In today’s NBA scene, a limited set of players stand out not only for their physical strength or scoring ability, but also for their excellent basketball IQ, which distinguishes the great from the extraordinary.
Current players with great basketball IQ include the league’s oldest player, LeBron James, as well as other superstars like Luka Doncic, who are legitimate triple-double threats.
As we progress through the current era of professional basketball, it becomes clear that these players produce points on the scoreboard and across the board. Here are the NBA players with the highest basketball IQ right now, organized into levels.
TIER 1
LeBron James and Nikola Jokic
Tier 1 of basketball IQ is dominated by LeBron James and Nikola Jokic. LeBron, the ageless wonder at 39, provides a level of court awareness that is nearly unprecedented. His ability to dissect defenses, thread the needle with exquisite passes, and transition smoothly between scoring and facilitating is a show in and of itself. This has been the case since James became an All-Star in his second season, and his statistics demonstrate how dominant he is, with 24.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game.
Along with James in Tier 1 is Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ Joker, who has elevated the center position to an art form. His court vision is unusual for a big man, more akin to Magic Johnson than a typical 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 averages a near-triple-double (26.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, 9.0 assists a game) while having almost little athleticism beyond size.
TIER 2
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and Tyrese Haliburton
Tier 2 features a riveting combination of talent and basketball intelligence, with superstars in terms of game knowledge and overall influence. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-way player with a constantly developing skill set. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and dominate in transition adds a high basketball IQ to his athletic abilities. The two-time MVP and former Defensive Player of the Year can do it all, making him the best all-around player in the world in terms of influence on both ends of the floor.
Stephen Curry, the master of the three-point shot, is more than simply a shooter; he is a basketball expert. His off-ball mobility, court awareness, and decision-making skills make him a continuous threat. While his three-pointers attract viewers, it is his off-ball movement and dribbling that distinguishes him from the competition. Curry understands how defenders are put to sleep and how to capitalize, which is why he is averaging 26.8 points per game this season at nearly 36 years old.
Luka Doncic, the teenage prodigy, has a basketball IQ that far above his years. His vision, passing ability, and grasp of the game all add to his triple-double potential. He can score 73 points in a single game, average a near-triple-double this season (34.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.2 assists), and draw triple teams on every possession. More often than not, the 24-year-old will make the correct decision.
Finally, Tyrese Haliburton, the rising star, has swiftly built a reputation for himself with mature decision-making, effective playmaking, and strong defensive reflexes. Haliburton, the modern equivalent of Steve Nash, is the league’s leading playmaker this season, averaging 12.6 assists per game while turning the ball over only 2.5 times per game, which is astounding.
TIER 3
James Harden, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Tier 3 features a star-studded cast of players with high basketball IQ, each with their own set of skills to offer. James Harden, the master of scoring and playmaking, uses his deft moves and court vision to outwit opponents. Even though he is frequently chastised for dribbling the ball excessively and performing tough step-back threes, he knows how to get through defenses even if he is past his prime. He topped the NBA in assists last season (10.7) and has three scoring crowns and two assist titles to his name.
Chris Paul, the Point God, orchestrates offenses with surgical precision, demonstrating a mastery of pace and decision-making. If this were a few years ago, Paul could have been in Tier 2 or even Tier 1, but age and attrition have gradually caught up with the floor general. He has faced every defense in NBA history and can be a game changer when he gets the ball and sets up teammates, with an incredible five assist titles to his name.
Kevin Durant, a four-time scoring champion, blends offensive prowess with a keen basketball mind, assessing defenses and making clutch shots. Durant’s basketball IQ is centered on his scoring ability, but it doesn’t mean he can’t rebound or pass. The superstar forward is a basketball prodigy, and his ability to score against defenses with rapid dribble plays and an explosive first step is simply amazing.
Jimmy Butler, the epitome of grit and leadership, uses a high IQ on both ends to create opportunities while shutting down defensively. Butler is not a flamboyant player; instead, he prefers to elevate his game in the playoffs and battle for victory. He understands how to impact the game defensively, which stems from sheer basketball IQ, as well as his offensive limitations and how to be the driving force behind the Miami Heat.
Kawhi Leonard is noted for his calm manner and high-level decision-making, especially during critical occasions. Leonard plays at his own speed, never rushes, and has an impact that some compare to the great Michael Jordan. Leonard is a genius on the court, with enormous hands, a powerful body, and an outstanding two-way IQ, and we are fortunate that he is always healthy. This season, Leonard is back to his best, averaging 23.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a budding superstar, has a sophisticated knowledge of the game, combining scoring, playmaking, and defensive skills. He appears to be primed for another All-NBA First Team nomination after averaging 31.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game this season. Gilgeous-Alexander is a true superstar and now ranks among the top five players in the world, with an exceptional basketball IQ.
TIER 4
Joel Embiid, Jalen Brunson, Jrue Holiday, De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Trae Young, Draymond Green and Paul George
Tier 4 has a wide group of athletes, each with their own unique basketball IQ. Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ dominant big man, has a varied basketball IQ that allows him to stretch the floor as well as post up. Embiid, the reigning MVP and current NBA leading scorer (36.0), has been perhaps the league’s best performance, and he continues to demonstrate why he is genuinely outstanding on both sides of the court. If the center can perform as well in the playoffs as he has during the regular season, he will demonstrate that his IQ is on par with the very best.
Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks’ clever guard, shows basketball smarts with his quick decision-making and ability to manage the pace. Brunson is a great point guard who is having a career year, averaging 26.5 points and 6.4 assists per game.
Jrue Holiday, the Boston Celtics’ defensive maestro, demonstrates a great basketball IQ on both sides of the court, making critical plays and orchestrating the offense. Holiday, 33, will not put up high-octane scoring statistics, but he is a winning player who might make the difference in the Celtics’ season, just as he did for the Bucks in 2021.
De’Aaron Fox, the Sacramento Kings’ quick point guard, blends his athleticism with an increasing understanding of the game, particularly in transition and playmaking. Fox has really improved his game this season, averaging 27.5 points and 5.6 assists, and he remains a difference-maker on the court when he has the ball. Fox’s rise is the reason the Kings have become a formidable club in the West.
Domantas Sabonis, the son of Arvydas Sabonis, a basketball star known for his high IQ, combines basketball knowledge with exceptional passing skills that transcends his position. He controls the boards, scores inside, and swallows rebounds for the Sacramento Kings. Sabonis is an exceptional center, averaging 20.0 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. His IQ is off the charts.
Trae Young uses his court vision and scoring abilities to keep defenses guessing. He is a superstar offensive talent, even if his defense frequently prevents him from reaching superstar level. To be fair, Young is only 6’1″ and weighs 164 pounds, so his abilities on both ends of the floor are limited, but he is an excellent scorer and playmaker. However, Young is criticized for being a high-usage player, and his preference for deep threes reduces his efficiency marginally.
Draymond Green, the cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors’ defense, is a cerebral powerhouse that influences the game with his passing, defense, and basketball IQ. Even if his performance this season does not support this claim, Green understands the game and how to make a difference with hustle, defense, and playmaking. Make no mistake, as unbelievable as it may sound, the Warriors do not win four championships without Draymond Green.
Paul George, a smooth player with a strong all-around game, combines scoring with strategic grasp of the game, making him a valuable contributor. This season, he is averaging 23.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 41.7% from three. He also contributes defensively at the same level. George is considered the Clippers’ second choice, but his IQ is absolutely great.
TIER 5
Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, Fred VanVleet, LaMelo Ball, Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, DeMar DeRozan, Tyrese Maxey and Derrick White
Tier 5 features an intriguing mix of players, each with their own basketball IQ that adds to their team’s success. Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics’ dynamic forward, demonstrates a complex understanding of scoring and shooting. Tatum’s game continues to grow, and his basketball IQ may increase as he learns how defenders force him into turnovers. Tatum has the potential to become a superstar once he improves his late-game decision-making skills.
Damian Lillard blends deep shooting with high-level basketball IQ, which shines in important situations. This season, he has already won a game and is a starter on the Eastern Conference All-Star Team. Lillard has a tendency to fall in love with threes a little too much because he is so good at hitting the rim, and his defense is inconsistent, so he must remain in Tier 5 no matter how dominant he is offensively.
Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies’ dynamic point guard, demonstrates a sophisticated command of speed, playmaking, and finishing near the rim. Morant is now sidelined for the season due to shoulder surgery, but his influence is genuinely tremendous. Morant has averaged at least 25 points and 6 assists in three consecutive seasons, and we could be looking at the world’s best point guard in short time.
Fred VanVleet has a basketball IQ that exceeds his size, influencing the game on both ends with sound decisions and tenacious defense. VanVleet has helped change the culture of the Houston Rockets, and his style of play makes him a difference-maker on the court. The guard makes the appropriate moves, has little ego, and is a natural leader, all of which factor into basketball IQ.
LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets’ dynamic teenager, with natural floor leadership skills, managing the offense with flair and innovation. This season, he is averaging 23.9 points and 8.0 assists per game, demonstrating a strong understanding of how to maneuver defenses. Ball’s field-goal percentage (career 42.7%) will improve as he becomes more efficient and successful, resulting in a higher basketball IQ.
Mike Conley, a veteran floor general, demonstrates astute decision-making and leadership. At 36 years old, Conley has been there and done that, and he makes a difference for the Timberwolves whenever he plays. He is a great defender, makes the appropriate passes, and is an outstanding shooter, averaging 10.9 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 43.9% from three this season.
Donovan Mitchell has a good understanding of defensive strategies and attacking complexities. Sure, his shooting and athleticism allow him to play at an All-Star level, but he understands what defenses are capable of and how to score against the best of them. Mitchell’s postseason performances have been critiqued, thus this will be his next step toward growth.
DeMar DeRozan, 34 years old, uses his outstanding basketball IQ to navigate defenses and create scoring chances. His IQ is primarily focused on scoring the ball around the basket or from the perimeter, as he averaged 22.1 points and 5.4 assists per game this season and is one of the finest one-on-one players in the world.
Tyrese Maxey, the rising star for the Philadelphia 76ers, combines scoring and decision-making abilities that defy his age. Maxey is aware of his quickness and is capitalizing on it, scoring 25.7 points and 6.6 assists per game while vying for his first All-Star appearance.
Derrick White, one of the league’s most underappreciated players, is a dynamic guard with defensive acumen and effective playmaking abilities. White never takes bad shots, competes on defense, and is particularly skilled at scoring around the rim. The guard’s time with the Spurs under Gregg Popovich helped shape him into an impact player for the Boston Celtics.
