With the recent release of the NBA 2K21 video game, also comes a look at which players are considered best of the best. It should come as no surprise which players are at the top or right near it. However, a look at the complete top 28 for NBA 2K21 player ratings will show the story of who the game developers feels are among the top stars in the league.
LeBron, Giannis lead NBA 2K21 player ratings
The two players sitting atop the NBA 2K21 player ratings are also the stars on the top two teams in the league. The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo are tied for the best overall rating in 2K21.
Each player has a 97 overall in the game, which is unsurprising as both LeBron and Giannis were in discussions to win MVP this season. As of right now, both their teams are still competing in the NBA Playoffs, although LeBron seems to be faring better.
They’re followed by two more superstar players as the Houston Rockets’ James Harden and LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard are tied with 96 OVR. Both their teams are also competing in the playoffs. Harden and the Rockets up against LeBron’s Lakers, while Kawhi and the Clippers are battling the Denver Nuggets.
Coming in with 95 overall ratings are last year’s cover star Anthony Davis (Lakers), Kevin Durant (Nets), and Stephen Curry (Warriors). The latter two players are a non-factor in the playoffs as both were injured during the past season. Curry’s Warriors didn’t even qualify, while the Nets were bounced in the first round.
Top 28 players in the game based on OVR
There weren’t any special NBA 2K21 player ratings reveal videos leading up to this year’s game, mostly due to the circumstances. The season was postponed for several months due to the coronavirus pandemic, which also impacted potential ratings adjustments. Only 22 teams participated in the NBA restart in Florida to determine the playoff bracket.
The NBA 2K21 cover star Damian Lillard is No. 8 overall on the top player ratings. Dame had a first-round exit from the playoffs, but was looking impressive during his time at the bubble. He’ll definitely be motivated for next season.
Without further adieu, here’s a look at the top 28 players in 2K21:
- LeBron James (Lakers) 97
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) 97
- James Harden (Rockets) 96
- Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) 96
- Anthony Davis (Lakers) 95
- Kevin Durant (Nets) 95
- Stephen Curry (Warriors) 95
- Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers) 94
- Luka Doncic (Mavericks) 94
- Joel Embiid (Sixers) 91
- Paul George (Clippers) 90
- Kyrie Irving (Nets) 90
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) 90
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves) 90
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics) 89
- Jimmy Butler (Heat) 89
- Klay Thompson (Warriors) 89
- Bradley Beal (Wizards) 88
- Trae Young (Hawks) 88
- Donovan Mitchell (Jazz) 88
- Pascal Siakam (Raptors) 88
- Russell Westbrook (Rockets) 88
- Chris Paul (Thunder) 88
- Ben Simmons (Sixers) 87
- Rudy Gobert (Jazz) 87
- Kristaps Porzingis (Mavericks) 87
- Kyle Lowry (Raptors) 87
- Devin Booker (Suns) 87
For those wondering, the recent NBA Rookie of the Year winner Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is an 85 overall. Interestingly, fellow rookie and next-gen cover star Zion Williamson (Pelicans) is an 86 overall. He came in third in the ROY voting, while second-place contender Kendrick Nunn (Heat) is a 76 OVR.
Also absent from the top players above is NBA All-Star and Most Improved Player winner Brandon Ingram (Pelicans). He gets an 86 overall, just like teammate Zion Williamson.
Check out the top 100 player ratings here.
Visit our NBA 2K page for more of the latest news and game updates.