“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” – Michael Jordan
There is an important lesson in that quote: physical skills get a player so far, but the mental aspect of the game takes the player to the finish line and beyond. Basketball IQ cannot be measured, and it doesn’t show up in a stat sheet. Yet the value of a player’s basketball IQ is endless and is the most powerful intangible in basketball.
While there are many definitions of basketball intelligence, the definition provided by HoopsU is clear and concise to interpret:
“Basketball IQ is having the ability to utilize the fundamentals of the game at a high level, understanding their teammate’s skills and be able to implement all of this knowledge on the basketball court.”
Let’s take a look at the top 10 players with the highest basketball IQ in the game today.
Honorable Mention: Tony Parker, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol and Kevin Love
*** *** ***
10. KEVIN GARNETT
Kevin Garnett has used his experience on the defensive end to expand his basketball IQ over the past several years. What made the Clippers want to make a deal with Boston to acquire Garnett over the offseason wasn’t his numbers that he fills out on the stat sheet. It was for the intangibles that he immediately brings to a team. One of his greatest intangibles is his basketball intelligence and how he uses it to impact his team. That’s what the Nets received in their successful trade with Boston this summer.
Let’s break down his numbers from last season with the Celtics. Garnett averaged 7.8 boards per game and 2.3 assists per game. He had a 14.4 assists percentage and a 15.5 rebounds percentage, to go along with a turnover ratio of 9.1 and a value added rating of 261.0, per ESPN.
According to 82games.com, when Garnett is on the court, the Celtics’ defense benefits with a net defensive rating of -9.4. KG’s defensive IQ is off the charts. He can read what the opponent is going to do by drawing on his experience and defensive prowess, and instantaneously adjust in order to make a stop.
Garnett is very vocal and adjusts his teammates on the court as he envisions. His work ethic ranks among the best in the league and he is known to be the first one on the court and the last one to leave. His pick-and-roll defense and ability to protect the rim have only improved as his basketball IQ has expanded. Brooklyn has to be very content on what KG brings to the stat sheet, but even more happy with what he’ll bring to the team as far as intangibles and basketball intelligence.
9. ANDRE MILLER
Andre Miller is one of the most underrated basketball players in the NBA, and has been for years now. A player can’t be that non-athletic and durable, yet have consistent success without a high basketball IQ His reaction time, awareness and passing skills that stem from his intelligence are all underrated in the league as well.
Let’s break down the numbers from Miller’s 2012-13 season with the Nuggets. Miller averaged 5.9 assists per game. Miller had a 32.2 assists percentage to go along with a turnover ratio of 12.5 and a value added rating of 150.6, per ESPN.
According to 82games.com, when Miller is on the court, the Nuggets’ offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) is a net -1.4. When he is on the court, the Nuggets’ have a net defensive rating of +0.9. The Nuggets shot an effective FG percentage of 51.4 with Miller on the floor, as opposed to shooting an EFG percentage of 51.7 with him on the bench.
His IQ and presence on the floor are not reflected is his on/off numbers as you must consider that Miller is a backup point guard for Denver’s Ty Lawson. When you watch Miller play, you see a player who understands how to be effective despite not having the skills or athleticism of other players around him. In Denver, he can demonstrate his passing abilities and court vision to create opportunities (especially with lob passes, where he’s the best in the league) for his teammates. Miller might fly under the radar for his skills and abilities, but don’t underestimate his intelligence of the game.
8. MANU GINOBILI
Manu Ginobili is coming off a season in which his age caught up to him. Despite his ailing hamstring, the Spurs wouldn’t have made the 2013 Finals without him. Entering into this season, his body and health will continue to limit his production. However, the 36-year-old backup shooting guard’s high basketball IQ will cover those deficiencies and allow him to remain effective.
Let’s break down the numbers from Manu’s 2012-13 season with the Western Conference champions Spurs. Manu averaged 4.6 assists per game. He had a 30.6 assists percentage to go along with a turnover ratio of 12.7 and a value added rating of 177.7, per ESPN.
