Kobe Bryant The NBA's Smartest B-Ball Player

[Mello Mello]

Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:35 am EST
Kobe Bryant has highest 'basketball IQ,' poll says

By J.E. Skeets

The Oklahoman recently conducted an interesting, albeit basic poll among players and coaches to determine who has the highest basketball IQ in the NBA.

Alanis Morrisette-ironically, the player who garnered the most votes was a gentleman (and basketball scholar) who never attended college or university.

Stay in school, ki— bah, forget it.

The results were as follows:

1. Kobe Bryant(notes), Lakers
2. Jason Kidd(notes), Mavericks
3. Steve Nash(notes), Suns
4. Chris Paul(notes), Hornets
5. LeBron James(notes), Cavaliers

Also receiving votes were the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony(notes), Jazz point guard Deron Williams(notes) and Dwyane Wade(notes).

A solid list, no doubt. But it begs an obvious question: What exactly is basketball IQ?

In an accompanying OK article, Darnell Mayberry sums up the pithy phrase as a sort of "feel for the game." The players and coaches quizzed for the poll said those who possess a high basketball IQ contain a court savvy that goes beyond the coach's X's and O's.

It's instinctive ability that a player has, knowing when to shoot and when to make the extra pass. Knowing how to set a screen on one possession and play off it on the next. Knowing when to employ subtle defensive schemes such as 'pulling out the chair' in the post.

Frankly, I'm happy with those examples and explanation, as well as Kobe topping the list. That guy lives and breathes basketball. But one name I'm surprised didn't make the cut: Tim Duncan(notes). I don't know if it's because he's a big guy, and it's assumed he doesn't have to make as many decisions with the ball as, say, a point guard, but I would rank TD's innate basketball IQ extremely high.

But what do you think? Let's hear your top five guys in the comments section below.

link

 

[OTG08]

1. Luke Walton

 

[cranrab]

they had to try and print something outrageous to boost readership.

the oklahoman.

really?

 

[Piff504]

1. Luke Walton

2. Jason Kapono

 

[RunawaySlave]

Nash and Paul certainly deserve to make that list. As for the others no comment. I would put Dwayne Wade on the list before most of them though

Basketball IQ = players who won't force up 20 footers while being double teamed. Or take long shots from the corner thus giving the opposing team a very nice outlet pass to start off their fast break. Or players who know how to "draw" a charge (not flop), etc.

 

[Rollie_Fingaz]

Shaq is. He knew to jump on the bandwagon of the next big thing to maintain his career. He constantly puts himself in position to win.

 

[Diamels]

A poll?

 

[Top_Bunk]

After reading this list i call bullshit. Why does IQ focus on offense only?

Just like people that make their teamates better, what about the defensive players that make their team better? That's way better. KG makes his teamates better defensively and communicates with them and gets on they ass. He makes his team better


Far as IQ

I'd go with Jason Kidd, K.G, Ben Wallace (old ben), Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, & Kobe (understaning angels the court and his defender)

Larry Hughes is sneaky so is marquise daniels. Honorable mention. A.I. understands playing defensive away from the ball. He makes you think he isn't anticipating the pass and he quickly gets his hand in the passing lanes. He dont get all those steals for nothing.

Ben wallace had great understanding of the shot clock and 8 second back court rule. And understood how and when and when not to help. Ben is my highest.

 

[fourth_retired]