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Portland Trail Blazers: Predicting 2017-18 player ratings in NBA 2K18

By Raymond Simms

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 22: Players of the Portland Trail Blazers stand for the national anthem before the game against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on April 22, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 22: Players of the Portland Trail Blazers stand for the national anthem before the game against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on April 22, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images /

Power Forwards

Ed Davis: 75 (+3)

Noah Vonleh: 73 (0)

Caleb Swanigan: 72

Meyers Leonard: 70 (0)

Andrew Nicholson: 70 (+2)

The power forward position in Portland is stocked but not stacked. There are currently five different players that can play the position, though none of them stick out from the herd.

Ed Davis’ 2016-17 season was sidelined by injury, and 2K17 penalized him for it. His rating dropped five points between release day and final update. Davis’ rating will likely split the difference, as he could shape up to be the opening night starter.

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Noah Vonleh is a slow-developing prospect that was tabbed as starting power forward for the second half of 2016-17. He started 2K17 with a 70 rating and improved to 73. However, he still has a ways to go before his rating reaches that of an average starter.

Unlike veteran ratings, rookie ratings don’t seem to correlate with any specific advanced stats. These numbers are probably based more off of detailed scouting, prestige of the player’s school, and a player’s draft position. Caleb Swanigan went 26th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. That’s one spot ahead of Kyle Kuzma (72 rating) and seven spots behind John Collins (73). Swanigan’s rating will likely fall in that area.

Meyers Leonard had a brutal season, shooting 38.6 percent from the field and holding a defensive rating of 112. Both of those numbers were career worsts. Leonard saw his rating drop two points over the course of 2K17. That is likely where he will start in 2K18.

Andrew Nicholson came to Portland from the Brooklyn Nets as a result of the Allen Crabbe trade. Most reporters believe he will be waived soon. It wouldn’t be surprising, as he only accumulated a 5.9 PER and -0.1 win shares in 2016-17. He finished 2K17 with a 68 rating. However, 2K may want to keep four-year pro Nicholson above the 70-rating floor. Nicholson’s rating could be bumped up solely for that reason.

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