The 2024-2025 NBA season is just around the corner, which means it’s time for basketball enthusiasts to dive into the latest NBA 2K release.
Among the buzz surrounding new features and gameplay, the player ratings always grab headlines and ignite passionate discussions across social media.
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On August 26, NBA 2K25 unveiled its Top 100 player rankings, reigniting the annual debate over who deserves what score.
This year, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets claims the top spot, securing his place after winning his third MVP title and his first Olympic gold medal. It’s his second consecutive year as the highest-rated player, although his score has dipped by one point from NBA 2K24.
Some fans may express surprise at his ranking, but Visual Concepts stands firm on their choice.
Interestingly, Jokic is accompanied by Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, both sharing a 97 overall rating, taking the second and third spots respectively. Doncic, fresh off an MVP finalist season, topped the league in scoring, making his ranking expected. Antetokounmpo’s placement has drawn mixed reactions, especially since he outshines Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder, who received a 96 overall and ranks fourth.
The rest of the Top 10 includes Joel Embiid (76ers – 96), LeBron James (Lakers – 95), Stephen Curry (Warriors – 95), Jayson Tatum (Celtics – 95), Kevin Durant (Suns – 94), and Anthony Davis (Lakers – 94).
There appears to be a strong emphasis on offensive stats versus defense in these rankings. For instance, Rookie of the Year and DPOY finalist Victor Wembenyama from the San Antonio Spurs holds an overall rating of 91, landing him at 18th place, while Rudy Gobert, last season’s DPOY, is ranked 51st with an 85 rating.
As a fun historical note, the last active player to hit a 99 overall was LeBron James in NBA 2K14, and Shaquille O’Neal holds the record for the only player ever rated at 100 overall in NBA 2K2.
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