Top 10 Best Educated NBA Players of All-Time

The NBA is often associated with exceptional athletic prowess, but there exists a group of players who have demonstrated remarkable academic achievements alongside their basketball careers. These individuals have excelled in both arenas, solidifying their status as some of the most highly educated NBA players of all time.

1. Mason Plumlee

Mason Plumlee, the power forward and center for the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, is an excellent example of the marriage between athleticism and academic commitment. Plumlee attended Duke University, where he dual-majored in psychology and cultural anthropology. Additionally, he was twice named an Academic All-American during his collegiate years.

2. Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown, a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics, is another prime example of a highly educated NBA player. Despite being criticized as "too smart" to play in the NBA, Brown has pursued an array of intellectual interests, including the study of magnet chemistry, fluency in Spanish, and a focus on history, meditation, and philosophy during his time at the University of California, Berkeley.

3. Kelly Olynyk

Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Kelly Olynyk, who currently plays for the NBA’s Miami Heat, is a testament to the combination of academic and athletic excellence. Olynyk attended Gonzaga University, where he demonstrated a strong commitment to academics, earning himself the Academic All-American honors.

4. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook, known for breaking the record for most triple-doubles in NBA history, is not only celebrated for his basketball skills but also for his academic acumen. Attending Luezinger High School with a GPA of 3.9, Westbrook's academic prowess was evident. Although he forfeited his last two years of college to enter the NBA draft, his academic achievements are noteworthy.

5. Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo, a player known for his high basketball IQ, also boasts a high level of education. His favorite subject, math, along with his inclination to teach math to children during his free time, attest to his academic capabilities. Despite leaving the University of Kentucky to pursue his NBA career, Rondo's academic aptitude remains a notable aspect of his persona.

6. Chris Dudley

Chris Dudley, not only known for his basketball career but also as the first NBA player diagnosed with diabetes, holds an outstanding educational portfolio. Graduating from Yale University with degrees in political science and economics, Dudley's transition into the finance industry and later into politics highlights his academic prowess beyond the basketball court.

7. Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo, known for his linguistic abilities, received his bachelor's degree in linguistics from Georgetown University and later earned a doctorate from the same institution. Fluent in nine languages, Mutombo's academic achievements are a shining example of intellectual prowess in the NBA.

8. Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh, a player who briefly attended Georgia Tech before joining the NBA, also demonstrated academic proficiency. His involvement in a computer club specializing in graphic design during his high school years showcases his intellectual versatility beyond the basketball court.

9. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol, raised in a family of Spanish doctors, initially pursued medical studies before ultimately focusing on his basketball career. Despite not finishing medical school, Gasol's continued involvement in healthcare, spending time in hospitals treating children, demonstrates his commitment to academic and humanitarian endeavors.

10. Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin, graduating from Harvard with an economics degree and securing a spot on their basketball team, became the Ivy League's first player to achieve remarkable milestones in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. His journey from Harvard to the NBA exemplifies the fusion of academic and athletic excellence.

These ten highly educated NBA players have defied the stereotype of the "dumb jock," showcasing their intellectual prowess alongside their athletic abilities. Their academic achievements stand as a testament to their multifaceted talents and serve as inspiration for aspiring athletes pursuing educational excellence alongside their sports careers.

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