Fixing NBA Superstars’ 2K25 Player Ratings

NBA 2K25 is coming out on September 6th, 2024 and 2K recently released their player ratings. Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic is the highest-rated player with a score of 97, while elite stars such as LeBron James (95), Stephen Curry (95), and Joel Embiid (96) trail him by a few points. To entertain the game’s player ratings, we will accurately represent what overall rating each player should receive considering their efforts in the 2023-24 NBA season and what to expect in the 2024-25 season.

1. Nikola Jokic – 98 (97 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Nikola Jokic has solidified himself as the most dominant player in the NBA, leading the Denver Nuggets to a second consecutive championship in the 2023-24 season. Jokic averaged a near triple-double throughout the season, posting 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. His efficiency was off the charts, boasting a 58.3% shooting percentage from the field. Given his unparalleled impact on both ends of the floor and his continued dominance, it’s only fitting that Jokic receives a slight bump in his overall rating to 98.

Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, Jokic remains the centerpiece of the Nuggets’ dynasty, with expectations that he will continue to perform at an MVP level. Jokic needs to be at least one full point ahead of the second-highest-ranked player, Luka Doncic at 97, out of respect for being the most impactful star in basketball right now.

2. Jayson Tatum – 93 (94 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Jayson Tatum had an impressive 2023-24 season, leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals and winning an NBA title while averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game in the regular season. Despite his stellar performance, Tatum’s rating at 94 might be slightly inflated when considering his shooting struggles in the Finals (38.8% FG, 26.3% 3-PT FG) and for not having an impact in the summer Olympics (5.3 PPG).

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Tatum is expected to continue his rise, but to elevate his status to the very top tier, he will need to demonstrate greater consistency in the postseason. His improvement as an all-around superstar has been more than impressive and he could be ranked higher than 94 if he hits a hot streak in the regular season but until then, he probably should be one point lower.

3. Anthony Davis – 92 (94 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Anthony Davis had a strong 2023-24 season, helping the Los Angeles Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals with averages of 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. Despite his elite defensive presence and ability to dominate in stretches, Davis’s overall impact was somewhat hindered by his recurring injury issues. While his defensive prowess remains top-tier, his offensive consistency, particularly in big moments, wasn’t always at the level expected from a 94-rated player. Adjusting his rating to 92 better reflects his dominant, yet at times inconsistent, contributions. It is important to note that Davis hasn’t shot the ball well from deep either, averaging under 30% for four straight seasons.

Looking forward to the 2024-25 season, Davis is expected to remain a crucial part of the Lakers’ success, but his health will be key. If he can stay injury-free and elevate his game to maintain a higher level of consistency, he has the potential to push his rating back up. But not being dominant enough to lead the Lakers past the first round in the playoffs has to hurt his rating when looking at impact.

4. Jaylen Brown – 91 (92 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Jaylen Brown had the best season of his career in 2023-24, averaging 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier two-way players as the Finals MVP. No doubt, Brown is one of the best players in the world but a 92 rating signifies true superstar status which he might not have reached yet.

In the 2024-25 season, Brown is expected to continue growing as a superstar in the league. Brown had some shooting struggles in the Finals, nailing just 44.0% from the field and 23.5% from three so the minor adjustment to 91 reflects a balanced view of his strengths and the areas where he still has room to grow to reach a different level.

5. Kyrie Irving – 90 (92 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Kyrie Irving’s 2023-24 season with the Dallas Mavericks showcased his elite scoring ability, as he averaged 25.6 points and 5.2 assists per game. However, his rating at 92 seems a bit high considering the Mavericks could not get the best out of the point guard in the NBA Finals. Irving only averaged 19.8 points per game on 27.6% from three in the Finals which doesn’t quite fit a 92-rated player.

However, he is still dominant enough to be a 90 overall as the sidekick to Luka Doncic and his impact was important for the Mavericks to reach the NBA Finals. Irving has a strong jumper and elite ball-handling so his offense will be 90-rated, but inconsistent defense and struggles in the Finals have to drop him a few points.

6. Karl-Anthony Towns – 87 (88 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Karl-Anthony Towns had a solid 2023-24 season, but it was clear that his role and impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves had shifted, particularly with the emergence of Anthony Edwards as the team’s primary offensive option. Towns averaged 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, but his defensive shortcomings and occasional struggles to assert himself in big games suggest that an 88 rating might be slightly high.

Adjusting his rating to 87 better reflects his current role and the areas of his game that still need refinement, especially on the defensive end. Heading into 2024-25, Towns has the opportunity to bounce back, particularly if he can enhance his defensive presence and become more consistent as a secondary star because the big man needs to be more impactful defensively and when it comes to aggression.

