NBA 2K21 was released more than a month ago, but rosters and ratings weren’t permanently locked in with the NBA Bubble in full swing. Of course, there will be plenty of team changes and rookies added as the offseason begins, but player ratings will remain the same until the 2020-21 season begins. With that being said, many next-gen player ratings were dropped today. Check out the initial reactions.
NBA 2K21 Next-Gen Ratings: Quick Reactions
LeBron James is still “King James”
It’s hard to argue with the statement that LeBron James is still the best player in the NBA. While he hasn’t been league MVP since 2012-13, James continues to be the most dominant player, especially in the playoffs. That was in full display this season as he led the Los Angeles Lakers to its first title since 2010.
James can get to the rim with ease. His jump shot has been much improved throughout the years. His size makes him a tough defender and rebounder. Now that he doesn’t have to be the focal point of the scoring offense with Anthony Davis around, James somehow even got better with his passing and vision. “King James” led the league in assists per game last season.
Simply put, he can do it all. The unstoppable force in real life will once again be an unstoppable force in NBA 2K21. The Lakers as a whole will be a fun team, as Davis checks in at a 96 in the NBA 2K21 next-gen ratings.
Miami Heat run gives Jimmy Butler a Major Boost
Jimmy Butler was always in the realm of a great player, but not yet elite, at least according to usual NBA 2K ratings. In NBA 2K21, after the Miami Heat‘s Finals run, Butler lands a rating of 93. Not only does this make him one of the best players in the game, but the best player for the Heat since The Heatles 2K era.
There could be an argument made that Butler’s season stats don’t warrant a 93 rating. With that being said, however, Butler proved that he can be the best player on a legitimate contending team. Miami is definitely going to be a popular team in the videogame with a dominant Butler and his supporting cast all seeing a rating boost.
High NBA 2K21 Next-Gen Ratings Reserved for Next-Gen Stars
The NBA is loaded with young stars. Not only are these players the future, but they are already leading their teams to wins. Luka Doncic checks in at 94. Jayson Tatum checks in at 90. Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, and Trae Young are all rated at 88. Jamal Murray, who perhaps had the biggest breakout in the bubble, checks in at 87. Jaylen Brown and Zion Williamson are at 86.
These NBA 2K21 next-gen ratings are spot on. Simply put, these guys can play. Doncic and Tatum are the best players on likely contenders. Booker, Mitchell, Young, and Murray can score the ball at will. Brown and Williamson are extremely athletic players on both ends and will be exciting to use.
The NBA is in good hands, and as a result, so is the NBA 2K franchise.
Forget Big Threes, Duos are the way to go
When the aforementioned Heatles were formed, the idea of a “big three” leading teams had become a major fad. Now, with more parity in the league, it looks as if rosters are better constructed with an exciting duo surrounded by talented role players.
There are plenty of these in NBA 2K21. Of course, the James and Davis Lakers will be the best. Two other duos to keep an eye on, however, will be the Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors.
The Nets feature Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, rated at 95 and 90, respectively. Durant is going to be one of the most lethal scorers in the game, while Irving will be a blast to control with his dribbling moves and acrobatic lay-ups.
We can’t forget about the Warriors. Sure, Durant is gone, but Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are still around. The duo checks in at 95 and 90, respectively, in the NBA 2K21 next-gen ratings. Their three-point shooting will be off the charts, and the Warriors will remain one of the most popular teams in the game.
Main Image: Embed from Getty Images
