Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry is embarking on his 17th NBA season, competing against some of the greatest players in basketball history.
When asked who he believes has the highest basketball IQ on the court, the 37-year-old shared his thoughts with Mohman, saying, “(Chris Paul) and (LeBron James) – those two.”
This choice is no surprise. Paul and James are widely recognized as two of the best in NBA history, collectively playing 2,916 regular-season games. Both have demonstrated leadership and acted as extensions of their coaching teams throughout their careers.
Curry has a deep appreciation for both players, having faced them numerous times in difficult matchups while chasing championships. He also had the chance to play alongside them for Team USA Basketball.
“Obviously, it’s the way they play, but also how they communicate and manage the game,” Curry told Mohman. “LeBron has the ability to control the pace at an elite level, while CP always knows how to make the most out of every possession, whether that’s scoring, throwing a lob, or making a drop pass.”
Curry holds Paul and James in high regard and believes they will both earn their places in the Basketball Hall of Fame for their exceptional basketball intellect.
He also mentioned another name while wrapping up his response — his longtime Warriors teammate and likely future Hall of Famer, Draymond Green. “Those two have the best IQ, and obviously Draymond makes that a podium for me,” Curry said.
While Draymond’s basketball smarts might be less recognized outside of Warriors fans, Curry knows firsthand how brilliant his teammate is on the court, which is what truly counts.
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Fan Take: Steph Curry’s admiration for players like Chris Paul, LeBron James, and Draymond Green highlights the invaluable role that basketball IQ plays at the highest levels of the game. This acknowledgment not only cements these players’ legacies but also inspires future generations to prioritize smart, strategic play in basketball.
