The Good, the Bad, and the Missing in ‘NBA 2K20’ Initial Rankings

After perhaps the craziest free agency in NBA history, 2K Games has released their top twenty player ratings for the upcoming NBA 2K20. Let’s take a look at what they got right, what they got wrong, and who’s missing. 

What They Got Right

Russell Westbrook (90)

I’m about as big of an apologist for Russell Westbrook as you can find. During his time in OKC, Russ delivered a virtuoso performance nearly every night. He’s averaged a triple double for three straight years, is perhaps the best rebounding guard in NBA history, and has proved that he has the ability to take over games when needed. However, his lack of outside shooting and questionable decision making prevent him from taking the leap to the next level.

Jimmy Butler (88)

Jimmy Buckets found his way to Miami this offseason vis-a-vis a sign-and-trade with Philadelphia. The 29 year old small forward is one of the League’s toughest players, with an ability to hit shots in the clutch, create his own shot in isolation, and overpower his opponents in the post. However, the high number of miles ran under coach Tom Thibodeau in Chicago and Minnesota combined with a so-so three pointer keep him firmly planted in the 80s. 

Paul George (93)

Despite finishing third in MVP voting last season, there’s still one major question surrounding Paul George. Can he stay healthy after surgeries on both shoulders in the offseason? In last year’s playoffs, he struggled in OKC’s five game loss to the Blazers, looking nothing like the MVP candidate that had, at times, carried the Thunder over the course of the season. Despite some concerns about his future, George is still one of the League’s best two-way players, a characteristic that his 93 rating accurately reflects.

What They Got Wrong

Ranking LeBron James (97) higher than Kawhi Leonard (97)

I guess being the best player on the planet for well over a decade, making eight straight NBA Finals, and starring in Space Jam 2 gives LeBron the benefit of the doubt. However, at this point in his career, it’s clear that LeBron, at least in some ways, is declining. Wracked by a major injury for the first time in his career last year, LeBron showed that, despite what we’ve seen, he is mortal like the rest of us. There’s not that much of an adjustment to be made, however, and a 96 would have been perfect.

Ranking James Harden (96) higher than Steph Curry (95)

For as good of a player as James Harden is, from his highlight plays in isolation, to his great three point shot and incredible ability to get to the line, he’s not a better player than Curry. Despite concerns about his size, health, and overall durability, the fact remains that Curry is a two-time MVP who led a team to a 73 win season and he deserves more respect than he’s often afforded. 

Ranking Kyrie Irving (91) higher than Klay Thompson (88)

For all that he’s done, from delivering the biggest shot in Cleveland Cavaliers history to leading a locker room meltdown in Boston last year, Kyrie Irving is an amazing player. However, ranking him significantly higher than Klay Thompson doesn’t make any sense. Thompson is one of the League’s greatest shooters, a locker room blessing, and an effective team player: things Irving isn’t at all. Ask yourself this: who would you rather have on your team?

Where is Ben Simmons?

For all his flaws, including an incredible lack of a jumpshot, off-court issues, and questions of passion, Ben Simmons is a top 20 player in the NBA. A 6’ 10” forward who handles the ball like a guard with an incredible ability to finish around the rim, Simmons deserves a higher ranking than aging players like Blake Griffin or similarly unproven talents like Karl-Anthony Towns. With a ceiling as high as his is, he needs to be recognized more than he is. 

What are your thoughts on NBA 2K20‘s ranking? Sound off in the comments below.