It’s easy to measure most stats and attributes that make up a good basketball player. From scoring averages to great work ethic many can be tracked on paper and in the gym. But there is one key component to being a great – next-level basketball player – that can’t be measured with numbers and stats. It’s Basketball IQ. It’s a mysterious term thrown around when talking both about some of the greats in the NBA, as well as in practice with new players. But what does basketball IQ really mean?
What is Basketball IQ?
Generally speaking, basketball IQ refers to the ability to just instinctively play the game and adapt to any situation that comes up. Knowing how to put the right play into motion at the right time is a skill that many players don’t instinctively possess. It combines a blend of technical skill, game awareness and understanding, plus experience. Basketball IQ is something that may not put points on the scoreboard or improve individual on-paper stats – unless you really dig deep. It does directly affect the game and can help your team win.
Among basketball teams or even in a in a game of pick-up, there are always players who are top picks that for some reason you want on your team. Especially if they don’t necessarily fill the stat sheet, you know your team is just better with them on the floor. Often, these are players with high IQ (even if you don’t realize it).
Characteristics of players with high basketball IQ include:
Plays with efficiency: doesn’t expend energy running across the court unnecessarily
Instinctively knows which play to make and when
Keeps his eyes on the court and seems to know what’s happening in all corners
Adapts to changes
Recognizes when it’s time to pass and when it’s time to keep the ball and move
Knows what to do when they have and don’t have the ball
Gets creative with plays, with ball handling and with on court moves
Now that you know what basketball IQ is, how do you fare?
How to improve your basketball IQ
Watch to Learn
Any basketball player will naturally enjoy watching games. But are you watching for enjoyment or to learn? Record games and re-watch them with a focus on different plays being used, new moves you haven’t mastered and whatever details sets the teams apart and makes individuals and teams successful. Pick a few players that you know have specific basketball IQ traits that you’d like to learn and spend time studying them.
Get Curious
Spend time online studying some of the greats that you’d like to emulate. Learn about how they got started, where they picked up their skills, and what their skill building routine looks like. Find players, coaches, trainers and analysts on social media and use them as a resource. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether it’s to your coaches and trainers or to those you follow online. Asking questions just helps you further your knowledge, so that when it comes time to get onto the court, you can put your knowledge into action and improve your technical skills.
IBSA’s Basketball Academy teaches youth athletes how to become elite players. That includes a focus on conditioning, strength, skill and with an emphasis on how fundamentals translate into game play. Our athletes learn how to become students of the game.
Learn from other players
There are always going to be players out there that can do something better than you can. No player is perfect in all areas. A good learning tool is to pick out a few of those players whose basketball IQ is something you admire, and study their game. Whether it’s the more experienced players you play ball with in the park, a pro you follow on TV or a teammate you look up to, watching how these players play the game and make moves that show their high basketball IQ will help you improve your game.
Analysts often talk of players with great basketball IQ as being “Students of the Game”. This is true as they watch and analyze game footage more than others. They practice on the court, they work out in the gym (because they know they need strength and conditioning), and they watch highlights and study film. They pay attention to detail and learn at every opportunity.
Basketball IQ isn’t just about scoring points
Elite basketball players are generally great in all areas of the game, not just getting the ball through the hoop. It’s an instinctive quality that some players just possess naturally, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a trait you can’t improve with hard work and dedication. A player with a high basketball IQ that helps the make the most of their skills is going to excel on the court!
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How to Develop a High Basketball IQ (and 14 Examples)
A high basketball IQ is the most important trait a player can possess.
Like a Grandmaster in chess, it’s the players who are able to think 3 or 4 moves ahead of the other players on the floor who excel and separate themselves from the competition.
Which is why improving basketball intelligence is a requirement for any player who has intentions of stepping on the floor to compete in the best leagues around the world.
But knowing how to improve it isn’t obvious...
When players are asked how to improve their basketball IQ (or when coaches are asked how to improve the overall basketball intelligence of their team) most struggle to come up with even a semi-decent answer.
In this article I’ll do my best to clear up the confusion.
I’ll show you 5 ways to start improving your basketball IQ today, and I’ll also give you 14 examples of high IQ basketball plays that you can learn from.
But first...
What Exactly is Basketball IQ?
Here’s my definition...
Basketball IQ is the ability to pick up on small cues during play that will allow players to anticipate what’s going to happen next with a higher probability.
This requires deep knowledge of the game and a sharp eye for detail.
For example:
The player who is consistently able to slide across the key just in time to plant their feet and draw or charge, or the player who is consistently in position to grab offensive rebounds.
Both of these players are reading the game, picking up on small cues (arc of the shot, reading opponent’s eyes, etc) and then reacting instinctively and immediately to what they’re seeing.
