The NBA 2K game is arguably the biggest sports game to come out every year. I would argue that the NFL is bigger in the US, but 2K has been making these games at such a high level for so long that these just took over. It could be that EA has an exclusive deal with the NFL, but that’s a whole other thing!

I want to focus on 2K19 for this list and the ratings of the current roster. Every year a big thing people wonder going into the game is what players ratings will be. If you follow the NBA it’s usually not a big surprise how some of the big names are rated but this year is a tad different. As players change teams and age, their rating in the game tends to change. I do want to say that the 2K games updates players as the real season happens, so these rating might change. These are the ratings before the season starts.

This list will be about players' ratings that I think are either too high, too low, or just right! Some of the people are only a point or so off, but the difference between an 89 and a 90 can be a decent difference to making a shot and missing one. I also want to say that these are just my opinions as someone who watches a good bit of the NBA and plays the game every year. Alright, let’s get to it!

30 Doesn’t Make Sense: LeBron James - 99 (With Cavs)

How about we start this list off with a hot take? I know that LeBron is one of the best players on the planet, and he was the best player when he was in Cleveland, but was he really a 99? I don’t think so! They always have classic teams in these games, and they have the Cavs from last year and he’s a 99. I get he played out of his mind, but he lost in the finals back to back years! I would personally have him at a 98 for the Cavs.

29 Makes Sense: Ben Simmons - 87

Although I don’t think Ben Simmons is the best player on the 76ers, I do think he’s one of the best young players in the league. If they didn’t run into the Cavs in the playoff last year, they may have represented the East in the Finals.

Ben being an 87 fits for me because he is young.

I’m not big on giving young players ratings in the 90s, so him being an 87 makes sense to me. This team will be a top team in the East this year! I have another member later on this list.

28 Doesn’t Make Sense: John Wall - 89

So this is the first of a few players that I feel are overrated both in-game and in real life. I like John Wall, but I don’t consider him a top player! When someone has a rating of 89, that means he’s one of the top 25 or so players in the NBA. I think he should be about an 85. He’s a great scorer but that’s about it. He doesn’t make the people around him better, he’s inconsistent on defense, and can kinda come off selfish on the court.

27 Makes Sense: Paul George - 89

Speaking of top 25 players in the NBA, I do consider Paul George to be one! Since he left the Pacers and joined OKC, he’s kinda taken a few steps back. But he’s still one of the few players that I’d trust to get a game winner. An 89 makes sense to me because that says he’s almost an elite player. If the Thunder is going to do anything in the West, then it’s going to be on Paul George and another player I have later on this list. You probably know who it is… Russell Westbrook.

26 Doesn’t Make Sense: Chris Paul - 90

I consider Chris Paul to be the second-best point guard in the NBA, and I have no idea how he’s only a 90 in this game! Outside of LeBron, he’s the best passer in the league and can drain 3-pointers!

He’s the reason the Rockets are as good as they are.

James Harden might be the better overall player, but that team wouldn’t be the second-best team in the West without Paul! He’s a 93-94 to me, and I don’t get how that’s even a hot take or an opinion!

25 Makes Sense: Kevin Love - 86

Kevin Love is one of those players that I could see his rating changing as the season goes on. As of now though, I think an 86 fits him. This is based on his time playing with LeBron and he had to take some steps back. When he was in Minnesota he was a better player, and I think he might get back to that since he’s the best player on the Cavs now. I could be wrong, but this is one of those players to watch this coming season. As of now though, an 86 makes sense.

24 Doesn’t Make Sense: Stephen Curry - 95

Stephen Curry is the best point guard in the NBA. I don’t think that very debatable! I would’ve had him higher on this list, but I don’t think they were too off with him at a 95.

I would rate him around a 96-97.

To me, he’s one of the most important players in the NBA, and I think his rating should say that. Putting him at a 97 would put him in contention with LeBron and Durant and that’s where he should be.

23 Makes Sense: Hassan Whiteside - 85

I’m going to be honest, I’m a Heat fan, and that’s the main reason I put Hassan Whiteside on here. When he came into the league, he kinda came out of nowhere and was the hottest player for a few months. Now that it’s been a few years, we’ve learned what kind of player he is. He can take over games from time to time, but for the most part, he’s a solid and reliable center. So I feel that an 85 for him is just right!

22 Doesn’t Make Sense: Blake Griffin - 86

I’ve always liked Blake Griffin, and I think an 86 is too low for him this year! He’s gotten better at shooting the ball, and even added the 3-pointer to his game this past year. The Pistons can be a good team when he’s healthy.

Remember when he did that commercial for the game RAGE? Good times.

I get that he’s mainly known for his dunks, but he’s a good defender and usually makes whatever team he’s on better. I’d rate him an 88 this year with the possibility of going up from that.

