NBA Players With The Highest Basketball IQ

In the current landscape of the NBA, a select group of players stands out not just for their physical prowess or scoring ability but for their exceptional basketball IQ, a quality that separates the great from the extraordinary. Current players that have elite basketball IQ include LeBron James, the oldest player in the league, along with other superstars such as Luka Doncic who are bonafide triple-double threats.

As we delve into the present era of professional basketball, it becomes evident that these players contribute with points on the scoreboard and across the board. Here are all the NBA players with the highest basketball IQ right now, divided into tiers.

Tier 1 

LeBron James, Nikola Jokic

Welcome to the creme de la creme of basketball IQ, where LeBron James and Nikola Jokic reign supreme in Tier 1. LeBron, the ageless wonder who is 39 years old, brings a level of court awareness that's practically unprecedented. His ability to dissect defenses, thread the needle with pinpoint passes, and seamlessly switch between scoring and facilitating is a spectacle in itself. This has been the case since James became an All-Star in his second season, and his numbers prove how dominant he is by posting 24.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game.

Along with James in Tier 1 is Nikola Jokic, the Joker of the Denver Nuggets, who's turning the center position into an art form. His court vision is not something you'd expect from a big man – it's more Magic Johnson than traditional center. Jokic's passing is a revelation, a game-changer that blurs the lines between positions. Jokic leads the NBA in triple-doubles this season (13) and is posting a near triple-double on the stat sheet (26.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, 9.0 assists per game) despite having nearly zero athleticism beyond size.

Tier 2 

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Tyrese Haliburton

Tier 2 brings together a captivating mix of talent and basketball acumen who are superstars when it comes to knowledge of the game and overall impact. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-way force with an ever-expanding skill set. His ability to read defenses, make timely decisions, and dominate in transition adds a layer of high basketball IQ to his physical prowess. The two-time MVP and former Defensive Player of the Year can do it all and is the best all-around player in the world when looking at the impact on both ends of the court.

Stephen Curry, the maestro of the three-point revolution, is not just a shooter; he's a basketball savant. His off-ball movement, court awareness, and decision-making make him a constant threat. While his threes captivate the fans, it’s his off-ball movement and dribbling that sets him apart from the rest. Curry knows how defenses get lulled to sleep and how he can capitalize, a reason why he is posting 26.8 points per game this season at nearly 36 years old.

Luka Doncic, the young prodigy, possesses a basketball IQ well beyond his years. His vision, passing, and understanding of the game contribute to his triple-double capabilities. He can score 73 points in a single game, post a near-triple-double for the season (34.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 9.2 assists), and draw triple teams every possession. More often than not, the 24-year-old will make the right play.

Finally, Tyrese Haliburton, the rising star, has quickly made a name for himself with his mature decision-making, efficient playmaking, and defensive instincts. The modern version of Steve Nash, Haliburton is the premier playmaker in the league this season by posting 12.6 assists per game and he is doing it by only turning the ball over 2.5 times per game which is extraordinary.

Tier 3 

James Harden, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Tier 3 assembles a star-studded cast of players with exceptional basketball IQ, each bringing a unique skill set to the table. James Harden, the maestro of scoring and playmaking, utilizes his crafty moves and court vision to outsmart opponents. Even if he is often criticized for dribbling the ball too much and taking difficult step-back threes, he knows how to slice through defenses even as he is past his prime. He led the NBA in assists last year (10.7) and is a player with three scoring titles and two assist titles on his resume.

Chris Paul, the Point God, orchestrates offenses with surgical precision, showcasing a masterful understanding of tempo and decision-making. If this was a few years ago, Paul has a case for being in Tier 2 or possibly Tier 1, but age and attrition have slowly caught up to the floor general. He has still seen every defense in NBA history and can be a difference-maker when he has the ball and sets up teammates, holding an impressive five assist titles on his resume.

A four-time scoring champion, Kevin Durant combines his offensive prowess with a keen basketball mind, reading defenses and making clutch plays. Durant’s basketball IQ is centered around his scoring, but that doesn’t mean he can’t rebound or pass either. The superstar forward is a basketball genius and the way he can score against defenses with quick dribble moves and an explosive first step is truly mesmerizing.

Jimmy Butler, the embodiment of grit and leadership, employs a high IQ on both ends, creating opportunities and locking down defensively. Butler is not a flashy player, prefers to take his game to another level in the playoffs, and competes to win. He knows how to impact the game defensively and that is down to pure basketball IQ, and he also knows his limitations on offense and how to be the driving force behind the Miami Heat.

Kawhi Leonard is known for his stoic demeanor and high-level decision-making, particularly in critical moments. Leonard plays at his own pace, never rushes, and has an impact reminiscent of the great Michael Jordan in some cases. With large hands, a powerful body, and an elite two-way IQ, Leonard is a genius on the court and we are blessed every time he stays healthy. This season, Leonard is back to his best by averaging 23.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

A rising superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander displays a mature understanding of the game, blending scoring, playmaking, and defensive instincts. He looks to be ready to make another All-NBA First Team selection, posting 31.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game this season. Gilgeous-Alexander is a bonafide superstar and a top-five player in the world right now, and his basketball IQ is truly elite.

Tier 4 

Joel Embiid, Jalen Brunson, Jrue Holiday, De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Trae Young, Draymond Green, Paul George

Tier 4 brings together a diverse mix of players, each contributing a distinctive flavor of basketball IQ to the court. Joel Embiid, the dominant big man for the Philadelphia 76ers, demonstrates a versatile basketball IQ, both in the post and with his ability to stretch the floor. The reigning MVP and the leading scorer in the NBA right now (36.0), Embiid has been arguably the best performer in the league and he continues to show why he is truly elite on both ends of the court. If the big man can get it done in the playoffs as he has been doing in the regular season, the center will prove his IQ is on the level of the very elite.