That’s why high IQ players always seem to be in the right place at the right time.
Here’s another definition I read from an expert on the topic:
Ben Alamar, who is the former director of sports analytics at ESPN, said the following about basketball IQ when he was on the Counterpoints podcast:
“The general concept is that the very best players in the world can understand what’s going to happen on the court before everybody else does. So they’re not reacting to what’s happening right now. They’re reacting to what’s going to happen in two or three, four, five seconds. It’s like a chess master who is thinking four, five, six moves ahead. Or as Wayne Gretzky once said, you don’t skate to where the puck is. You skate to where the puck is going to be. And that’s what I try to talk about and try and measure what I’m talking about - the basketball intelligence. ”
How to Improve Basketball IQ:
Without any further ado...
Let’s go over 5 ways you can start improving your basketball IQ immediately...
1. Watch Basketball Games to “Learn”
There are two ways to watch a game of basketball:
To enjoy
To learn
I’m not going to tell you that one is better than the other because there is a time and place for both, but you must understand that they’re very different.
When you’re with a group of friends and watching a game for enjoyment, you’re usually not focusing on anything in particular or actively trying to learn from the game.
It’s just entertainment.
Whereas when you’re watching a game to learn, you’re focusing on specific parts of the game with the goal of improving your basketball IQ.
What you’re looking at specifically depends on what you want to learn.
A few things you could focus on:
Defensively:
What defense are they running?
How are they guarding pick-and-rolls?
How are they guarding the opponent’s best player?
Which shots are they allowing?
How are they defending the three-point shot?
Are help defenders in the right position?
Offensively:
What offense are they running?
Are they keeping good spacing on each possession?
Which matchups / defenders are they targeting?
What do their set plays look like?
How is their best player scoring most of his / her points?
Are they playing fast or slow?
Depending on the level of basketball you’re playing and the amount of time your team spends together, this “film study” is sometimes done as a team.
The coach will pull specific clips from games to show the team what they are doing correctly and what they need to improve, or the team will watch the full game together while the coach highlights specific things to look at.
But players should watch games by themselves, too…
Along with the team concepts written above, players should watch individual players they want to learn from and emulate.
For example:
If you’re a point guard wanting to improve your basketball IQ, watch Chris Paul or Sue Bird.
What do they look for in the Pick and Roll?
How do they space the floor?
What are their go-to moves?
How do they create space using the dribble?
How do they score most of their points?
Looking at games in this much detail can be time-consuming, but it’s well worth it.
2. Spend More Time Playing
As I said at the beginning of the article…
Basketball IQ is being able to pick up on small cues that allow players to read the play and anticipate what’s going to happen next.
Well, there’s no better way to start noticing those small “cues” than by playing!
This doesn’t exclusively mean live games of 5-on-5 with coaches on the sidelines and parents in the stands either…
Random pick-up games with friends at school
3-on-3 during team practices
1-on-1 games against your best friend
etc
Any of these competitive games with offense and defense counts as playing games.
And the more you play, the more “cues” you’ll pick up on that will improve your basketball IQ.
But here’s the thing…
Players aren’t going to consciously realize it as they gradually pick up these cues and get an understanding for them. Most of this process will happen subconsciously.
For example:
Let’s think about a player executing a backdoor pass.
If you were to ask a player how they knew the backdoor pass was open, most would say:
“I don’t know. I just knew I could make it.”
But what actually happened is they subconsciously picked up on many small cues within a split second that told them (subconsciously) there was a good chance the pass could be made without committing a turnover.
Cues such as:
Defender’s back to the hoop
Defender not on balance
Defender not watching the ball
Teammate in explosive stance
Eye contact with teammate
Noticing there’s no help defense
On-ball defender relaxed
etc
These “cues” that allow players to learn the games are skipped over when players spend too much time training individually or 1-on-1 with a skills trainer.
3. Know the Scouting Report
The next thing that will give you a higher basketball IQ is knowing the scouting report.
To put it simply:
You need to know the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents and teammates.
Knowledge of the 9 other players on the floor is absolutely crucial if you want to make the best decision possible in each situation.
A defensive example:
If a player is put in a position where they need to closeout on an opponent…
It’s important to immediately recognize whether the offensive player is a great outside shooter, a great driver / attacker, or if they can do both well.
Their strengths will determine how a defender closes out on them.
If they’re an elite shooter - run them off the three-point line.
If they’re an elite driver - closeout short and don’t let them attack.
If they’re elite at both - attempt to prevent both options (not easy).
The same is true on the offensive end of the floor…
In a 3-on-1 fast-break situation, the player with the basketball must take into account the finishing ability of both players when deciding who to pass the ball to.
4. Sign Up to YouTube Channels
Listening to some of the best basketball coaches on the internet break down games and specific players is guaranteed to improve your basketball IQ.
