Sports games remain one of the most popular video game genres and there is certainly no shortage of choice in this niche. When it comes to games based on the sport of basketball though, the NBA 2K franchise is the leader of the pack. 

Following the release of NBA 2K23, NBA 2K24 is the latest edition and came out towards the back end of 2023 for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PS4/5 and Xbox One/Series X/S. This game is popular thanks to its fluid gameplay, and its inclusion of real-life players and authentic teams.

This means that the many famous NBA basketball teams that fans are familiar with are included in NBA 2K24 to take control of. These teams can also attract attention from sports bettors, who often place wagers on games in regular season and during play-off matches. To get the most from playing this game though, it is key to know who the best players are and the latest player stats.

Below we review some of the players who rank highly in NBA 2K24: 

Joel Embiid – 98 player rating

This might come as something of a surprise, as many people would automatically assume a big-name like LeBron James would be rated highest. However, Joel Embiid currently takes the top spot with an overall rating of 98. His individual ratings include:

93 inside scoring

92 outside scoring

80 athleticism

70 playmaking

89 rebounding

76 defending

As these stats show, this 7-foot center for the 76ers stands out most for his rebounding skills and inside/outside scoring prowess. This is not a surprise when his real-life wingspan of 7ft 5in is considered! 

Nikola Jokic- 98 player rating

There is no doubt that NBA 2K24 is one of the top NBA games to try out and Nikola Jokic is one of the best players featured in it with an overall rating of 98. His individual stats are: 

91 inside scoring

91 outside scoring

77 athleticism

84 playmaking

87 rebounding

66 defending

The best aspects of his game on NBA 2K24 are his inside/outside scoring. His close shot rating of 99 makes him lethal next to the basket. The playmaking abilities of Jokic are also worth noting and make him a creative addition to any team. 

Luka Doncic – 97 player rating

The 25-year-old Slovenian point/shooting guard Luka Doncic plays for the Dallas Mavericks and has a rating of 97 overall in this game. Doncic has the following stats to back this up: 

86 inside scoring

92 outside scoring

86 athleticism

95 playmaking

77 rebounding

68 defending

The best element to this player’s game in NBA 2K24 is his playmaking. He has a colossal ball handling score of 98, indicating that he is exceptional at dribbling before making a pass to teammates. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo – 97 player rating

The Greek Freak has been one of the top NBA stars for a few years now and is still turning it on for the Bucks in real-life. He has an impressive overall rating of 97 in NBA 2K24, which breaks down as below: 

88 inside scoring

81 outside scoring

91 athleticism

85 playmaking

77 rebounding

84 defending

This player’s athleticism stands out and a stamina rating of 98 indicates he does not tire quickly. He is also very good defensively, with an interior defense score of 90 showing he’s a real force in the restricted area. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 97 player rating

Although the above players in NBA 2K24 might be familiar to most sports fans, it’s not all about the more established pros. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a rising basketball star and this has been reflected in his overall rating of 97. His stats include: 

77 inside scoring

94 outside scoring

85 athleticism

93 playmaking

58 rebounding

82 defending

With a two-way, three-level playmaker build in the game, Gilgeous-Alexander stands out for his playmaking and outside scoring stats. 

Which other players rate highly in NBA 2K24?

Although the above five players are currently the highest rated, gamers might also be interested in who else is worth adding to their team. The remainder of the top 20 highest rated players currently include: 

Kevin Durant – 96 

LeBron James – 96 

Anthony Davis – 95

Devin Booker – 95 

Anthony Edwards – 95 

Stephen Curry – 95 

Jayson Tatum – 94 

Jalen Brunson – 94

Kyrie Irving – 93 

Jimmy Butler – 93 

Ja Morant – 93

Kawhi Leonard – 92 

Donovan Mitchell – 92 

Tyrese Haliburton – 91 

Domantas Sabonis – 90 

NBA 2K24 player ratings

The above shows the current top-rated players in NBA 2K24 and just what makes the five best rated so special. For those who enjoy playing this sports-themed hit and want to have the best talent on their side, these players are worth some serious consideration.