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Toronto Raptors 2K17 Ratings Released

By Justin Rowan

May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Fire shoots up from the basket arms during player introductions prior to the Toronto Raptors hosting Cleveland Cavaliers in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.The Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Fire shoots up from the basket arms during player introductions prior to the Toronto Raptors hosting Cleveland Cavaliers in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.The Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NBA 2K17 ratings for the Toronto Raptors have been released, displaying the depth the team has accumulated.

In what has become an annual tradition for NBA fans, the release of a new 2K game–NBA 2K17 in this case–brings out debates on who is rated too high, too low or which teams look the best on paper.

2K’s Twitch session revealed a sneak preview of the ratings for all teams. The Toronto Raptors ratings were captured and shared by Chris Walder of The Score:

You can watch the full Twitch segment here, which includes a preview of the game play, changes to this year’s game as well as ratings from other teams.

The first surprise that stands out is the fact that Kyle Lowry is rated lower than DeMar DeRozan. Few who follow this team consistently can make a logical argument as to why DeRozan is the best player on the team. Lowry is the engine that makes everything go for the Toronto Raptors.

Not only that, he plays on both ends of the court while DeRozan was among the league’s worst defensive shooting guards. DeRozan is only ranked one point ahead of Lowry, but that’s likely at least three or four points too high.

The second thing that stands out is just how deep this Raptors team is on paper. Players one through nine in their rotation are rated 75 and above. Newly signed Jared Sullinger comes in at starting power forward with a 77 rating next to DeMarre Carroll, who also shares a 77 rating.

Jonas Valanciunas starts off at an 82. However, that number may increase should he have the breakout season many anticipate.

The highest-rated Raptor coming off the bench is Patrick Patterson at 76. Patterson may wind up being the starter in the regular season. But the team historically has valued the punch he can bring coming off of the bench.

Cory Joseph, Terrence Ross and sophomore Norman Powell all are rated at 75 while ninth overall pick Jakob Poeltl debuts at 71.

These ratings are, of course, fluid. They are constantly updated throughout the season depending on how player perform. It is clear that the game values the roster that Masai Ujiri and the Raptors have put together.

There’s a solid combination of established cornerstones, as well as young players that are ready to contribute now.

When it comes to the actual NBA season, this type of depth can be used to pull off a trade to help take the Raptors to the next level. Of course you can also execute such a move in game as well. Over the years the 2K franchise has ingrained itself into NBA culture.

Hassan Whiteside and other NBA players have talked publicly about how they use their ratings as motivation. Looking to prove themselves both on the court, and on the virtual court.

There will no doubt be conversations among teammates about how they compare on the game and shots fired in practice. The NBA is about entertainment, so it’s fun to see players connect to the franchise and enjoy themselves.

NBA 2K17 will be available for release on Sept. 20.

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