NBA 2K26 continues to build anticipation ahead of its official release, unveiling another wave of player ratings that cover ranks 30 through 21. After previously dropping the 100–50 and 50–30 lists, this new set shines the spotlight on several high-level stars, including two names that instantly caught the attention of fans worldwide: Kyrie Irving and Jalen Williams.
30. Bam Adebayo – 88
29. Jaren Jackson Jr. – 89
28. James Harden – 89
27. Pascal Siakam – 89
26. Evan Mobley – 89
25. Paolo Banchero – 89
24. Kyrie Irving – 90
23. Trae Young – 90
22. Jaylen Brown – 90
21. Jalen Williams – 90
The list begins with Bam Adebayo at No. 30, holding an 88 overall rating. Despite the Miami Heat’s struggles last season, Adebayo remains one of the league’s best defensive anchors and a reliable interior scorer, making his placement fair and consistent.
Following him, Jaren Jackson Jr. claims the No. 29 spot with an 89, cementing his status as an elite rim protector. His offense has yet to fully match his defensive reputation, but the reigning blocks leader remains a valuable two-way piece.
James Harden takes the 28th spot at 89 overall, a ranking that reflects his resurgence with the Los Angeles Clippers. After years of ups and downs, Harden rediscovered his playmaking dominance while adjusting to a reliable second scoring option behind Kawhi Leonard.
Pascal Siakam also sits at 89 at No. 27, a nod to his impact with the Indiana Pacers, where he fit seamlessly alongside Tyrese Haliburton and powered Indiana to one of the most dangerous offenses in the NBA and into their 2025 Finals run.
Evan Mobley checks in at No. 26 with an 89 overall, boosted by his Defensive Player of the Year award. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ young star has rapidly grown into one of the league’s premier defensive presences, while also taking steps forward offensively.
Paolo Banchero, the Orlando Magic’s cornerstone, lands at No. 25 with an 89 overall. After making his first All-Star team, the 21-year-old continues to rise as one of the brightest young forwards in the league, blending scoring versatility with improving leadership.
Things get more interesting with the top five names on this batch. Kyrie Irving earns a 90 overall rating at No. 24, showcasing that his scoring brilliance and offensive creativity remain elite. Despite concerns about his durability, Irving proved last season with the Dallas Mavericks that he can still perform at an All-NBA level before his ACL tear.
Trae Young follows closely at No. 23 with a 90 overall, maintaining his reputation as one of the NBA’s most dynamic offensive weapons. His shooting range, passing ability, and consistent scoring output in Atlanta keep him firmly in the star conversation, even as questions linger about his long-term fit with the Hawks.
Jaylen Brown lands at No. 22 with a 90 overall, a slight dip after the Boston Celtics’ early playoff exit. While still regarded as one of the best two-way wings in the league, his stock took a hit.
Perhaps the most exciting inclusion in this tier is Jalen Williams, ranked No. 21 with a 90 overall. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward received a massive boost following his breakout season, capped by a historic championship run. Williams’ two-way brilliance, clutch scoring, and ability to thrive next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander solidified him as one of the NBA’s fastest-rising young stars.
With stars like Jalen Williams and Kyrie Irving headlining this range, and even bigger names yet to be revealed, the NBA 2K26 rating drops are setting the stage for a highly competitive and debated hierarchy of basketball’s elite. As the top 20 rolls out, fans are bracing for the true superstars, from MVP candidates to legends, to take the spotlight.
