Simple question, which player who isn't just getting garbage minutes do you think has the highest basketball IQ on the current Rockets roster?
That's probably actually the most teachable thing.... the thing is just that it takes a lot of willingness to learn.
Who cares... the premise put forth in the thread title is wrong so your question is silly. You can indeed "teach IQ". Why the heck do you think teams watch game film? To improve their players decision making process and real time reactions to situations. I would go so far as to say that it's easier to improve a players basketball IQ (or instincts) than it is to improve their physical (athletic) abilities. One just requires repetition and enough mental ability to read offensive/defensive schemes (not rocket science at all). The other actual requires work and to get lucky genetically. It's why some people make great coaches but weren't that great playing the game... had all the IQ in the world but just didn't have the prime physical attributes.
Stromile Swift wishes you were right. The history of the NBA is littered with freak athletes who just didn't have any basketball IQ whatsoever and therefore never "made it".
It is teachable to some extent - but certain instincts and quick decision making probably aren't. It's not always about who can run fastest and jump highest. And you are right, it depends on someone's willingness to learn. I think Jalen Green could still be taught (but it is high time that he gets better coaching). KPJ is probably a lost cause because he thinks he is some kind of head honcho and his pouting ego will not allow him to shed his bad habits.
Sure, but there are literally thousands (probably 10s of thousands) of people who have the basketball IQ to play in the nba but not the physical ability. There are plenty of players who are complete morons on the court yet are going to the HOF (see klay thompson). Even KPJ will eventually become a useful nba player. I've said it before and i'll still say that. It won't be as a rocket and it won't be till he's in his late 20s most likely, but even a total zero IQ guy can make it (not that i particularly want those guys on my team, i mostly don't)
There is a long list of players in all sports (hell people in general) who never reached their full potential for various reasons. That's not the point. Your title was "Can't teach IQ" followed up with who has the highest basketball IQ. To which my response is basketball IQ can be taught and players (especially young players) may not come into league making the best decisions but those that put in the work (and not just rely on their athletic gifts) get better.
Fixed for you. Do agree with you that it really depends on the players willingness to learn and the work they put in. Some players come into the league (like say a player that has been playing internationally for years at the pro level in his country) with better instincts and decision making, but that doesn't mean other players can't learn. Basketball is a fast sport so learning to make quick reads and reactions is done as well. Not every player is as instinctual with the decision making process and they have to put in more work to become quicker\better decision makers.
That's true - of course you need a certain level of athletic ability to play in the NBA; I think that goes without saying.
hoops iq is also learned. MJ went from little in to off the charts. Kobe, too. Dream, for sure. Lotsa examples. and it’s why this team needs to bring in a coach + players who can inculcate it to the keepers. imo - there are many more keepers than not on this roster.
Obviously, the thread title is an attention-grabber . I agree with the rest of what you say. That's why I also wouldn't give up on Green so early. He has never had a good coach in the NBA.
It works on both sides Its like me saying B Hurley wishes you were right, he had allegedly high IQ but didn't have the physical ability of other shorter athletic guys I think injuries may have played a part in his short career, but he was easily more IQ driven than actual physical ability/on court game Rather IQ or freak athletic ability, you better have the ''floor game'' to showcase with either trait or both combined
MJ was groomed preNBA by Dean Smith, which made it easy for him to trust the Tex triangle offense No doubt coaching is important, especially if you have young or seasoned high quality players to make something happen if goal is to contend for ships