Here are a few of my favorites (in no particular order):
(a) Evin Gualberto
Evin does a fantastic job highlighting specific areas of a player’s game.
This is fantastic for players (and coaches) because it allows you to focus on how great players read the game and perform specific skills in a number of different situations.
For example, Steph Curry passing and relocating:
(b) BballBreakdown
Listen to Coach Nick go in depth analysing NBA games.
He points out specific plays / actions teams are using, high IQ plays and smart decisions that occur throughout the game, and shows us how teams could improve.
For example, Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals:
(c) Scout With Bryan
Bryan spent 7 years working in the NBA (Wizards, Raptors, and Hawks).
He know shares his basketball knowledge online which gives people the chance to learn X’s and O’s, analytics, playcalls, tendencies, etc, from someone who has been in the locker room with the best teams / players in the world.
For example, the 4th quarter play the Warriors used to score 8 times:
5. Understand Your Team’s System
Another thing that will assist you to make smart decisions as quickly as possible is knowing your team’s system (offensively and defensively) like the back of your hand.
There’s nothing worse than being “lost” on the court.
Players should spend time learning the roles and responsibilities for all positions in case they find themselves required to fill another position on a specific play.
Knowing the team’s system can include:
Main Offense
Main Defense
Defensive Rotations
Set Plays
Full-Court Press
Zone
Everything your team runs throughout a season on both ends of the floor.
And if you’re not sure about something, ASK!
Any basketball coach worth their salt will be more than happy to answer your questions, and this often helps them realize there’s something they need to explain better to the team.
If you’re not sure, there are probably other players who aren’t sure either.
6. Game Awareness (100% Focus)
Another key to executing high IQ basketball plays is game awareness.
Many plays that are considered ‘high IQ’ will depend on making smart decisions based on factors such as time, score, foul count, timeouts, etc.
This requires intense focus and discipline.
Examples:
a. How long is left on the clock?
It’s important for all players to know how much time is left on the game clock (and shot clock), especially towards the end of a close game.
This knowledge can assist you to make smart decision based on time left in the game, such as:
(a) Fouling to send the opposition to the line and get possession
(b) Executing a 2-for-1
(c) Holding the basketball for a last-second shot.
And knowing exactly how much time is left will prevent players from doing silly things like running out the clock during Game 1 of the NBA Finals (2018) when scores are tied instead of passing to a teammate to shoot.
A second example just for fun...
Leading by 2 points with 14.6 seconds left in the game and the shot clock off, Andrea Bargnani took a three-point shot (which he missed) instead of holding up the ball.
Had he done that instead, the Bucks would have been forced to foul and the Knicks likely would have won the game fairly comfortably.
Know the clock, people.
b. How many timeouts does each team have?
For players who are competing in a league that allows players to call timeouts while on the court, it’s important to be aware of how many timeouts your team has left.
If you accidentally call a timeout when your team has zero left, it’s an automatic technical foul.
And if you make this mistake at the wrong time, it can cost your team the game.
Or an NCAA Championship (sorry, Chris Webber).
c. Which players are in foul trouble?
Knowledge of which players are in foul trouble can play a big factor late in games.
For example:
If an opponent’s best player is in foul trouble, you might choose to run a play that makes them the primary defender on a player attacking the basket or in a post up situation.
To avoid fouling out, they’ll often play mediocre defense and won’t challenge the shot.
14 Examples of High Basketball IQ Plays:
A high IQ basketball play doesn’t need to be fancy…
It can be as simple as making an extra pass on offense to a wide open shooter, or holding a box out against a bigger player to allow your teammate to grab an easy rebound.
With that said, below we’ll look at several “interesting and fun” high IQ moments.
These aren’t all thing I’d recommend players copy as there are some controversial plays that may not go with the “spirit” of the game…
But they are all definitely high IQ plays.
Let’s kick things off with...
1. Finding and Exploiting a Mismatch
Coaches and players should be constantly scanning the floor looking for mismatches to exploit.
In the following video, Brad Stevens notices that Horford is being guarded by Aminu as he dribbles the basketball up the court.
Knowing he has the isolation / post advantage, Stevens tells Theis to clear out to the other side of the floor which will create space for Horford to back down his opponent.
This high IQ play leads to two points:
2. Knowing the Weaknesses of Your Opponents
Here’s another thing intelligent basketball players do:
Instead of focusing on which offensive player they want setting the screen in a pick-and-roll, they think about which defender they want to put in a pick-and-roll situation.
In this video, Jokic instructs his teammate to be the screener which forces Boban (who is a poor pick-and-roll defender) to be the screener’s defender.
This leads to an isolation which Chandler was able to take advantage of.
