The Daily Wire announced Monday morning that NBA star and outspoken Christian Jonathan Isaac will publish his first book with the media company’s imprint, DW Books. Isaac was the sixth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, taken by Orlando Magic. In July of 2020, he was one of the only the NBA players to stand for the national anthem as other players kneeled during league-wide demonstrations for the Black Lives Matter movement. The book titled, “Why I Stand,” shares Isaac’s story of how, through a series of divine connections and unwavering faith, he found the courage to stand for his beliefs in the face of unprecedented pressure to follow the crowd.
“This book is the story of how my experiences and faith have shaped who I am and my perspective on the world,” Isaac said in a press release issued by The Daily Wire on Monday. “In a time where our country needs men and women willing to stand for freedom of thought, personal medical decisions, and biblical values, courage could not be more paramount. In this book, I’m going to tell the story of why I chose to stand. I hope it inspires others to do the same.”
During the summer of 2020, NBA players and teams wholeheartedly embraced the BLM movement, donning slogans and other messages of support on NBA floors and jerseys for the left-wing movement. One of the key demonstrations was kneeling during the national anthem.
Isaac opted not to, and was the first player to continue standing for the Star-Spangled Banner, telling media at the time that his Christian faith “absolutely” informed his decision:
“…A lot went into my decision and part of it is my thought that kneeling or wearing a black lives matter t-shirt don’t go hand in hand with supporting black lives.”
He continued, “My life has been supported by the gospel of Jesus Christ,. Everyone is made in the image of God and we all share in His glory. Each and every one of us each and every day do things we shouldn’t do. We say things we shouldn’t say. We hate and dislike people that we shouldn’t hate and dislike. And sometimes it gets to the point where we point fingers about whose evil is worse, and sometimes it comes down to simply whose evil is most visible.”
“I felt like I wanted just to take a stand on — I felt like we all make mistakes but I think the gospel of Jesus Christ is that there’s grace for us. And that Jesus came and died for our sins. And that we all will come to an understanding of that and that God wants to have a relationship with us.”
“Why I Stand” goes on sale in May 2022 in hardcover, e-book, and audio formats and invites readers to walk beside him in his personal growth journey from struggling with overwhelming fear and insecurity to being willing to face the world.
The 6’11” Orlando Magic forward offers readers a playbook on fostering the courage to overcome fear while illuminating his answer for an increasingly divided world — all through his riveting personal story.
“We’re honored to have Jonathan Isaac join us as one of DW Book’s first authors. His faith in God, love of country, and personal courage have already inspired millions of Americans and we cannot wait to share his story with our members and the rest of the world,” Daily Wire co-founder and best-selling author Ben Shapiro said.
In addition to Isaac’s book, The Daily Wire’s new imprint will include a slate of notable titles, including releases from Shapiro, Daily Wire host Candace Owens, and actress Gina Carano.
Pre-order “Why I Stand” here.