As NBA Chaplains, we all have some unforgettable experiences. While I was with the Timberwolves, we had the honor of performing funeral services for a fan and a grieving family on behalf of the team. I’ve had players join me and my family at gospel concerts. One remarkable moment occurred during a year when no one from our team attended chapel. After a few nights of this, I felt compelled to spend the chapel time praying for the team, even if the room was empty. We did this for the entire season. The following year, on the first game of the season, we walked into chapel and found the General Manager there. Remarkably, he attended every game night chapel that season. It was incredible to witness the Lord answering our prayers and fulfilling the mission He had set for us.  

Another memorable experience was when I first started as a chaplain. My former boss, Trent Tucker, invited me to Michael Jordan’s golf tournament in the Bahamas. Upon arrival, we went to greet MJ. As we walked past numerous well-known players and celebrities, we eventually entered a private room. Inside were only six people: Trent, his significant other, myself, MJ, and President Clinton. I was in awe and disbelief, feeling out of place. But then, I heard a voice within me say, “Yes, you do belong here, Damon, because you are representing me.”

As a chaplain, we often encounter players going through difficult times or crises, and it is our role to provide emotional and spiritual support. It’s about reminding them of God’s grace, mercy, and love, which are not dependent on our or their performance but solely on God’s character and forgiveness. We see them as regular individuals who experience both successes and failures, but through it all, God remains constant. It’s not about what others say, but what the Lord says. We remind our guys that there is always a purpose and plan, and that their purpose goes beyond basketball.  At the end of the day when we face our Lord face to face, he won’t be worried about our stats.   So it is a reminder that God has built them for more and has greater plans for them. Our presence is about offering love and encouragement in all areas of life, providing reminders of God’s promises and scriptures, and being there to pray. Ultimately, we all must trust—regardless of money, fame, or possessions, it always comes down to trust. By being vulnerable and sharing our stories, testimonies, and moments of trust, we can relate to and support them, during the good, but especially during tough times.

Damon Gunn

Houston Rockets Chaplain and BCI Board of Directors

Our time in Las Vegas was absolutely phenomenal where we strengthened our relationships with old friends and created new connections within the pro basketball industry. We hosted the NBA Team Chaplains for their annual planning meeting. We believe the stronger they are as a unit the greater their impact on the League becomes. The warm reception they received from the teams at the arena was heartwarming.

 On Monday morning we were treated to a screening of the movie, The Forge. It’s a powerful movie about a young man, one year out of high school with no plans for his future, He is challenged by his single mom and a successful businessman to start charting a better course for his life. Through the prayers of his mother and biblical discipleship from his new mentor, this young man begins to discover that God’s purpose for his life is so much more than he could hope for or imagine. It will be exclusively in theaters August 23. You can view the trailer here. 

This year, we once again reserved a suite at the Thomas & Mack Center on Monday, July 15th. From 3:00 to 9:30PM, the suite buzzed with activity, to the point that people stood outside on the concourse, eager to join in. One of our BCI Board members remarked, “At one point, there were so many people that players were stopping by, wondering what was going on.” A member of our REWire Leadership Team referred to it as “home base” for players and industry individuals. We were deeply humbled and grateful to see this comment in the REWire Network App: “Man, what a blessing to connect with everyone yesterday!!! Thank you so much for what you are doing to impact our lives and the lives of so many more. God is faithful.” 

The excitement didn’t end at the Thomas & Mack Center, as on Tuesday we hosted the REWire Network/Pro Basketball Chaplains Luncheon at Ferraro’s Ristorante. Attendees were treated to an inspiring keynote address by Phil Cullen, Senior Director of Organizational Development and Basketball Operations for the San Antonio Spurs, who shared his invaluable insights and experiences about the game and his faith. Following his talk, a panel featuring Doug Lee, Kenyon Murray, Bart Dick and Bryann Trejo engaged in a profound discussion about the intersection of faith and sport in their lives, as well as in the lives of the athletes. Their perspective offered a unique glimpse into how faith and athleticism can coalesce to create powerful and transformative experiences both on and off the court.