Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry recently identified LeBron James and Chris Paul as the two players with the highest basketball IQ in the league. The 37-year-old made these remarks during an interview with Complex’s Speedy Morman, as reported by NBC Sports Bay Area.
Curry praised both veterans for their ability to control the game and orchestrate their offenses. He said LeBron excels at managing tempo, calling him “the one who can control the tempo the greatest.” Curry also highlighted Paul’s precision on every possession, noting how at his peak, Paul knew exactly what to do—whether scoring, making a lob pass, or setting up teammates.
James, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, has maintained a strong performance level throughout his career. Over 1,560 games, he averages 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. His playoff performances further reflect his high basketball IQ, with a career average of 28.4 points and 7.2 assists per game in nearly 300 postseason appearances.
Paul, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, is widely recognized for his playmaking skills and court vision. Throughout his 1,350-plus game career, Paul has averaged 17.0 points and 9.2 assists per game. Known for his leadership, Paul also boasts an average of 2.0 steals per game in the regular season and has consistently orchestrated offenses at a high level in playoff situations.
Both players are often cited for their cerebral approach to the game, using experience and decision-making to outthink opponents.
Curry, a two-time MVP, himself is considered one of the smartest offensive players in NBA history.