21 Makes Sense: J.R. Smith - 75

I really don’t hate J.R. Smith, I don’t, but man he’s not the player he used to be. The mess up in the finals this past year is probably a big reason he’s a 75 this year. I kinda agree with that. He can have games when his shooting is on fire but with no LeBron in Cleveland this year, he’s going to miss more shots than he makes. I think he’s a solid bench player, but nothing more. His rating is low this year but it makes sense to me.

20 Doesn’t Make Sense: J.J. Redick - 79

I honestly can’t believe 2K slapped a 79 rating on J.J. Redick! I get that he’s been on a few different teams over the past few years, and that can throw someone’s game off, but he’s still one of the best pure shooters in the NBA! I would have at least an 81 or 82 rating for him this year. He’s on a legit title contender with the 76ers and he’s going to be an important member if they are going to make a run in the playoffs.

19 Makes Sense: DeMarcus Cousins - 90

I know that people don’t like the Warriors, and them adding DeMarcus Cousins only added fuel to that fire. I’ll say this: Boogie can be one of the most dominant players on the court. He can shoot, he can play defense, and he can do all that from the center position.

He’s scheduled to play again sometime in 2019.

He got injured last year, and I’d argue for a higher rating if he were healthy, but I think a 90 is good for now. Cause he is great, but who knows how he’s going to look with Golden State.

18 Doesn’t Make Sense: Rajon Rondo - 79

I’m not the biggest Rondo fan, but he’s much better than a 79. He’s a great point guard and one of the best passers right now. I get he’s had a rough last few years and his shooting isn’t great, but still. He’s on the Lakers now, and I guarantee he’ll have some amazing passes that lead to LeBron dunks this season! I’d give him an 83 just for his passing ability and being smart with the ball for the most part. That’s just me, though.

17 Makes Sense: LaMarcus Aldridge - 88

I’ve always liked LaMarcus Aldridge, and if this had been him when he played for the Trailblazers then I’d want his rating to be higher. I think an 88 fits him now, and that’s not to say he’s gotten worse or anything, but he just plays differently.

He doesn’t have to hang 40 points to get wins anymore.

He’s a legit shooter and one of the best power forwards in the league. Since Kawhi Leonard isn’t with the Spurs this year, Aldridge’s points may go up and so could his rating as the year goes on.

16 Doesn’t Make Sense: Goran Dragić - 84

I consider Goran Dragić to be the second best player on the Heat, first being Dwayne Wade, and I think an 85 is just too low. I get I might be biased, but he’s single-handedly won a ton of games since he’s been in Miami.

He used to play of the Suns.

I would have given him at least an 87 or 88 rating. His shooting and passing is too good to not be around there. He was a big reason the Heat made the playoffs last year!

15 Makes Sense: Giannis Antetokounmpo - 94

There’s a reason 2K decided to put this guy on the standard cover of the game this year! I know I said earlier that I’m not big on young players getting high rankings, but Giannis is an exception. He’s far and above the best player for the Bucks, and people think he has a shot at being the next poster boy for the NBA. I think he needs to at least be in an NBA Finals before we can start talking face of the league. A 94 rating makes sense to me for him this year!

14 Doesn’t Make Sense: Jrue Holiday - 85

I want to say this first: the New Orleans Pelicans is Anthony Davis’s team and that’s not changing. Having said that though, Jrue Holiday might be the key to this team and his rating is too low this year!

I think the Pelicans are going to have a great season this year.

I know that everyone is talking about the Lakers, but the Lakers might end up going against the Pelicans in the playoffs and they may get beat! Jrue is a great shooter and an even better passer! I’d like to see him have an 87-88 ranking.

13 Makes Sense: Kawhi Leonard - 94

Boy… Kawhi Leonard has had a bit of an offseason, huh? I really like him as a player, and think he might be the best defensive player in the NBA! I do think him being with the Raptors puts them as the second best team in the East and his 94 rating is earned and makes sense to me. I just wonder how hard he’s going to play there, seeing as he wanted to be in LA. Man, that laugh really took off though, and it’s weird that’s what he’s known for now!

12 Doesn’t Make Sense: Brandon Ingram - 82

I really believe Brandon Ingram is the second best player for the Lakers, and an 82 is way too low for him! He’s an excellent shooter and will compliment LeBron really well! He was a big reason LA won as many games as they did last year and came close to being playoff contenders. I’d honestly move him all the way up to about an 86. I do think his rating will go up as the season goes, because he might average around 22 points a game this year.

11 Makes Sense: Devin Booker - 87

I know that NBA people are really high on Devin Booker but I think him being on the Suns hurts him right now. He is a great player and can score at will but it seems to not matter much.

The Suns haven’t had a winning season in 5 years.

His rating is an 87 this year, and I think that fits. He is the best player on his team and he plays the most important position, point guard, but I can’t see him having a 90 rating or anything.