7. Julius Randle – 86 (85 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Julius Randle had another strong regular season for the New York Knicks, averaging 24.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. He was once again the driving force behind the Knicks’ offense, particularly during the regular season although he only appeared in 46 games. Even with the injury, it doesn’t make sense that Julius Randle should rank three points below Karl-Anthony Towns.

Looking ahead, Randle’s performance in the 2024-25 season will be crucial for the Knicks’ success. If he can carry his regular-season form and stay healthy, he could see his rating rise to his current mark. However, we believe Randle should be an 86 because he is an elite scorer, playmaker, and rebounder for his size.

8. Kristaps Porzingis – 86 (87 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Kristaps Porzingis enjoyed a resurgent season in 2023-24 with the Boston Celtics, providing a much-needed scoring punch and rim protection, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. However, Porzingis struggles with health and isn’t quite the same player who once made an All-Star Team.

Even if he was critical behind the Boston Celtics winning an NBA championship, Porzingis isn’t quite an All-Star, especially after his playoff averages dipped to 12.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. The big man can’t be trusted to stay healthy and play major minutes needed to earn an 87 score so he needs a slight decrease because he shouldn’t be two points higher than Julius Randle.

9. Franz Wagner – 84 (86 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Franz Wagner continued his upward trajectory in the 2023-24 season, emerging as a key player for the Orlando Magic with averages of 19.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. While Wagner’s growth has been impressive, and his potential is undeniable, his current rating of 86 may be slightly too high given his relatively short tenure as a top option. Lowering his rating to 84 acknowledges his development while also recognizing that he still has room to improve, particularly in terms of efficiency and defensive consistency.

Wagner is poised for another leap in 2024-25, especially as the Magic continue to build around their young core. If he can improve his shooting consistency and take on a larger leadership role, his rating could easily increase. However, an 84 rating better reflects his current place in the league, balancing his potential with his current level of impact.

10. Dejounte Murray – 84 (86 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Dejounte Murray had a productive season with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 20.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game. However, despite his solid all-around numbers, the Hawks struggled to find consistency as a team, and Murray’s fit alongside Trae Young remained a topic of debate. Murray isn’t particularly elite on offense because he can’t always create his own shots, meaning he should see an overall rating dip.

With the New Orleans Pelicans, Murray hopes to maintain his current rating of 86 but it doesn’t seem fair that he is ranked much higher than other guards such as Darius Garland and Klay Thompson. Regardless, Murray has a strong rating entering the 2024-25 season but we think he should be at an 84 to start the season.

11. Darius Garland – 84 (82 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Darius Garland continued to make strides in his game during the 2023-24 season, becoming a more complete floor general for the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 57 appearances, Garland demonstrated improved decision-making and scoring efficiency, but he did have a down year by averaging 18.0 points and 6.5 assists per game on 37.1% from three.

However, Garland is too good to be rated at 82. Posting 18.0 points and 6.5 assists per game is certainly impressive when looking at Donovan Mitchell’s ball domination, and there is no doubt he is more skilled than an 82-rated player. An 84 rating accurately captures his current standing while leaving room for future growth.

12. Bradley Beal – 83 (85 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Bradley Beal had a solid but unspectacular 2023-24 season with the Phoenix Suns, where he found himself in a new role alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. While Beal’s scoring average dipped to 18.2 points per game, largely due to sharing the spotlight with other stars, his efficiency remained strong. However, his 85 rating might be a bit too high considering his reduced role and the fact that his impact on the Suns’ success wasn’t as pronounced as in previous years.

A slight reduction to 83 better reflects his current status as a very good, but not necessarily elite, scoring option. In the upcoming 2024-25 season, Beal’s performance will be closely watched, especially as the Suns aim to make a deep playoff run. If he can adapt to his role and become a more consistent performer in big games, his rating might see an upward adjustment. But for now, an 83 rating provides a more accurate representation of where he stands as a declining All-Star.

13. Khris Middleton – 83 (85 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Khris Middleton had a challenging 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks, dealing with injuries and inconsistency that hampered his usual production. He averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, which, while solid, didn’t quite match his previous All-Star caliber seasons. His diminished role and effectiveness, particularly in key moments, suggest that his 85 rating might be overly generous.

A reduction to 83 reflects his current form and acknowledges that while he remains a valuable contributor, he is not quite at the elite level he once was. As the Bucks look to reclaim their status as title contenders in 2024-25, Middleton’s health and consistency will be crucial. If he can stay healthy and return to his peak form, there’s potential for his rating to climb again. However, given the uncertainty surrounding his overall scoring ability, an 83 rating is a fair assessment.

