New York Knicks: Adjusting Kristaps Porzingis’ NBA 2K18 rating

As NBA 2K18 prepares for it’s much anticipated release in September, many players, including Kristaps Porzingis, are revealing their early overall ratings.

It’s no secret that video game ratings still matter to NBA players regardless of how old they get it’s still a minor reminder of how the world views their skill levels.

The upcoming release of NBA 2K18 is yet another moment for players to gain motivation heading into the new season as they attempt to “try to get there 2K ratings up”.

New York Knicks budding star Kristaps Porzingis is another one of those players paying close attention to his annual 2K rating. Porzingis has shown flashes of greatness in his two seasons as the starting forward in New York quickly becoming a talented fan favorite.

The Latvian native increased his production offensively from his rookie season by averaging 18.1 points per game in 2016-17.

The increase in production was expected to increase Porzingis’ overall rating in the latest edition of the game especially since many assume he will be the focal point of New York’s offense.

The eventual parting ways with Carmelo Anthony will open up more shot attempts for the third year star that in theory should put him over 20 points per game in 2017-18.

His rating reveal of 86 would be great for most players but considering New York’s roster depth it’s safe to say it will increase throughout the season.

This was the best rating Porzingis has ever received in the 2K franchise, with his previous ratings consistently growing each year:

• NBA 2K16:  74
• NBA 2K17:  80
• NBA 2K18:  86

I can’t help but wonder if the team at 2K sports will make an adjustment before the season start by including some things displayed from the recent NBA Africa game.

Porzingis showed some impressive moves in the exhibition eventually finishing with 14 points and eight rebounds in limited duty.

His time with Dallas Mavericks super star forward Dirk Nowitzki while training for the game in Africa shed some light on their bond. In an interview featuring both players Nowitzki shared his thoughts on Porzingis’ skill level and development moving forward in the league.

"“I like him a lot, both on and off the floor, He’s a tremendous talent. He’s the whole package. He’s got his head on straight, he’s working hard, wants to get better and learn. On the court, I don’t think we’ve seen a 7-3 guy shoot it and put it on the floor like that, block shots like that.”"

I believe the rating of 86 is good but not fully realistic considering the unprecedented skill set at that size and co-sign from a future hall of famer. Porzingis would be best suited at a rating of 88 overall and this will probably happen midway through the season barring any injuries.

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Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns was given a rating of 91 overall and as well deserved as that is he’s still not a full five points better than Porzingis.

There will continue to always be a discussion regarding player ratings for as long as sports video games are produced. It is safe to say Porzingis will be a focused player heading in to 2017-18 with the opportunity to finally become an NBA All-Star.