NBA players are required to have not just physical fitness but also sharp mental fitness. Players with high basketball IQs can have a lot of positive impact on the team off and on-court. They have the ability to lead the team to a high level with their unique gameplay and skills. Let’s look at some top NBA champs with the highest IQ.
Top 10 NBA Players With Highest IQs
10. James Harden
The 10-time All-Star, James Harden, is known for controlling the floor with his presence of mind. Harden has been the 2017-2018 MVP and led the league in assists twice in 2017 (Houston Rockets) and 2023 (Philadelphia 76ers). He has also been among the top five leaders yearly, proving his skills as an All-Star NBA player. While Harden may not be the best with his defensive skills, he has still managed to have a 1.5 steals-per-game record throughout his career.
9. Trae Young
The Atlanta Hawks Trae Young is just 24 years old and is already a crucial player in the team. The 6’1 point guard has been with the Hawks for five seasons and has become a fundamental part of the team with his significant contribution. In Young’s third year, Hawks reached the NBA Eastern Conference finals. He has proven his scoring skills with every game and has also improved his assist average with each season.
8. Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday is one of the most underrated NBA players who knows how to read the opponents and adapt quickly. His ability to compose his teammates in times of stress has earned him a lot of respect from his colleagues. Holiday’s underrated skills and techniques have won him NBA Teammate of the Year thrice. The Milwaukee Bucks‘ point guard gives it his all to the team every time, despite being an underappreciated player.
7. Tyrese Haliburton
Despite not having the right manpower around him, Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton has delivered a great performance by himself. The 23-year-old NBA player delivered a 35-win season for Indiana Pacers while the Pacers were revamping their team. If Haliburton is capable of carrying the Pacers with little to no firepower, it is only a matter of time until the management finds suitable teammates to give Haliburton what he needs to channel his abilities.
6. Steph Curry
There is simply no doubt as to what Steph Curry is capable of on the court. The 35-year-old has proven time and again how well he understands the game and his ability to quickly adapt to the moment. He is one of the best NBA players of his time and there’s simply no denying that. The four-time NBA champion is known for his gracious three-point shootings and is also well-versed in beating the defence with his agility.
https://youtu.be/Emon5ASvEr4
5. Draymond Green
No matter what Draymond Green’s statistics may reflect, the defensive genius is a crucial team player for the Golden State Warriors. Those who have seen Green’s game on the court will not deny his presence and impact. Green understands and feels the game like none other of his mates and that is why the Warriors did not let him walk away during the free agency.
4. Luka Doncic
Slovenian basketball player, Luka Doncic is one of those NBA players known for his charm off the court and on the court. The Dallas Mavericks player is a crowd favourite not only for his basketball skills but also for his on-court awareness. The Luka Magic just needs a bit of extra charm with NBA players who can help him really bring out his skills.
3. LeBron James
The four-time NBA champion is undoubtedly among the best NBA players list. LeBron James knows the game inside and out. The legendary player has proven his worth both on and off the court. The 38-year-old NBA champion remains a threat to many players who are on top of their game. His calculated moves, physical fitness, and mental strength are all big contributors to his long and successful career.
2. Chris Paul
Golden State Warriors’ Chris Paul is one of those NBA players whose position has been doubted several times by fans. However, the 38-year-old has time and proved haters wrong with his ability to control the floor and the defence. Even Curry has expressed his thoughts about Paul’s importance in the team.
“It’s one of those (moves) where it makes sense in the sense of understanding who [Chris Paul] is as a player and what he can do for our team and our depth,
our versatility and being able to have a couple different looks, especially offensively. He connects a lot of rotations and lineups that we can have out there.”
https://youtu.be/sSyK6vcliYc
1. Nikola Jokic
There is no reason to doubt Nikola Jokic‘s ranking on this list. The Siberian NBA player successfully led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever championship in 2023. The 28-year-old MVP is just getting started and there’s a lot more to come from him. Jokic’s smart moves and aggression on the court prove that he is one of the best NBA players at the moment.