According to 82games.com, when Ginobili is on the court, the Spurs’ offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) is a net +0.4. When he is on the court, the Spurs’ defense benefits with a net defensive rating of -1.4.
Ginobili’s court vision is so advanced that sometimes he thinks too far in advanced. This is why Manu can sometimes produce costly turnovers, as he did in Game 7 of the 2013 Finals. However, when his teammates are in pace with his intelligence, it is likely looking at a beautiful piece of art in action. On offense, he is so crafty with the ball, especially at the rim. He knows what defender is vulnerable and will attack to take advantage. He threads the needle like only a few can, and he is a reliable perimeter shooter to create space on the floor. His step-back jumper and pump-fakes to create space remains a threat for defenders. On defense, he is aggressive and is solid at closing out opponents. In general, his basketball IQ is so high and reliable that even coach Pop will let him draw-up a play during a timeout if he sees something others do not. His signature “Euro Step” stems from using his basketball IQ to figure out how to take advantage of the defense.
7. MARC GASOL
Little did we know that two-time champion Pau Gasol’s little brother would be this good. Marc has given his big brother a run for his money for being the best skilled big man in the league, and has arguably surpassed Pau for that title. Like his brother, Marc is extremely intelligent, particularly in half-court settings. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is in the top ranks of effectiveness and efficiency on both ends of the court, joining Tim Duncan.
Let’s break down the numbers from Marc’s superb season in 2012-13. Marc had a career-best in assists per game last season with 4.0 while also averaging 7.8 rebounds per game. He had a 19.1 assists percentage (career-high) to go along with a turnover ratio of 10.6 and a value added rating of 374.5 (third-highest among centers), per ESPN.
The Gasol brothers are both highly intelligent individuals on and off the court. Marc is rising into one of the best decision makers in the post that the game has to offer. He will recognize what play needs to be executed in order to yield the best result in a split second. Let me remind you that he is a center!
According to 82games.com, when Marc is on the court, the Grizzlies’ offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) is a net +4.2. When he is on the court, the Grizzlies’ defense benefits with a net defensive rating of -6.5.
Marc uses his body and strength to draw the defense in and create open shots or high percentage opportunities for his teammates. Per 82games.com, the Grizzlies shot an effective FG percentage of 47.9 with Marc on the floor, as opposed to shooting an EFG percentage of 45.9 with him on the bench.
Marc Gasol is proving that big men can have the decision-making skills and IQ of some of the best point guards in the league. His patience in the post and on the block and his playmaking skills at the elbow are incredible.
6. LeBRON JAMES
LeBron James is dominating the NBA right now. He is coming off his fourth regular season MVP award and his second-straight championship with the Miami Heat. LeBron has always been in the spotlight whether it was in times of success or failure. Yet, what has been perhaps the most interesting part of LeBron’s game to watch has been his evolving basketball intelligence.
Let’s break down the numbers from LeBron’s MVP year last season. LeBron had the second-best average in his career in assists per game last season with 7.3 while also averaging 8.0 boards per game (career-high). LeBron had a 36.4 assists percentage to go along with a turnover ratio of 9.6 (sixth-best among SFs) and a value added rating of 909.0 (first in NBA), per ESPN.
Over the past few years, LeBron has matured and emerged as the leader. Despite his positional advantage over opponents, LeBron continues to have a pass-first mentality, which benefits the production of his teammates. According to 82games.com, when LeBron is on the court, the Heat’s offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) is a net +11.5. When he is on the court, the Heat’s defense benefits with a net defensive rating of -3.6.
LeBron uses his athleticism, strength and improved threat in perimeter shooting to space the floor and stay one step ahead of the defense. Per 82games.com, the Heat shot an effective FG percentage of 56.1 with James on the floor, as opposed to shooting an EFG percentage of 52.9 with him on the bench.
LeBron James is a student of the game. He is arguably the most versatile player in the game because he can play any position on the court, and do it with success. He has become more vocal on the court and on the bench because he recognizes the weakness of the opponents, and knows how to take advantage. LeBron’s basketball abilities make him great; his basketball IQ makes him dominant.
