The NBA 2K20 player rankings are finally here. Every year, it’s always fun to analyze the early rankings when they leak. Most of the time, 2K rates the players fairly well. Not often is there a bench warmer at the top of the league overalls. But as every year’s early rankings are unveiled, there are always a few questionable calls made by 2K.
Reacting to Top Player Rankings for NBA 2K20
Starting with the top guys, they are just where they need to be. LeBron James is at the top of the league again, and Kawhi Leonard is now on that same tier (both 97 overall). Cases can be made for players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden to be tied as well. Currently, both players are listed at 96 overall. Then players such as Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and the new Los Angeles Lakers‘ superstar Anthony Davis follow.
The next tier of players will stir some controversy. One of the Brooklyn Nets‘ newly acquired stars Kyrie Irving (91 overall) and Philadelphia 76ers‘ superstar Joel Embiid (91 overall) are listed above Russell Westbrook (90 overall). Although Westbrook has not seen the best of days following Durant’s departure, it is dead wrong that he is below these players. No disrespect to Irving and Embiid, but Westbrook’s MVP award, several scoring titles, and averaging a triple-double for three years should not get him rated that low.
Following the trend of stars rated where they shouldn’t be, Blake Griffin is only an 88 overall. Even though the Detroit Pistons don’t see a lot of publicity with their team, Griffin is a killer. Griffin had arguably his best season last year while averaging a career-high in points with 24.5. Griffin averaging 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists last season shows that his all-around game should’ve given him a higher ranking.
Sleeper Players for NBA 2K20
Damian Lillard is arguably the most cold-blooded player in the league, as he virtually single-handedly destroyed the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is in with the top group of guys as he is listed at a 92 overall, but his rating should be higher. Lillard had his highest point total season yet and he appeared in his fourth All-Star game. Lillard finished the season by leading the Portland Trail Blazers to the Western Conference Finals. Although the Blazers were swept, Lillard’s leadership kept the score close for every game that series. Lillard deserves to have a few more overall points.
Although Ben Simmons is a player that gets a lot of hate for his lack of jump shot, 87 overall is too low. Simmons just signed a 5-year, $170 million max contract this offseason. With a player earning that money, they need to be higher on the rankings list. Simmons led the team in assists and steals, was second in rebounds and blocks, and was third in points. To go along with the monster contributions to the team, Simmons made his first All-Star appearance this year. Simmons is deserving of the max contract, as well as a higher overall rating.
Zion Williamson is the most star-studded young player this league has seen in a long time. Now given that he is a rookie, it’s understandable that he isn’t ranked as one of the best players in the league. But it is very impressive that right out of the gate, he is ranked the same as Toronto Raptors‘ forward Serge Ibaka. At 81 overall, he is only rated one below center Marc Gasol. Williamson is a young star destined for success. There’s no doubt that by the end of the season, Williamson’s rating will have risen.
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