08-22-2025, 03:05 AM
Every August, 2K fans wait with bated breath for the annual unveiling of the Top Ten Player Ratings in NBA 2K. With the release of NBA 2K26 approaching, the developer has revealed its latest rankings. These ten players are NBA 2K26 MT cemented as the best of the best at launch. This year’s list features a compelling mix of reigning champions, enduring icons, and next-gen prodigies ready to redefine greatness in the virtual world.
Sitting atop the ratings at a commanding 98 overall are Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander. Jokić, ever the maestro of the modern center role, blends passing, spacing, and scoring with a deft touch. His gameplay in 2K has long been compared to having cheat codes enabled. Now, with a 98 rating, those comparisons ring even truer. On the other side, Gilgeous‑Alexander enters the elite tier with equal billing. After a 2024‑25 season loaded with MVP honors and a championship, his ascendance to the highest rung is more than earned. In 2K, your team just got an unstoppable anchor in both leadership and offensive heat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo follows at 97 overall. There is still nothing quite like his combination of power, speed, and reach. In 2K, running Giannis at full throttle is a signature experience—getting to the rim with force and altering every shot within reach is intuitive and gratifying.
At 95, Luka Dončić continues to be one of the most feared ball-handlers and creators. Now in a Lakers uniform, his ability to manipulate spacing, create off the dribble, and draw defenders out makes him one of the most gripping matchups in the game. Anthony Edwards also earns a 95. His rating is not shocking but affirming—he has grown into a full-fledged star and, in gameplay, is an electric blur of athletic slashing and highlight dunks.
Three players occupy the next tier at 94 overall: Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Jayson Tatum. For those who love the long range contest, Curry remains near unstoppable—his release is poetry and his range is still deep. LeBron, despite being in his 23rd season, remains a virtual wrecking ball for those who love size, strength, and smart play. Tatum brings finesse and efficiency, a smooth scoring profile with defensive chops that make him versatile and dangerous.
Also joining the 94 mark is Victor Wembanyama, a recent entry into NBA superstardom. His combination of height, coordination, and versatility doesn’t translate to many living examples, but in 2K, his fluidity and shot-making make him a must-use. Closing out the list is Kevin Durant at 93 overall. KD has always been a player for the ages—one of the purest scorers the game has ever seen. Even as time marches on, his virtual avatar remains elite.
What does this list say about the current state of the game within the game? It reflects a perfect blend of respect for legacy and hunger for emergence. Jokić and Gilgeous‑Alexander represent the current pinnacle—one cerebral, the other celebratory. Below them, Giannis stands as the relentless force. Luka and Edwards represent the narrative of growth—Luka adapting to a new home, Edwards emerging as a franchise centerpiece. Curry, LeBron, and Tatum bridge eras, offering a cross-generational lineup of excellence. Wembanyama signals the future—raw ability turned digital reality. Durant completes the picture as the timeless scorer.
From a player’s perspective, these ratings directly affect team building, strategy, and digital branding. In modes like MyTeam, these ten players will be highly sought after, potentially commanding locker room dominance. MyCareer players benchmarking themselves against these virtual icons by carving their path and climbing the ranks.
Of course, rankings are only just the beginning. As the season unfolds, we usually see rating adjustments informed by player performance, injury, and momentum. But with the launch list now set, NBA 2K26’s narrative takes shape around these ten giants. Their ratings promise intense competition, flashy highlights, and engaging digital rivalries.
Sitting atop the ratings at a commanding 98 overall are Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander. Jokić, ever the maestro of the modern center role, blends passing, spacing, and scoring with a deft touch. His gameplay in 2K has long been compared to having cheat codes enabled. Now, with a 98 rating, those comparisons ring even truer. On the other side, Gilgeous‑Alexander enters the elite tier with equal billing. After a 2024‑25 season loaded with MVP honors and a championship, his ascendance to the highest rung is more than earned. In 2K, your team just got an unstoppable anchor in both leadership and offensive heat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo follows at 97 overall. There is still nothing quite like his combination of power, speed, and reach. In 2K, running Giannis at full throttle is a signature experience—getting to the rim with force and altering every shot within reach is intuitive and gratifying.
At 95, Luka Dončić continues to be one of the most feared ball-handlers and creators. Now in a Lakers uniform, his ability to manipulate spacing, create off the dribble, and draw defenders out makes him one of the most gripping matchups in the game. Anthony Edwards also earns a 95. His rating is not shocking but affirming—he has grown into a full-fledged star and, in gameplay, is an electric blur of athletic slashing and highlight dunks.
Three players occupy the next tier at 94 overall: Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Jayson Tatum. For those who love the long range contest, Curry remains near unstoppable—his release is poetry and his range is still deep. LeBron, despite being in his 23rd season, remains a virtual wrecking ball for those who love size, strength, and smart play. Tatum brings finesse and efficiency, a smooth scoring profile with defensive chops that make him versatile and dangerous.
Also joining the 94 mark is Victor Wembanyama, a recent entry into NBA superstardom. His combination of height, coordination, and versatility doesn’t translate to many living examples, but in 2K, his fluidity and shot-making make him a must-use. Closing out the list is Kevin Durant at 93 overall. KD has always been a player for the ages—one of the purest scorers the game has ever seen. Even as time marches on, his virtual avatar remains elite.
What does this list say about the current state of the game within the game? It reflects a perfect blend of respect for legacy and hunger for emergence. Jokić and Gilgeous‑Alexander represent the current pinnacle—one cerebral, the other celebratory. Below them, Giannis stands as the relentless force. Luka and Edwards represent the narrative of growth—Luka adapting to a new home, Edwards emerging as a franchise centerpiece. Curry, LeBron, and Tatum bridge eras, offering a cross-generational lineup of excellence. Wembanyama signals the future—raw ability turned digital reality. Durant completes the picture as the timeless scorer.
From a player’s perspective, these ratings directly affect team building, strategy, and digital branding. In modes like MyTeam, these ten players will be highly sought after, potentially commanding locker room dominance. MyCareer players benchmarking themselves against these virtual icons by carving their path and climbing the ranks.
Of course, rankings are only just the beginning. As the season unfolds, we usually see rating adjustments informed by player performance, injury, and momentum. But with the launch list now set, NBA 2K26’s narrative takes shape around these ten giants. Their ratings promise intense competition, flashy highlights, and engaging digital rivalries.