5. RAJON RONDO
Rajon Rondo is simply a wizard on the court. His ability to fake-out defenders in a plethora of ways is mesmerizing to watch. Former teammate Brian Scalabrine called Rondo the smartest player that he has ever played with, saying, “He thinks the game like a coach. He thinks of the different types of offense that [he] can use early, that he won’t use late. He’s just on — intellectually, he’s just on a totally different level than any player I’ve ever seen.”
Let’s break down the numbers from Rondo last season. Rondo led the NBA in assists per game last season with 11.1 while also averaging a career-high 5.6 boards per game. Rondo had a 49.3 assists percentage (highest in his career), to go along with a turnover ratio of 13.8 and a value added rating of 151.2, per ESPN.
Rondo is the quarterback of Boston’s offense, knowing what play to make to deceive the defense. He also happens to be one of the best backcourt defenders in the league today.
There is no doubt that Rondo enhances the play of his teammates. While his on/off statistics may not show it, if you watch a game Rondo is in, there is no questioning his basketball IQ Per 82games.com, the Celtics shot an effective FG percentage of 49.4 with Rondo on the floor, as opposed to shooting an EFG percentage of 50.9 with him on the bench.
Rondo always looks at the bigger picture of the game. Mentally, he is not one, but two steps ahead of the defense. Rondo’s court vision is superb and he has a gift to see what needs to be adjusted while the game is going on. It doesn’t hurt that he is a triple-double threat on any given night, which is something the NBA and its fans will miss until Rondo returns from his ACL injury.
4. KOBE BRYANT
The Mamba has seen it all over the last 17 years in the NBA. He has heard the comparisons, experienced the lowest lows, and raised the Larry O’Brien trophy five times. His phenomenal basketball IQ has developed through experience and preparation. His talents and natural skills are envious, but what makes Kobe one of the greatest to ever step on the hardwood is mixing those talents and skills with his basketball intelligence.
Let’s break down the numbers from Bryant’s throwback year last season. Kobe tied his career-high in assists per game last season with 6.0 while also averaging 5.6 boards per game. Kobe had a 29.7 assists percentage (highest in his career), to go along with a turnover ratio of 10.9 and a value added rating of 566.4 (third in NBA), per ESPN.
Kobe’s leadership style has been debated over the years, but it’s hard to argue that Kobe’s basketball IQ doesn’t make his teammates better. According to 82games.com, when Kobe is on the court, the Lakers’ offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) is a net +7.7.
Kobe uses his experience and superior understanding of the game to predict what the defense will do in order to create the right play. Per 82games.com, the Lakers shot an effective FG percentage of 51.9 with Kobe on the floor, as opposed to shooting an EFG percentage of 48.7 with him on the bench.
Kobe’s footwork and technique is beautiful to watch. His ability to read the defense and his teammates and take advantage to outwit his opponent is the center point of his basketball IQ A huge focus on basketball IQ surrounds the player’s ability to make adjustments. Kobe is one of the best at adjusting his game to yield what’s best for the team, as he proved last season when he went on a stretch of transforming into a pass-first player. His ability to adjust will challenge him this season as he returns from Achilles surgery in April. We’ll see if the Black Mamba can strike with fury once again this season.
3. TIM DUNCAN
Tim Duncan is all about the fundamentals. That is the cornerstone of his game. When the league is turning into a showcase of athleticism, speed and flash, Duncan is a throwback to when the big men dominated the game. Using those fundamentals, Duncan displays an efficiency on both ends of the court that even point guards could only dream of.
Let’s break down the numbers from “The Big Fundamental” from last season. He ranked in the top 15 in the league in rebounds per game last season with 9.9. Timmy had a 19.1 total rebounding percentage to go along with a turnover ratio of 10.2 and a value added rating of 401.7 (12th in NBA), per ESPN.
What Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich have shown over the years has been that no matter who plays around Duncan, he anchors the team and makes them better. According to 82games.com, when Duncan is on the court, the Spurs’ offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) is a net +3.5. When he is on the court, the Spurs are better defensively as well, with a net defensive rating of -4.2.
