NBA 2K25: How To Choose The Best Players For Your Team? - Top 10 Recommended

NBA 2K25 is a game that allows players to control the top players in the league, whose rankings change every year. NBA 2K series of games uses a ranking system that rates each player in the league based on a series of different statistics and then comes up with an overall score to create an overall ranking or rating.

Now, with NBA 2K25 launching on all platforms on September 6, 2024, it’s time to check out and analyze the game’s official rankings. Here are the ten highest-rated players in NBA 2K25.

1. Nikola Jokić–98

Last year’s rating: 98

Nikola Jokić is the highest-rated player in 2K25. A back-to-back MVP star, Jokić surpassed other competitors in many offensive statistics last season. Both Inside and Outside Scoring, he received a high score of 91 points, which fully demonstrated Jokić’s elite skills. In addition, he also has a Close Shot Rating of 99, so his shots near the basket are almost always successful.

2. Joel Embiid–98

Last year’s rating: 96

Although Joel Embiid’s overall rating in NBA 2K25 is also 98, he ranks second in the official ranking of the game because Embiid has 9 fewer Badges than Jokic. These badges represent his specific skills and personal ratings in the game.

Embiid received a high rating of 93 in Inside Scoring. He is particularly good at hooking shots, with a Post Hook Rating of 97. Because of the recovery of his physical condition, Embiid’s rating has increased from 96 in the previous version to 98, so it is reasonable for him to be listed as a top player in NBA 2K25.

3. Luka Dončić–97

Last year’s rating: 95

Luka Dončić is the third-best player in NBA 2K25 with an overall rating of 97. Dončić’s overall playmaking in the game is rated 95. In particular, his Ball Handle rating is rated 98. His stellar Three-Point Shot is also recognized, with an 88 rating making him the sixth-best three-point shooter in the game. Dončić’s rating has increased by two points from last year, from 95 to 97, making him more threatening than ever in the game. Therefore, players may need to accumulate a lot of NBA 2K25 MT Coins to maximize Dončić’s potential.

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander–97

Last year’s rating: 93

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led a team that lacked playoff experience to the second round of the playoffs last season. He is ranked fourth in 2K25. His Outside Scoring is rated at a high 94. His Close Shot is even better at 98. However, his Inside Scoring and Rebounding ratings are 77 and 58 respectively, which makes him need the support of the team to make up for the deficiencies in rebounding and other aspects. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rating has an impressive and significant improvement compared to last year.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo–97

Last year’s rating: 96

Giannis Antetokounmpo has received high ratings on both offense and defense, and is known as a Greek Freak. Although Antetokounmpo’s Inside and Outside Scoring are not as strong offensive threats as other top players, his performance on the defensive end makes up for it.

His Interior Defense rating is 90, making him a major threat on the court in this area. This completely breaks the tradition of the game where players with strong offensive capabilities will receive higher ratings, while defense is regarded as a secondary factor. He has a Stamina Rating of 98 in NBA 2K25, providing a stable performance for the team.

6. Kevin Durant–96

Last year’s rating: 96

Kevin Durant has always been a top player in the league. He is rated 96 in NBA 2K25. Although defense and rebounding are his weaknesses, his excellent scoring ability makes up for these shortcomings. Especially in Outside Scoring, he has a rating of 95 points, including a Mid-Range Shot rating of 97. His Three-Point Shot rating reached 92, which ranked him third among all players in the game.

7. LeBron James–96

Last year’s rating: 96

Although LeBron James is no longer a top player in NBA 2K game, he is still ranked seventh with a score of 96 at the age of nearly 40, which is undoubtedly the greatest player of this century. James’ Athleticism Level in the game was recognized with a 92 point, including a Stamina rating of 99 points. His offensive skills are still outstanding, with Inside Scoring and Outside Scoring rated 90 and 87 points, respectively. His Three-Point Shot Rating is 85, allowing him to shoot accurately without defense.

8. Jayson Tatum–96

Last year’s rating: 95

Jayson Tatum’s overall rating in NBA 2K25 is 96 points, which is the same as Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Boston Celtics’ forward has an outstanding performance in helping the team win its 18th championship, which has increased his in-game rating from 95 points last year to 96 points. Tatum’s most outstanding ability in the game is Outside Scoring, with an overall rating of 92 points, including his Mid-Range Shot rating of 97 points and Three-Point Shot rating of 87 points.

9. Stephen Curry–95

Last year’s rating: 96

Stephen Curry has a 95 rating in NBA 2K25, which ranks ninth in the game. Although Curry has weaknesses in defense (62), inside scoring (58), and rebounding (45), his Outside Scoring ability makes up for these deficiencies, with an Outside Scoring of 96. Especially in Three-Point Shot, Curry tops the game with a rating of 99.

10. Anthony Edwards–95

Last year’s rating: 88

Anthony Edwards is one player with great potential on this list. He has made the most progress among the top players. Edwards has an Outside Scoring rating of 92 and a Close Shot rating of 95. His Three-Point Shot rating of 86 shows that he is also a long-range threat that cannot be ignored.

As the new season unfolds, we look forward to seeing how these ratings are reflected in actual games.