The one and only NBA game is just around the corner, and as always, fans debate about the ratings players are given and predict what those might look like by the end of the season. This year's entry is set to release on September 8th, featuring Kobe Bryant as the cover athlete. Although there is a lot still to be revealed about the game, the best-rated players in NBA 2K24 are now officially announced, and there might be some surprises.
It certainly didn't come easy to become one of the top 10 current players in NBA 2K24. Most of the guys listed before have been in the finals multiple times or had some of the most impressive playoff runs in the last few years. Who will remain at the top for the 23/24 season?
Updated on August 16, 2023, by Adrián Tomé López:2K finally made official the top 10 rating for this year's entry, and they weren't very close to the leaks. A lot of changes took place: two players out, Lillard and Gilgeous-Alexander, two players in, Butler and Booker, and a different order that leaves Nikola Jokić sitting alone at the top with a 98 rating, one of the highest ratings ever. With these new changes, the Suns become the only team to feature two players in the top 10, without even mentioning the recently signed Bradley Beal or DeAndre Ayton, thus, becoming this year's "unfair" team to pick. This list might be vastly different some time from now. Some players might go down due to injuries, others may go up while having a massive breakout season, and others will get their ratings down after underperforming for a while. Fans will have to keep an eye on things after the actual NBA season starts on October 24.
Devin Booker - 94
The Phoenix Suns' guard managed to crack into the top 10, which finally puts him in the best of the best conversation. His amazing scoring ability as the leader of one of the best western conference teams earned him the last spot.
However, in the last two years, he hasn't been able to replicate his finals run from 2021, although this year they start as the favorites thanks to the addition of Bradley Beal. His incredibly high rating in NBA 2K24 speaks for itself.
Jimmy Butler - 95
Jimmy Butler shocked the world once again come playoff time. He somehow managed to get an 8th seed to the NBA Finals with some legendary performances along the way. A truly mesmerizing player that always steps up when the team needs him the most.
The missing ring is the only thing separating him from the best playoff performers and to show that 2K has decided to give him a stunning 95 overall, which might be a little bit high considering his numbers during the regular season.
Jayson Tatum - 95
The Celtics' young superstar is a player built for the modern game. He can defend all five positions and create his own shot while also being consistent from 3pt range. All he is missing is that last step toward success after a lot of disappointing losses in the playoffs
He definitely has the potential to stay within the top five for years to come as he is about to enter his prime.
Luka Dončić - 95
NBA's latest wonder kid and the youngest player in the top 10, Luka quickly became a fan favorite. He always seems in control of the situation, playing at his own pace, fooling defenders left and right.
His 95 might seem a little high coming off a season where he missed the playoffs, but anyone that has seen him play won't have any problem with it. He is another player that should easily crack the top 5 in the next few years, or even this season if he starts in good form.
Joel Embiid - 96
Last year's MVP couldn't fall short in terms of rating the same way he does in the playoffs. Debates aside, he is a dominant back-to-the-basket scorer, a solid shooter, and a great defender.
He's also one of the two centers to make the list of best players in the world and a top-two player in the MVP voting for a few years now. In a world of position-less, high pace basketball he still found ways to be great, which should show how good he actually is.
Stephen Curry - 96
The greatest shooter of all time keeps in great form. His shooting alone could keep him around the league until his 40s, but he also maintains great conditioning and aims to achieve Tom Brady's type of longevity.
2K has always faced some issues in order to translate his amazing shooting ability to the game, even with a 99 3pt shooting it feels that it should be better.
Giannis Antetokounmpo - 96
If Luka had an unexpected and disappointing exit from the playoffs, the same can be said about the 2021 Finals MVP. However, his stats have actually improved from his MVP years, although he doesn't seem to figure things out in the free throw line.
He is an incredible playmaker, amazing rebounder, and defender of the weak side. Giannis completed basketball a couple of years ago, but he still wants more. He will have another chance to prove it this year.
Kevin Durant - 96
Up next is Kevin Durant. His unparalleled shot-making combined with his height, quickness, and handling of the ball always made him a cheat code.
He has actually shown some signs of slowing down due to injuries but 2K keeps his rating at the top. It is true that the only thing that can stop him is injuries.
LeBron James - 96
Talking about slowing down, heading into his 21st season in the NBA, LeBron is still 2nd for the highest rating in 2K, and deservedly so. He just managed to get a seventh seed into the Conference Finals with a great playoff run especially for this stage of his career.
The feeling that he could play for a few more years at the highest level is becoming a reality. Not by accident is he considered by many to be the best of all time. Another year of his drives to the rim being unstoppable.
Nikola Jokić - 98
The reigning Finals MVP sits at the top of the list. Jokić makes it look easy on the daily. A generational talent, a center with the skills of a point guard, and the finesse of a shooting guard while also being incredibly strong is what allows him to secure a lot of rebounds and post-up anybody in the league.
He destroyed the best defenders at his position during his championship-winning playoff run. It just felt impossible to contain him.
NBA 2K24 launches September 8th on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.