3. Anticipating How the Defense Will Rotate
Most teams have similar rotation rules on defense.
For example:
On a drive to the basket, nearly all teams help from the opposite side of the floor (split line) and then everyone rotates down to “help the helper”.
Smart offensive players can take advantage of this by anticipating where the help will come from, and then passing to the player who will be left unguarded.
Lebron is a player who does this all the time:
4. Faking a Timeout Call
Players need to be sure they’re playing hard and concentrating on the play until they hear the referee’s whistle or the sound of the buzzer.
Because if they don’t, high basketball IQ players can take advantage.
Example:
Assuming that Andre Miller was going to call a timeout, the Hornets players stopped paying attention to the ball and started walking towards their bench.
That’s when Miller exploded towards the basket and finished with a relatively easy layup.
5. Holding the Ball for a Last-Second Shot
Smart clock management is a clear sign of a player with a high basketball IQ.
The most obvious example of this is when a player keeps possession of the basketball while the clock winds down, and then takes a shot with only a few seconds left.
Doing so ensures your opponent won’t get another shot attempt.
Damian Lillard’s incredible 37-foot last-second shot, for example.
(he probably could have got a better shot than this)
6. Get an Extra Shot Using the “2-for-1” Strategy
This strategy only works for teams who play in a competition with a shot clock.
(that should be every high school team)
Here’s an example:
The Lakers are down by 4 points with 31. 7 seconds remaining on the clock.
To ensure they’ll get two more shots before the end of the game, the Lakers run a play for Kobe Bryant that results in an immediate three-pointer.
So even if the Raptors use the entire 24-second clock on their next possession, the Lakers will get the basketball back with a chance to tie or take the lead with 5 seconds remaining.
7. Making the Extra Pass For a Better Shot
Coaches love players who will turn down their ‘good’ shot for a ‘great’ shot by a teammate.
This requires players to know:
(a) The strengths of their teammates (who can shoot)
(b) Read how the defense is closing out
(c) Be aware of where their teammates are
The San Antonio Spurs have made the ‘extra pass’ part of their championship DNA.
Check this out:
8. Dribbling Into the Opposition Coach
This isn’t something I’d recommend you do, but it’s definitely a high IQ play.
Knowing that if a coach makes contact with an opposition player it’s an automatic technical foul, Jason Kidd dribbled into Mike Woodson who was coaching the Hawks.
Coach Woodson, who was a step on the court directing his players on defense, attempted to get out of the way; but Jason Kidd stuck out his forearm and made contact.
The result?
A technical foul on the Atlanta Hawks.
According to this article, Jason Terry called it the smartest play he’d ever seen.
9. Intentionally Spill a Drink for a Free Timeout
Another veteran Jason Kidd stunt.
Down by 2 points with 8 seconds left on the clock and no timeouts remaining, Jason Kidd told one of his players to “hit me” as he was holding a drink.
When contact was made, Kidd intentionally spilled his drink on the court.
This basically gave the Brooklyn Nets a “free timeout” as Kidd was able to draw up a play for the team to run while the liquid was being cleaned up.
10. Hiding Behind a Coach for an Easy Steal
Back in the 2016 NBA season, Marcelo Huertas (Lakers player) hid behind Erik Spolestra (Heat’s coach) after a stoppage for free throws.
Then, as the opposition point guard advanced the ball up the court, Huertas appeared from his hiding spot to tap the basketball from behind straight to a teammate.
Crafty steal.
11. Allowing the Clock Run Out
With a decent lead towards the end of the 4th quarter, Ty Lawson found an intelligent way to wipe some time off the scoreboard and prevent any chance of a comeback.
Here’s how:
Knowing that the 24-second clock doesn’t start until a player inside the court take possession, Ty Lawson allows the basketball to slowly roll up the court.
This winds down the game’s main clock, but doesn’t take any time from the shot clock.
He waits until an opposition player steps up to challenge before taking possession.
12. Inbounding the Ball Off the Opponent’s Back
This is one of the more common “trick” plays.
Every player has attempted this once or twice during a pick-up game, and some players even have the confidence to do it during real games when the coach and crowd are watching on.
It’s simple…
When the opponent turns their back on the player inbounding the ball, gently pass the ball off their back, step onto the court, grab the ball, and look to score.
This is most commonly done when the basketball is on the baseline, but can be done anywhere on the court if the defender presents you with the opportunity.
For example, Ben Simmons:
13. Not Allowing the Opponent to Take a Game-Tying 3-Pointer
You’ve probably heard coaches talk about whether to “foul or defend” in a close game.
Meaning:
When your team is leading by 3 points with only a few seconds on the clock, is it better to:
a. Foul the opponent and send them to the line for two free throws.
b. Defend and hope they don’t make the three-point shot.
