LeBron James is often considered to be the GOAT in basketball. Ever since he won his first title with the Miami Heat, the debate has been a real discussion.
Some look at LeBron’s incredible longevity and stats. Others look at his amazing basketball IQ, as most would say LeBron is a smart player.
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According to former teammate, Udonis Haslem, LeBron, along with Dwyane Wade, are not quite as smart as another former Miami Heat player.
Related: NBA Play-In: Warriors beat Grizzlies
Jimmy Butler just had an incredible Play-In game for the Golden State Warriors, helping the team clinch a playoff berth. Before joining the Warriors, Butler played for the Heat and was a teammate to Haslem.
After playing alongside LeBron, Wade, and Butler, Haslem has declared Butler the smarter player.
“Jimmy Butler is one of the smartest basketball players that I’ve ever been around,” Haslem said. “How you guard him in the regular season and how you guard him in one game, you’re not going to be able to guard him like that the second one.”
Haslem went on to explain to Wade how he truly feels about Butler, in comparison to himself and LeBron.
“You are extremely talented, LeBron is extremely talented. But Jimmy Butler is way smarter than y’all.”
“You are talented as hell, LeBron is talented as hell, but Jimmy is way smarter than yall”
– Udonis Haslem told Dwyane Wade to his face after Warriors win last night ???? pic.twitter.com/EBtR4xN7Y1
— Sports Legacy (@Sports_Legacyy) April 17, 2025
This is an incredible compliment from Haslem. It shows how Butler has found so much success, despite not being as gifted as LeBron or Wade.
Butler’s brain, and his heart, are what Warriors fans are hoping help lead Golden State to another NBA title this season.
