In The New York Times, Alex Thompson reports on the decision of many Mormon athletes—including Jabari Parker, who was selected in this week’s N.B.A. draft—to not undertake a traditional Mormon mission. According to Thompson, many Mormon authorities argue that athletes can garner substantially more visibility for the Church through playing rather than going on a mission, although some high-profile athletes have still chosen to serve a mission before playing professionally. In a recent article explaining his decision, Parker wrote, “After talking with my family, my local church leaders and a couple close friends, I’m at peace with my decision to forgo a mission for now and join the N.B.A. I don’t consider myself an exception to the rule.”