(I believe the answer to this question depends on the level you’re coaching)
In the best competitions featuring the world’s best three-point shooters, it’s a high basketball IQ play to recognize this during a game and be willing to take the foul.
For example, Rajon Rondo:
14. Only Guarding the Three-Point Shot
Let’s look at Rondo’s insanely high basketball IQ again…
The Hawks had possession on the sideline trailing the Kings (who Rondo played for) by 3 points with only 1.9 seconds remaining on the clock.
Knowing their only chance to win was to make a three-pointer, Rondo directed his teammates to only guard the three-point line on the final possession.
If the Hawks wanted to pass inside and make an open layup, go for it.
That would ensure a Kings victory.
Conclusion:
There’s no shortage of dedicated players who are willing to dedicate 1,000’s of hours in the gym by themselves working on their shooting and ball-handling.
And while that will definitely help them improve…
There aren’t enough players who are dedicating time to improving their basketball IQ, which is equally important (if not more important) in determining a player’s long-term success.
But there’s still hope...
In my opinion, the lack of time spent improving basketball IQ by players has more to do with not knowing where to get started than a lack of interest or desire.
Share this blog post with your players to help them get started.
- Coach Mac
How can a basketball player develop without access to the gym?
4 tips to become a better player, athlete and personality
It happens to everyone that you want to train, move forward, progress, but there is no access to the court and the gym. This article contains 4 recommendations for this case. Read and apply.
1. Start monitoring your nutrition and sleep
One of the most important components of progress and development on the site is recovery, and nutrition and sleep are its foundation. Without this, stretching, contrast showers and everything else make little sense.
So you can not sit if you sleep 4 hours a day
2. Work on your body
This does not always require a basketball hall or even a gym. Charging, yoga and stretching, some other recovery procedures (only with a really heavy load), core is the minimum that can be done at home.
In fact, at the initial stage, it is possible to exercise effectively and beneficially for the body at home. Add this and you will already become the best around, because you will train more.
Images from our online school where you can train at home
3. Analyze matches
This will help you better understand the game and increase your basketball IQ. Analyze your game and the game of professionals you want to be like, analyze your opponent. And always pay attention to details.
Kobe Bryant was a crazy basketball player down to the last detail. He watched the matches and noticed the details so much that he knew how his opponent would act in any situation. In his book, he described a moment where, thanks to analysis, Kobe dunked through the center opponent, because he knew how he would put his hand to resist, and was able to remove it.
Curry said that when he watches his games, he pauses and notes what decisions he can make. Then he chooses the best and turns on the tape to test himself in the game. You can do that too.
You can also look at professionals. You turn on the match of a player you are similar in style to and follow his every move.
Kobe does not waste time and watches the game during the flight
4. Learn
Read books, watch educational and useful videos, be interested in something else. You may not become a professional basketball player, but you can always become a good person.
To be successful in the game, one must not only have good athleticism and skills. Knowledge in psychology will help you better understand the actions of opponents. Communication skills will help build better relationships with teammates. Good time management will allow you to use your time more efficiently. A successful career consists not only of playing on the court, but also of acting outside of it.
We add material and tools to the online school that help not only in basketball, but also in life. Some guys start to study better and do more things in a day, because they become more disciplined and learn a lot of new things. This is important because life does not end with basketball.
LeBron has been using the slogan "More than an athlete" for several years now. Because basketball goes beyond the sport where everything ends in the hall. Now this is life.
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What is basketball IQ? - Basketball court - Blogs
The NBA Draft is just around the corner, and one of the contenders for the first pick is the Slovenian Luka Doncic. Among his advantages in any pre-draft forecasts will always be called "developed game intelligence" or "high basketball IQ. "
What is IQ? IQ is an intelligence quotient, measured by various tests, expressed in numbers. 70 and below, like Forrest Gump, are people with intellectual disabilities. More than 130 like Sheldon Cooper - geniuses with brains worth their weight in gold.
But what does IQ mean in relation to basketball? Before the NBA draft, they measure height, weight, leg size, palms, arm span, body fat percentage - they just don’t measure. But IQ is not measured. The NFL has the Vanderlik test, and for years everyone has laughed at it because the intelligence test doesn't really affect the performance of the players on the field. In the NBA, players are asked questions during communication with team representatives before the draft, but there are no special tests for IQ (only if they are closed on an individual basis).
But such an epithet as "smart player" continues to exist. What is a "smart" player? And why do I write this word in quotation marks? Let's figure it out.
***
I've sifted through a lot of sources on the subject of basketball IQ, ranging from the opinions of ordinary basketball fans on Reddit or Quora to the statements of serious professionals on this topic (Thanks for the most valuable contribution to Rick Adelman - "What is basketball IQ? It something that the player either has or doesn't have")
Having compiled all the information, I have identified several qualities that a player who claims to be "smart" should have.
