Introduction

The annual tradition of critiquing NBA 2K player ratings is well underway with the release of NBA 2K26. As basketball fans dive into the latest installment, many players are left scratching their heads over what appears to be mismatched ratings and real-life performance. From Deni Avdija to Jalen Johnson, let's take a closer look at some players whose ratings have sparked outrage among fans and analysts alike.

Deni Avdija: A Surprising 82

Deni Avdija, despite last season’s impressive averages of 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, finds himself rated at an 82, just one point shy of Jalen Green. Avdija finished the season strong, averaging 26.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists post-All-Star break—numbers that surely warrant a more favorable rating considering his defensive prowess throughout his career.

Dejounte Murray: Underestimation at 81

After a challenging previous season marred by injury, Dejounte Murray's rating of 81 raises eyebrows. Although he had a stellar run in the three seasons prior, averaging 21.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, his struggles as an outside shooter may have cost him a few points in the eyes of the developers.

Larry Nance Jr.: Overrated Durability?

Larry Nance Jr. has had his share of injuries, limiting him to just 24 games last season. However, his overall contributions when healthy suggest that his 74 rating is too low. With impressive averages of 9.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 43.3% shooting from beyond the arc, Nance deserves more recognition.

Kyle Anderson: Doing the Little Things

Kyle Anderson's rating of 74 seems inadequate for a player whose contributions go far beyond scoring. As a versatile defender and team playmaker, his value should elevate him beyond a sub-75 rating.

Santi Aldama: A Future Star at 78?

At just 24, Santi Aldama's potential is reflected in his solid stats from last season, yet a rating of 78 feels limiting. It hints at a lack of faith in his continued development moving forward.

Lauri Markkanen: A Misrepresentation?

Lauri Markkanen's rating of 84 may not accurately capture his previous form, especially considering his impressive averages over the last two seasons prior to 2024-25. Despite challenges, he has the potential to outshine this rating significantly.

Aaron Gordon: Vital Contributions Yet Under-Rated

Aaron Gordon's performance with averaging 14.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and being a key component in the Denver Nuggets' success suggests his rating could be higher. His contributions go beyond numbers, making him an invaluable asset to his team.

Luka Dončić: A Question of Respect

With a rating of 95, Luka Dončić remains one of the top players in the game, but the two-point gap behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and three behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may seem excessive, considering his track record and postseason performance.

Franz Wagner: Deserving of Equal Status

Franz Wagner's performance metrics suggest he deserves a rating at least equal to that of his teammate, Paolo Banchero, who is currently rated at 90. Wagner's contributions to the Magic's success indicate he is undervalued at his current rating.

Jalen Johnson: A Rising Star

Jalen Johnson’s potential shines through with averages of 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Rating him similarly to players like Shaedon Sharpe seems unfair, especially given his trajectory as a key player for the Atlanta Hawks.

Conclusion

The world of NBA 2K ratings continues to generate debate each year, with many players finding themselves rated in ways that don't align with their contributions on the court. As fans eagerly await updates, the current ratings can serve as a talking point on how the game developers evaluate talent.