I don't think we have a consensus for the meaning of BBIQ, at least not based on what I'm reading here. It seems like people are lumping things like skill and instinct under the umbrella of BBIQ. To me, all three are distinctively different. I don't think either player has a very high BBIQ right now, but Leonard is a much more skilled player, much better shooter, better passer, doesn't turn the ball over, etc., but has really poor instincts. Robinson, other other hand is an extremely unskilled player that relies 100% on instincts and athleticism.
That's what's especially frustrating about both players. The anti-Leonard camp's criticism is not based on his actual production (check his stats, they are actually pretty good), it's based on the fact that he still frequently looks lost on the court and they see this as a hopeless lack of improvement. They ignore that fact that he actually has improved in the areas of his weaknesses (he's become a much better rebounder, for example) and consider him a bust and a waste of a draft pick. TRob is equally frustrating. He still tantalizes with his athleticism, but is still the exact same unskilled player he was as a rookie. He hasn't developed a single low post move, can't make FTs to save his life and turns the ball over at an alarming rate. It makes one wonder what he works on in practice and the off season. He seems perfectly content to continue to rely totally on his instincts, athleticism and energy to have an occasional good game and a highlight reel dunk or block a couple times a year. His complete lack of improvement of fundamental basketball skills makes me question both his intelligence and his work ethic.
So, why did management pick up Leonard's option and not TRob's? Only they know. It may have been to preserve cap flexibility. It may have been to motivate TRob, or maybe they think it's more likely the light will go on for Leonard before Robinson ever acquires any meaningful skill to go with his instincts and athleticism.
BNM