A player with a high basketball IQ:
Adapts to a changing situation as quickly as possible and learns information at a high level
To play at the NBA level, you can't act on the principle of "saw-reacted", you need to keep in mind the possible scenarios for the development of events and the options for reacting to each action of the opponent, which have been developed in training.
If you “think” slower, for example, on defense you will get Emmanuel Mudiay, Elfried Payton or Zach Lavigne. If you absorb the data at a good speed and predict the action-two ahead and/or play in a well-coordinated system, then you will qualify for the status of an upper-middle-level defender, like PJ Tucker, Dario Saric or Danny Green. If you “read” the game and see the rally in its infancy, then you can lead the partners around you and cement the game in defense of the whole team (Chris Paul, Draymond Green, Tim Duncan).
As for the attack, here the game intelligence is mainly expressed in assists. Jason Kidd and Steve Nash were fast attacking virtuosos, thanks in large part to their ability to think outside the box in turmoil and make decisions in an ever-changing environment.
For me personally, Nash's genius will forever be his passing to Tim Thomas in the fast break game against the Lakers.
Nash receives the ball near the center line and immediately gets three options for the development of events - (1) a quick stop 3, which Nash loved and practiced, (2) a pass to Marion to the left under the front (given the athleticism of the Matrix, this could be an alley- oops, but even a normal pass would probably end up dunking through Odom), (3) a turn pass to Raja Bell behind Luke Walton. But the maestro withstood a cool pause and made the most non-obvious decision - a hidden pass to the oncoming Tim Thomas with a transfer behind his back.
Most of the assists for the point guard are a discount after the screen, and not necessarily on the one who set the screen. In such an equation, all variables are known, scenarios are secondary, and the result is only a matter of technique. But what Nash did was poetry.
Distributes his energy according to the importance of the episode and the situation on the set
January 2007, Boston loses to Indiana. In the third quarter, Celtics defenseman Tony Allen flies into the dunk after the whistle, lands badly and out of the blue tears two ligaments in his knee. Allen's season is over.
This was the only year Allen averaged more than 10 points. From December 13, 2006 to January 10, 2007, he scored 18.9 points per game with 5.9 rebounds and 2.6 (!) steals.
After injury, Allen ended up as a standing offensive player. Well, was the dunk worth it?
Makes the most simple and effective decisions in every moment
One of my main grievances for the 2017/18 season in the NBA is Rubio's injury and his non-participation in the playoff series with Houston. The Oklahoma series was everything I expected from Rubio. He has finally turned into a player who fully realizes the full potential of his basketball intelligence.
Take match #3 with a triple-double, for example – the perfect fusion of finding a partner in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to escalate the situation yourself. Take at least the transfer to Gobert in isolation (2:45 on the video).
Rubio makes the first shot in the center of the field and he immediately has three options (very similar to the situation with Nash above) - to dump the ball to Mitchell, let him decide (not the worst option, but you will have to attack from a distance, although there are people on the rebound ), discount on Favors (a good option, through Paul George under the very ring) or throw it yourself.
As a result, Carmelo takes a step forward on Rubio, plus Adams, for some reason, also goes to the ball. Rubio gets rid of the round with a primitive two-handed pass with a rebound from the floor to Gobert - a beautiful dunk follows. Not as elegant as Nash's, but effective.
Takes into account the ratio of risk and its consequences
Jason Richardson decided to turn the spinner 360 degrees with 8 minutes left in the tight game with Cleveland, for which he received a delicious block shot from LeBron (albeit with a foul). There is nothing to show off in such a situation.
10 seconds later, Sasha Pavlovich scores for the Caves from a distance, Richardson continues to argue with the referees and gets another technical foul. Cleveland brings the match to victory.
Knows his weaknesses and tries to hide them or thinks of a way around them
There have been only 20 players in NBA history who have shot more than 250 three-pointers in a season and made at least 4 attempts per game with a shooting percentage below 30. 18 out of 20 players have only one such season in their career. Jason "White Chocolate" Williams, who lost his place in Sacramento for his headlessness, has two such seasons.
Russell Westbrook has three.
Has a qualitative understanding of distance and uses this knowledge
Good memory
After that memorable episode at the press conference after the first game of the series with Boston, ESPN pulled up a curious article from the archives about LeBron's eidetic memory.
In short:
It's impossible to play video games with LeBron: he remembers fighting game combinations, favorite teams and pranks from any opponent in NBA Live or Madden.
LeBron easily recalls in detail even individual draws of matches 3-5 years ago.
(I remember most of all the post-game interview in 2014. LeBron won the game against the Warriors with a last-second shot through Andre Iguodala. State."
