From Ball to Faith: Andrew Lang’s Road to Chaplaincy

Andrew Lang’s unique transformation from a seasoned professional NBA player to a chaplain was an unexpected one. He was known as a skilled shotblocker, averaging 1.5 blocks per game during his 12 year NBA career. Lang played center for several teams, including the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks, before finishing his career with the New York Knicks. Lang’s end in the NBA brought him closer to his faith, leading him to pursue a new career as a chaplain.

Andrew Lang Basketball card for the Atlanta Hawks (Topps)

The Knicks acquired free agent Lang in an attempt to strengthen the team’s frontlines in the 1999-2000 season without injured center Patrick Ewing. This came as a shocking revelation to Knicks fans, as Lang previously collided with Ewing in 1997, causing Ewing to suffer a dislocated bone as well as several torn ligaments in the right wrist. By 1999, the Knicks looked to Lang to fill the gap Ewing left, who had sustained an achilles injury.

“We have added another legitimate low-post player to our roster with the signing of Andrew Lang,'' General Manager Scott Layden said to the New York Times in 1999. ''His presence solidifies our frontcourt for the start of the season.”

Nonetheless, after playing only 19 games, Lang retired after the season. He chose to completely change professions and play a deeper part in Christianity as an evangelist. It was following a service that took place before a basketball game in which Lang found his true passion for chaplaincy.

“As a player, I always attended chapel services. Then, after I obtained my ministerial license, I was invited to speak at a chapel before a game. I began to really enjoy doing it because it kept me close to the game, which I really love,” Lang said in an interview with the Atlanta Hawks in 2005.

The Hawks offered Lang a position as team chaplain in 2003. Through his work, he was able to maintain a strong connection to basketball, but in a different form. Lang related to the players’ struggles by helping them feel more comfortable with sharing their own experiences. Lang’s own encounters also allowed him to better guide and encourage current players.

As a chaplain, Lang now holds chapel service before every home game. Players are given the opportunity to pray and talk about problems. Since the NBA is such a serious business, players can put their trust in people like Lang for guidance. Through his job, Lang is able to provide counsel for those struggling to cope with being in such public positions, helping many to stay positive both mentally and physically.