NBA. Just day by day, just trying to get better, staying patient with God’s plan.”
Ivey declared for the draft following Purdue’s run in the tournament, and while announcing his plans on X, he made sure to give glory to his Heavenly Father.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the game of basketball,” Ivey wrote. “He has given me the passion, confidence and drive to pursue this dream of mine.”
The Pistons selected Ivey No. 5 overall in 2022. In his two NBA seasons, he’s averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 29.9 minutes per game.
Under new coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Ivey and his Pistons teammates will try 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.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
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