LeBron's response: "Nah, it was a little different. I was a little closer to the rim and shooting a two-pointer. Plus, I was about six feet closer to the baseline and shooting through Ronnie Turiaf. Then I made a transfer." under the foot and made him lose balance, then jumped back and threw. In addition, I threw through Turiaf after a pass from the side of the out, and before throwing through Iguodala, we went all the way after the input from behind the front. "
The difference between the draws is 5 years. I think it makes no sense to explain that in absolutely every detail LeBron was right).
In 2012, he was asked to name the best dunks in his career in his performance. So he remembered not just how, when he scored and through whom, but also such details as who played defense against the person who gave him the assist.
LeBron easily identifies any game he has seen before by one or two moments. According to Mario Chalmers, LeBron can walk into the dressing room, glance at the TV and say something like: “Oh, this is the second game of the final series 1997 years. Now such and such will do this.”
LeBron remembers that Kevin Ollie played under the 12th number in the 2003/04 season, although he and LeBron played on the same team for only one year.
James keeps a colossal array of information in his head, for example, that such and such a no-name was taken in such and such a round in the 2008 NFL Draft and he studied at such and such a university.
In short, while we are all afraid that neural networks are beating people at chess and go, another neural network with living flesh on top of a metal endoskeleton has already penetrated the ranks of people with might and main.
And don't think that LeBron was the only one. Jerry Lucas, a Hall of Famer and NBA champion with the Knicks, wrote a bestselling book on mnemonics after his retirement. In my favorite basketball book, Life on the Run, by Bill Bradley, Lucas is portrayed as a slightly eccentric character who, for example, remembers the number of steps on the stairs of any airport he has ever been to.
There was another interesting character, whose memory helped him to break out into the people. Word to Isaiah Thomas (old):
“Dennis Rodman was one of the smartest players I've ever played with. I remember once warming up before training and throwing at the ring, but Dennis stood aside and watched each throw intently. I said, "Hey, let's join! If everyone throws on the ring, then go ahead and throw it too. He replied, "I count the spins of the ball." I thought I misheard, but he immediately added: “When you shoot at the ring, the ball makes 3 revolutions in the air. Joe (Dumars), for example, gives the ball more spin - after his throw, the ball can have time to make 4-4. 5 turns. By basketball standards, Rodman had the IQ of a genius."
Fortunately, even before the period of a total spree into the worlds of alcoholic travels, Rodman managed to open the doors to his understanding of the game in books and interviews. For example, he considered it necessary to have time to look at the legs and arm of the thrower before throwing, because he knew that the future rebound depends on the position of the body in space. Rodman studied the records and found out when the ball was given side rotation, which snipers were "friends" with the bows, and who threw bitingly, with a more distant rebound. Rodman was so scrupulous about rebounds that he knew how much the ball of each team player rotates after a throw from any point on the court and at what point on the court Rodman himself should be in order to be the first to catch the rebound.
That's why he became the greatest rebounder in history.
In the NFL, former league stars say through one that it was the long hours of watching videos that helped them move up a notch. It is unlikely that the situation is radically different in the NBA (Kobe will not let you lie).
And you don't have to be eidetic to be competitive at the NBA level. But without the ability to memorize attack and defense schemes, the knowledge of how and where to change, where and when it is impossible to change in any case, where to put a barrier - without this it will be hard in the NBA.
Knows how to manage not only internal but also external factors
An unobtrusive conversation with the referee in order to gain a competitive advantage, energy exchange with home fans, the ability to shut up the podium with a throw on the road - all this should clearly be in the arsenal of a "smart" basketball player.
American commentators often use the concept of momentum - this is something like the dynamics of the game. So, the “smart” player is distinguished by the fact that he keeps his hand on the “pulse of the game” and feels any hesitation and deviation from its even flow. The ability to “seize the moment” should also be inherent in a good coach (this applies to the ability to take a time out in time), but it will not interfere with the player either.
One of the most memorable “plugging in” moments in my memory was Shane Battier's long-range hit after Avery Bradley's spectacular block shot on Dwyane Wade. An amazing top 10 moment of the day, which immediately lost its value and did not give Boston any momentum.
To be honest, until Cleveland's series with Toronto, I didn't think that the middle shot could be an effective tool in dealing with crowd enthusiasm. A dunk, three-pointer, or juicy block shot can both turn fans on and calm them down. A normal hit in response to an opponent's spectacular action will reduce the noise from the fans, but will not deprive them of an energy charge.
But what LeBron did in Game 2 against the Raptors is the plague. After each taunting blade throw from James, in the silence of the crowd, the spine crunching of every Toronto player and fan could be heard as LeBron cracked X-ray style punches from the latest Mortal Kombats. LeBron not only scored two points after such hits, he crushed the will to win his rivals.