Relying on his fundamentals and footwork, Duncan is a great post passer, and utilizing Pop’s system that relies on spacing and ball movement, Duncan will make the right play to get an open look for a teammate. Per 82games.com, the Spurs shot an effective FG percentage of 53.1 with Duncan on the floor, as opposed to shooting an EFG percentage of 53.0 with him on the bench. However, it is on the defensive end where he helps the team the most, altering the opponent’s EFG percentage by a net percentage of -3.0.
His stable focus on the play at hand is phenomenal. His post work is something that should be taught in basketball camps worldwide. His court vision and ability to read his opponents allow him to consistently make the right decision. The scary thing is that there are no signs of Duncan slowing down. It’s all about the fundamentals.
2. STEVE NASH
Steve Nash has dominated the top basketball IQ category for years. Despite turning 40 years old this season, Nash remains arguably the best pure passing point guard in the league. He has made an entire career at making his teammates into stars, such as Amar’e Stoudemire during their days in Phoenix together. Nash may be the best ballhandler in pick-and-roll sets of all time.
Let’s break down Nash’s numbers. Last season was the worst year in Nash’s career due to multiple injuries that lingered throughout the entire season. However, when he was on the floor, there was still no doubt he was the second-best conductor in Los Angeles (behind Chris Paul). His average in assists per game last season was 6.7. Nash had a 32.8 assists percentage (nearly 20 percentage points lower than the 2011-12 season) to go along with a turnover ratio of 12.8 and a value added rating of 121.4, per ESPN.
There is no question that Nash makes his teammates better, especially with the utilization of the pick-and-roll. For example, Nash made Marcin Gortat look like an All-Star on a nightly basis in 2011-12. According to 82games.com, when Steve Nash is on the court, the Lakers’ offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) is a net +0.5. When Nash is on the court, the Lakers have a net defensive rating of +1.6. In fairness to Nash, these numbers reflect a season hampered by injuries.
Per 82games.com, the Lakers shot an effective FG percentage of 51.8 with Nash on the floor, as opposed to shooting an EFG percentage of 50.7 with him on the bench.
This season, the expectation is that Nash’s individual numbers, and his teammates stats as well, will increase as the Lakers will run more of the traditional Mike D’Antoni offensive system and since the Lakers added more perimeter weapons this offseason.
Nash’s continued superior court vision, awareness, craftiness to get to the lane, plethora of pump fakes, phenomenal dribble penetration, hesitation moves, and shooting accuracy still places him near the top of the list despite his age and health problems. Physically, he isn’t the same, but mentally, he is as sharp as ever.
1. CHRIS PAUL
Chris Paul is not the best athlete in the game. He is not the best scorer either. So what makes Paul the best point guard in the league and a top five player in the NBA in general? It’s his intelligence, or basketball IQ, that separates him from other point guards and gives him the top spot on this list.
Let’s break down the numbers, shall we? He ranked second in the league in assists per game last season with 9.7. CP3 had a 46.5 assists percentage to go along with a turnover ratio of 8.7 (fifth-best in the league among point guards) and a value added rating of 537.7 (fifth-best in NBA), per ESPN.
What makes Paul take the cake in this list is his impact to his teammates. To put it simply, he makes everyone on his team better. According to 82games.com, when Chris Paul is on the court, the Clippers’ offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) is a net +11.9.
As the Clippers become a better perimeter shooting team, the more opportunity CP3 will have to create space and easy opportunities for the Clippers. Per 82games.com, the Clippers shot an effective FG percentage of 54.1 with Paul on the floor, as opposed to shooting an EFG percentage of 50.2 with Paul on the bench.
Chris Paul’s ability to read the defense and find an advantage at any given moment allows him to stay ahead of the defense continually. He uses his brilliant court vision, skills in the open floor, and ballhandling ability to setup the right play at the right time. Therefore, CP3 has already gone to work before the defense can react.
Who do you think is a player with an underrated basketball IQ?
Follow Elizabeth on Twitter at @gobibs.
Follow Dime on Twitter at @DimeMag.
Become a fan of Dime Magazine on Facebook HERE.
