Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry recently identified Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul as the top players with the highest basketball IQ in the NBA. Curry’s comments came during an interview with Complex’s Speedy Norman, highlighting the unique ways both veterans control the game through their intelligence and leadership.
Curry, widely regarded as the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history due to his record-breaking career, clarified that some accolades in basketball are less obvious, such as determining the most athletic player or the one with the highest basketball IQ. Last week, he recognized Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant as the league’s most athletic in terms of pure physicality.
LeBron James and Chris Paul’s Basketball Intelligence Praised by Curry
When asked about the players with the highest basketball IQ, Curry pointed directly to LeBron James and Chris Paul. He explained that these two players stand out not only for their individual skills but also for how they lead and orchestrate their teams’ offenses.
Between [Chris Paul] and [LeBron James],
he said.
Those two, and it’s the way that they play, obviously, but the way that they talk, the way they kind of orchestrate an offense, control it. Like Bron be the one that controls the tempo, where CP is the one where every possession, he knows what he’s trying to get out of it.
This assessment reflects the respect Curry holds for both players’ ability to read the game and make decisions that influence every play, emphasizing their leadership as pivotal factors in their sustained success.
Chris Paul’s Peak Performance Highlighted
Curry also singled out Chris Paul for special praise, noting the remarkable skill Paul exhibited in his prime. Now 40 years old and potentially approaching his final NBA season, Paul’s awareness and playmaking abilities have defined his long career.
At his peak, it was insane,
Curry remarked.
He could get his bucket, he could get somebody a lob or drop pass. He knew the play, he knew the time, the score, all that type of stuff.
Curry’s respect for Paul underscores how basketball IQ involves not only knowing the plays but also understanding precise moments in the game to make the best decisions.
Adding Draymond Green to the Conversation
In addition to James and Paul, Curry included Golden State Warriors teammate Draymond Green in the discussion of players with elite basketball intelligence. He described this trio as standing atop his personal ranking.
Those two are top of mind with the highest IQ, and obviously, Draymond,
Curry continued. That’s the podium for me.
Draymond Green’s ability to read the floor, direct plays, and impact the game defensively complements the high IQ leadership displayed by James and Paul, making all three essential figures in the NBA landscape.
The Role of Basketball IQ in Longevity and Success
LeBron James and Chris Paul, both nearing retirement age, have maintained elite performance levels for over a decade largely because of their intelligence on the court. Their basketball IQ has allowed them to adapt their playstyles as their physical attributes evolve, compensating with superior decision-making and game management.
James, often named among the greatest players ever, combines his athleticism with a deep understanding of basketball strategies, while Paul’s court vision and control have enabled his sustained influence. Alongside players like Green and Curry himself, who also possess high basketball IQ, they represent the cerebral side of the game rarely captured by statistics alone.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Basketball Minds
As LeBron James and Chris Paul approach the end of their NBA careers, their reputations as two of the smartest players in the league stand firm. Steph Curry’s recognition of their basketball intelligence not only honors their past achievements but also highlights the importance of mental acuity in professional basketball’s ever-evolving landscape.
The legacy left by these players will likely influence new generations, emphasizing that success requires more than talent—it demands understanding, anticipation, and leadership both on and off the court.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Chris Paul and LeBron still friends?
A. Paul and LeBron James are widely known to be very close friends. However, fewer people might be aware of Paul’s connection with LeBron’s son, Bronny. In a conversation with Taylor Rooks from Bleacher Report, Paul shared a touching comment about Bronny. “I’ve known Bronny since he was born,” Paul expressed.
Q. Has Chris Paul had a ring?
A. Chris Paul, a point guard from North Carolina, may be remembered as one of the best players who never won an NBA Championship. His closest chance came in 2021 when his team, the Phoenix Suns, led 2-0 in the NBA Finals. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks won four consecutive games to claim the championship.