With NBA 2K23 right around the corner, player ratings and animations are being revealed online in an attempt to build up some hype and noise around the game’s release.
As usual, the ratings got obliterated by fans online, who had some different ideas for the game. And while ratings are subject to change throughout the course of a season, many of the players who are in the Top 10 now will stay there for a while.
The Top Overall Players in 2K23 ⭐
Giannis is #1 🦌
Agree? #2KRatings pic.twitter.com/IaMYLsopnd
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) September 6, 2022
With a 96 overall rating, Kevin Durant was given a lot of props by 2K. He is tied with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokic as the second-highest-rated player in the game (for active players).
Some might consider that a compliment, but for Durant, it was nothing more than disrespect. In a response to his rating, KD took to Twitter where he posted the following message:
Aye @Ronnie2K I’m gonna need an explanation on why I’m not a 99? This has become laughable
Aye @Ronnie2K I’m gonna need an explanation on why I’m not a 99? This has become laughable https://t.co/oySQUtcDP2
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) September 6, 2022
Naturally, Durant’s immediate response triggered some reactions from the fans, who took to social media to talk about Durant’s gripe. For one TikToker, they managed to get a response video up in just a few minutes after KD’s initial tweet.
— Basketball Guy (@CoachHillBball) September 6, 2022
The fan spoke for many in the community, who also feel that Durant is not worthy of such a high rating — but the video did not go unanswered.
In a Tweet of his own, Durant clapped back at the guy with a short and humorous jab.
U uploaded this in record timing my boy, got damn https://t.co/pCnjppbmqm
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) September 6, 2022
So, Kevin Durant seems to want a 99 overall rating. And while Durant is certainly worthy of an ultra-high rank, a 99 rating has only been given out a few times in 2K’s history, and only for very special instances.
While there may be no 99 overall active players in 2K22, there have been past players who have achieved that benchmark while being active. Instagram account simpsonsmallville has shared an ESPN graphic featuring some all-time greats who have been given a 99 overall while still active in the past.
The active players featured on this graphic are LeBron James and Chris Paul, who are both still playing at a high level. Some Hall of Famers are listed as well, with Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant all getting 99 ratings, and Shaquille O’Neal notably being the only player ever to get a 100 overall.
Last year, Durant was given a 96 rating, which means he has not moved up at all from a season ago. And whether KD likes it or not, it’s exactly what he deserves.
Despite great individual numbers, Durant failed to carry the Nets to success last season, losing in a series sweep to the Celtics in the first round.
Now, in light of everything that has happened over the past year, it will be up to Durant to prove he’s better than his 96 overall rating indicates.