Jalen Brunson, the crafty guard for the New York Knicks, exemplifies basketball smarts with his efficient decision-making and ability to control the tempo. Possibly an All-Star starter snub this season, Brunson is an excellent point guard who is having a career year posting 26.5 points and 6.4 assists per game.

Jrue Holiday, the defensive maestro for the Boston Celtics, showcases a high basketball IQ on both ends of the floor, making crucial plays and orchestrating the offense. As he is older at 33 years old, Holiday won’t put up high-octane numbers offensively but he is a winning player and he could be the difference in the Celtics’ season just as he was in the Bucks’ season in 2021.

De'Aaron Fox, the speedy point guard of the Sacramento Kings, combines his athleticism with a growing understanding of the game, particularly in transition and playmaking. Fox has immensely improved his game, posting 27.5 points and 5.6 assists this season, and continues to be a difference-maker on the court when he has the ball. Fox’s ascension is the reason why the Kings have become a strong team in the West.

Domantas Sabonis, the son of Arvydas Sabonis who was a legend renowned for a high basketball IQ, combines basketball smarts with an impressive passing ability that transcends his position. He dominates the board, scores inside, and swallows rebounds for the Sacramento Kings. Posting 20.0 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, Sabonis is an elite center and his IQ is off the charts.

Trae Young uses his court vision and scoring prowess to keep defenders guessing. He is a superstar offensive player, even if his defense often holds him back from true superstar status. To be fair, Young is only 6’1” and 164 lbs so he is limited in what he can do on both ends of the floor but he is an exceptional scorer and passer. However, Young does get criticism for being a heavy-usage player and his love of deep threes decreases his efficiency slightly.

Draymond Green, the linchpin of the Golden State Warriors defense, is a cerebral force, influencing the game with his passing, defense, and basketball IQ. Even if his behavior this season does not support this case, Green understands the game and how to be a difference-maker through hustle, defense, and playmaking. Make no mistake, as crazy as it sounds, the Warriors do not win four titles without Draymond Green.

A smooth player with an excellent all-around game, Paul George blends scoring with a strategic understanding of the game, making him a well-rounded contributor. He is averaging 23.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 41.7% from three this season and is contributing defensively at the same level. George is considered the second option on the Clippers but his IQ is truly elite.

Tier 5 

Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, Fred VanVleet, LaMelo Ball, Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, DeMar DeRozan, Tyrese Maxey, Derrick White

Tier 5 presents a captivating mix of players, each with a distinctive basketball IQ that contributes to their team's success. Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics' versatile forward, showcases a nuanced understanding of scoring and shot creation. Tatum continues to improve his game and his basketball IQ could take another leap as he learns how defenses force him into turnovers. Once Tatum improves his late-game decision-making, he could reach another level as a superstar.

Damian Lillard combines deep shooting with a high-level basketball intelligence that shines in crucial moments. He already has a game-winner this season and is a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star Team. Lillard does tend to fall in love with threes a bit more than we like since he is elite at attacking the rim and his defense comes and goes, meaning he does have to remain in Tier 5 no matter how dominant he is offensively.

Ja Morant, the explosive point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, displays a mature understanding of pace, playmaking, and finishing around the rim. Morant is unfortunately out for the season due to shoulder surgery but his impact is truly exceptional. Morant has averaged at least 25 points and 6 assists for three straight seasons and we could be looking at the best point guard in the world in short order.

Fred VanVleet displays a basketball IQ that goes beyond his size, impacting the game on both ends with smart decisions and relentless defense. VanVleet has helped change the Houston Rockets’ culture, and the way he plays the game makes him a difference-maker with the ball. The guard makes the right plays, does not have an ego, and is a natural leader which all come into play when discussing basketball IQ.

LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets' dynamic youngster, exhibits a natural floor leadership ability, orchestrating the offense with flair and creativity. He is averaging 23.9 points and 8.0 assists per game this season and is showing a deep understanding of how to manipulate defenses. As he continues to improve his field-goal percentage (career 42.7%), Ball will become a more efficient and effective player and that will translate into a higher basketball IQ.

Mike Conley, an experienced floor general, exemplifies savvy decision-making and leadership. At 36 years old, Conley has been there and done that and is a difference-maker for the Timberwolves when he plays. He is solid defensively, makes the right passes, and is an elite shooter who is posting 10.9 points and 6.4 assists per game on 43.9% from three this season.

Donovan Mitchell demonstrates a keen awareness of defensive schemes and offensive intricacies. Sure, he gets by at an All-Star level due to his shooting and athleticism, but he knows what to expect from defenses and how to score against the best of them. Mitchell’s performances in the postseason have been criticized so that will be his next step to improvement.

DeMar DeRozan, at 34 years old, uses his high basketball IQ to navigate defenses and create scoring opportunities. His IQ mainly comes to scoring the ball near the rim or from the perimeter, posting 22.1 points and 5.4 assists per game this season, and is one of the best one-on-one players in the world.

Tyrese Maxey, the rising star for the Philadelphia 76ers, brings a blend of scoring and decision-making that belies his youth. Maxey knows how quick he is and is using that to his advantage, averaging 25.7 points and 6.6 assists per game while being a major contender for his first All-Star appearance.

One of the most underrated players in the league, Derrick White is a versatile guard, who showcases defensive intelligence and efficient playmaking. White never takes bad shots, competes on defense, and is very clever in scoring around the rim. The days with the Spurs under Gregg Popovich helped mold the guard into an impact player for the Boston Celtics.