Here I would add the ability of great players to put an end to the game. Buzzer beaters with siren are cool, but don't underestimate the shots that can be scored two, three, five minutes before the end of the match with a difference in the score, implying a potential tight ending. The ability to drive a dagger (also a lexicon of commentators, a dagger from English) into the opponent’s stomach, which will either completely deprive the opponents of hope, or make them understand that “fuck you, not victory / only through my corpse”, is also worth a lot.
Dirk Nowitzki cannot be left out of the list of non-obvious killers.
Thinks non-trivially
Some specific examples.
1. Jason Kidd
End game between Dallas and Atlanta in 2009. 97:95 in favor of the Hawks, 1:40 to go. Hawks coach Mike Woodson is so emotionally explaining something to his players that he is right on the court. Jason Kidd notices this, deliberately crashes with the ball into Woodson, but the judges are forced to give the technical coach exactly for entering the parquet. Dallas evens the score, puts the game in overtime and wins (111:103).
Sly Kidd was notable for his non-trivial view of the game not only as a player, but also as a coach (remember, for example, the episode when he told the Milwaukee player to crash into him and spilled his drink on the floor so that his assistants in time pauses managed to draw a combination at the end of the game with the Lakers)
2. Fake timeouts, which Andre Miller and Grant Hill portrayed in their time.
In the NBA, an offensive player may request a time-out during a game if he is in possession of the ball, falls/flies out of bounds, or is under two players at once. Players often take advantage of the nuances of the rules to keep their team in possession (for example, dropping onto the floor for the ball and promptly asking for a time-out).
Only a few players in my memory (Andre Miller, Grant Hill and Chris Paul) used the referee's timeout request as a kind of feint, that is, they only pretended to want to approach the referee to request a timeout, but after that continued the attack and took the relaxed opponent by surprise.
3. Rajon Rondo
Playoff game between Boston and Philadelphia in 2012. The Celtics lead three points, Pierce misses the middle. The 66ers start to attack, but Rondo stops them with a quick foul in the middle of the court. Holiday scores both free throws, Celtics -1, Philadelphia need a foul. Rondo receives the ball in the backcourt after a frontcourt kick-in and runs away from Evan Turner. Time is running out, the Celtics are winning.
Two actions, none of which has a single gram of originality, but which will allow you to win precisely at the expense of your brains. Excellent orientation in time and situation.
Rondo rightfully holds the bar of "clever" with a vile character. Here, look at how he gives instructions to partners at the end of the game with Atlanta for the Kings - he sends Cousins to the corner, although there is no one else there and points to the exchange for Korver. After that, Rondo himself can only stand by and watch the Hawks waste decisive possession.
***
Summarizing all of the above, we can make a simple way out. What is a "smart" player? This is the one who has an UNDERSTANDING of the situation and time.
This understanding may be subtle, but it is the basis of what is called "smart" action on the court. If a player keeps in memory a lot of draws, he recognizes them in time and adapts to them; if at the same time he does not try to be too smart and keeps his body / emotions in check in minor moments, but at the same time he catches moments when he needs to take a step forward / turn his shoulder to a partner; if he knows how to balance risk and simple/fundamental decisions; if he understands his own strengths and weaknesses, the strengths and weaknesses of his partners, and the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents, then such a player can be called a player with a high basketball IQ.
Do you know what the problem is? A player who would combine all of the above qualities may not exist.
But are you watching for enjoyment or to learn? Record games and re-watch them with a focus on different plays being used, new moves you haven’t mastered and whatever details sets the teams apart and makes individuals and teams successful. Pick a few players that you know have specific basketball IQ traits that you’d like to learn and spend time studying them.
That includes a focus on conditioning, strength, skill and with an emphasis on how fundamentals translate into game play. Our athletes learn how to become students of the game.
They pay attention to detail and learn at every opportunity.
”
7 seconds remaining on the clock.
Work on your body 
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" 
Well, was the dunk worth it? 
5 turns. By basketball standards, Rodman had the IQ of a genius." 
It is unlikely that the situation is radically different in the NBA (Kobe will not let you lie). 
The ability to “seize the moment” should also be inherent in a good coach (this applies to the ability to take a time out in time), but it will not interfere with the player either. 
After each taunting blade throw from James, in the silence of the crowd, the spine crunching of every Toronto player and fan could be heard as LeBron cracked X-ray style punches from the latest Mortal Kombats. LeBron not only scored two points after such hits, he crushed the will to win his rivals. 
The 66ers start to attack, but Rondo stops them with a quick foul in the middle of the court. Holiday scores both free throws, Celtics -1, Philadelphia need a foul. Rondo receives the ball in the backcourt after a frontcourt kick-in and runs away from Evan Turner. Time is running out, the Celtics are winning. 
