NBA: Examining the NBA 2K20 ratings release

In a live special aired exclusively on Twitter, the player ratings for the upcoming NBA 2K20 were revealed. What were the biggest hits and misses?

The player ratings for every edition of NBA 2K are always a point of intense contention. Players weigh in every year, often mired in disappointment, on just how poor of a job the top-selling video game franchise did in quantifying their talents. NBA 2K20 will be no exception.

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In late 2017, Joel Embiid reflected on how difficult it is to rate him, while a number of players offered their thoughts on their respective ratings.

It’s also difficult to say these players are wrong. Many times, the ratings just feel off, which is perhaps why 2K’s representatives found it imperative to remind us during their live special that these ratings are starting points.

One of the many benefits of the Internet is the ability to make video games feel alive. Player ratings change seemingly with the wind as the 2K team works to update players’ skill sets as they improve (or regress) throughout the year.

Simply put, we shouldn’t put too much stock into the initial ratings. Then again, this is the Internet, so we should definitely react.

2K flipped the script in their ratings reveal method this season. For one, the live show broadcast on social media seemed to capitalize on how dominant the NBA has been in the news cycle, as free agency has put a monopoly on sports media during the lead-up to college and NFL football.

Another way 2K surprised the community was in the reveal method. Instead of tediously exploring every player rating, the developers opted instead to reveal by different categories. The standout, and lead-off, category was the best dynamic duos.

As the NBA has shifted away from the super-team and into a plethora of teams with two superstars, 2K has also embraced the association’s new format.

The dynamic duo rankings shouldn’t be all that surprising; LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the way with a 95.5 average rating. Following up the lead were the new LA Clippers tandem of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, with a 95 average.

Pulling up the back half of the top four were the Brooklyn Nets‘ Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, and the Houston Rockets‘ James Harden and Russell Westbrook at 93.5 and 93 respectively.

2K also gave us a look at the top five shooters and top five rookies, but the real headline exists in their top 20 players list. There was at least one snub, as well as some players who were overrated, and plenty who were underrated.

These are three of the most overrated players, as well as three of the most underrated.