Reacting to NBA 2K23 Ratings: 3 they got right, and 3 they got wrong
NBA 2K23 is out now, and 2K ratings are always a subject of conversation amongst NBA fans and even players. So here are three players they rated correctly and three player ratings they got wrong.
THREE They got right
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard: 88 and 94 overall
I lumped this duo together as I think their stories are similar going into the season, and 2K got both their respective ratings correct. They showed Leonard the respect he deserves at 94 overall, coming off a year where he missed the whole season. For PG, I think he is appropriately rated at 88 overall to start the year. As I expect the Clippers to play well, PG’s rating is one I expect to go up at some point throughout the year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 97 overall
Giannis is deservingly the highest-rated player in the latest version of NBA2K at 97 overall. Antetokounmpo, in my opinion, is clearly the best player in the NBA as we head into the season. With his size and competitiveness, mixed with his skill set that seems to be evolving every year, Antetokounmpo is ready for a run at another championship this season in Milwaukee.
Andrew Wiggins: 84 overall
After a strong performance in the NBA Finals in which he was the best player on the Warriors not named Steph Curry, it is nice to see Wiggins getting respect in 2K heading into the season. I feel that an 84 overall is fair. It slots him in as the Warriors’ second-best player in the game next to Curry, with teammates Jordan Poole, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson each checking in at an 83 overall right behind Wiggins.
Three They got wrong
Chris Paul: 90 overall
CP3 is a sure-fire Hall of Famer at the point guard position, coming off a season in which he led the league in assists (10.8) for the first time since the 2014-15 season. However, I feel that 90 is a bit high for this legendary PG. Paul is still an elite playmaker, but his scoring average dipped to under 15 points per game last year for the first time in his career. They have CP3 ranked higher than the likes of Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. I would have CP3 an 88 overall in 2K23.
Collin Sexton: 78 overall
Sexton is coming off a season in which he only played 11 games due to injury. He was also recently traded to the Utah Jazz in the Donovan Mitchell blockbuster, as he found himself as the odd man out in Cleveland. The Jazz are still looking to make moves with some of their remaining veterans, so the roster could look different on opening night.
Given good health, Sexton is due for a great season in Utah as he will be the main focus of their offense. Just 23 years old, he averaged 24.3 points per game just a season ago. Therefore, I think 78 overall is too low, and he should be an 80-82 overall.
Russell Westbrook: 78 overall
Say what you will about Westbrook, but to have the two-time MVP at a 78 overall coming off a season where he averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists is a bit too low. I would have him as an 80 overall going into this season as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing season.