Detroit Pistons fans are hoping the 2024-25 NBA season will be the one in which guard Jaden Ivey catapults himself into the All-Star conversation.
But before the season even begins, the third-year pro out of Purdue has already received a much more meaningful identifier: the sign of salvation through the sacrament of baptism.
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Ivey revealed in an Instagram post On Monday, he said he was baptized this offseason, declaring that he was “nothing without Jesus” and citing Bible verses James 1:17 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, who changeth not, even as the shadow of turning.” — James 1:17
““Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; all things have become new!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
Along with a photo of Ivey cheering as he exited the water, the 22-year-old also included photos of his wife, Caitlyn, and their two children, Noah James and Shiloh Elizabeth. From an Instagram post by CaitlynShe too was baptized, and the baptisms took place in June.
Caitlyn and Jaden were both varsity athletes at Purdue, and they both frequently post on social media about their faith in Christ. “Jesus is King,” Caitlyn writes in his Instagram biowhile Jaden writes that “Jesus is Lord” in his.
And despite his high-profile position in the NBA, Jaden has made no attempt to hide his faith from reporters. He concluded a press conference in March by referencing the Bible verse John 14:6.
“First of all, I just want to say that Jesus is the way, the truth, the life.” he said“To all who hear this message in the world, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Jesus is coming, and we all need to repent of our sins and put our faith in Jesus. He will come when you least expect it, and it is time to wake up if you have not put your faith in Jesus Christ.”
Earlier in the press conference, Ivey spoke about his improvement on the field.
“I give all the glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving me these gifts,” he said, “and for allowing me to glorify Him in heaven.”
Ivey has also spoken about his faith while at Purdue. In March 2022, he was asked to reflect on his mother, Niele, who was coaching Notre Dame to the women’s NCAA tournament Sweet 16 at the same time as he was leading Purdue to the men’s Sweet 16.
“We are very fortunate to be in this position,” Ivey said before Purdue’s first-round win over Yale. “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 to do. It’s just a blessing.”
Earlier in March, Ivey told andscape.com “I can only thank God for all the blessings that I have received and have not yet received. … I am working little by little towards my goal, which is to play in the NBA. Day by day, I try to improve, I remain patient with God’s plan.”
Ivey has spoken out in favor of the project After Purdue’s run in the tournament, and while announcing his plans on X, he made sure to give glory to his Heavenly Father.
“First of all, I would like to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play basketball,” Ivey wrote. “He gave me the passion, confidence and motivation to pursue my dream.”
The Pistons selected Ivey No. 5 overall in 2022. his two NBA seasonsHe is averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 29.9 minutes per game.
Under new coach JB Bickerstaff, Ivey and his Pistons teammates will look to post the franchise’s first winning season since 2015-16. Last season, the team won a franchise-low 14 gamesDetroit begins the regular season on October 23 at home against the Indiana Pacers.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Discover how you can dedicate your life to Him.
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