14. Klay Thompson – 83 (81 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Klay Thompson had a solid comeback season in 2023-24, showing flashes of his old self with averages of 17.9 points and 38.7% shooting from beyond the arc. After a couple of seasons marred by injuries, Thompson’s return to form as one of the league’s premier shooters was a welcome sight for the Golden State Warriors. However, the Warriors decided to let him walk in free agency but that shouldn’t lead to an automatic rating deduction.

Despite his age and some limitations on defense, Thompson’s shooting remains elite, and he continues to be a significant offensive threat. Increasing his rating to 83 acknowledges his resurgence while recognizing that he may not be at the peak of his powers anymore. Since shooting is such a powerful skill in the modern NBA and in NBA 2K, he probably should be an 83 until he proves otherwise.

15. Keegan Murray – 82 (80 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Keegan Murray made impressive strides during his sophomore season with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 15.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while showcasing improved shooting and defensive versatility. His development into a reliable scorer and an emerging two-way player was a key reason for the Kings’ success. While his official 2K25 rating of 80 reflects his youth, an increase to 82 is warranted given his significant improvement and the promise he’s shown as a future star in the league.

Looking forward to the 2024-25 season, Murray is expected to take on an even larger role as he continues to grow alongside the Kings’ young core. If he continues on this trajectory, his rating could easily rise as he establishes himself as one of the better young forwards in the NBA. The bump to 82 acknowledges his progress and the impact he’s already having on his team.

16. Draymond Green – 82 (83 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Draymond Green remains one of the most unique and impactful players in the league, known for his defensive genius and playmaking ability. In the 2023-24 season, he continued to be the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors, averaging 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while anchoring the team’s defense. However, as he ages, some decline in his athleticism and scoring ability has become evident, making an 83 rating slightly optimistic.

Adjusting his rating to 82 better reflects his current role as a defensive stalwart and secondary playmaker, even as his scoring and offensive impact may have diminished. If Green can maintain his defensive excellence and continue to be a key playmaker, his rating could stabilize. However, the adjustment to 82 acknowledges the natural decline that comes with age in terms of scoring, athleticism, and defense.

17. RJ Barrett – 82 (81 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

No doubt, RJ Barrett’s shooting percentages and decision-making under pressure remain areas for improvement. Despite these challenges, his growth as a scorer and defender justifies a slight increase to an 82 overall rating, reflecting his potential and the strides he’s made as a young player.

The 2024-25 season will be critical for Barrett as he looks to take the next step in his development. If he can improve his shooting efficiency and become a more consistent performer, especially in high-pressure situations, his rating could rise further. The bump to 82 acknowledges both his current impact and the potential he has to become an even better player.

18. Mike Conley – 80 (81 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Mike Conley remains a steadying veteran presence for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but at 36 years old, his best days are behind him. In the 2023-24 season, Conley averaged 11.4 points and 5.9 assists per game, providing solid leadership and playmaking. However, his athleticism and scoring ability have naturally declined, making an 81 rating seem slightly inflated at this stage of his career.

Reducing his rating to 80 reflects his current status as a reliable, but no longer elite, point guard. While his contributions as a sharpshooter (44.2%) are valuable, the adjustment to an 80 rating acknowledges the realities of aging while still respecting his experience and basketball IQ. Conley can’t be rated as a bonafide starter anymore and needs a slight reduction in overall rating.

19. Dereck Lively II – 80 (81 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Dereck Lively II had a promising rookie season in 2023-24, showing flashes of his potential as a defensive anchor and rim protector for the Dallas Mavericks. While his averages of 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game were solid for a rookie big man, his game is still very much a work in progress, particularly on the offensive end.

His 81 rating in NBA 2K25 seems slightly high given his current level of impact, so lowering it to 80 better reflects his standing as a developing player with significant potential. If he can continue to develop, particularly in scoring and defending without fouling, his rating could rise as he grows into a more complete player. For now, an 80 rating appropriately captures where he stands as a young talent with room to grow because having no outside jumper and shooting only 50.6% from the free-throw line has to hurt his rating more than it has.

20. Daniel Gafford – 80 (81 Official NBA 2K25 Rating)

Daniel Gafford had a solid season with the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks in 2023-24, averaging 11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while serving as an effective rim protector and energy player. However, his offensive game remains somewhat limited, and his impact can be inconsistent, particularly against more skilled opponents.

His 81 rating might overstate his current abilities, so a slight reduction to 80 is more fitting for his role as a reliable, but not standout, big man. Gafford can’t create his own offense, isn’t the best at moving his feet, and isn’t exactly automatic from the free-throw line, either. Gafford relies on energy and effort more often than not but that shouldn’t give him an 81 rating just yet. 

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