The excitement for basketball fans is beginning to mount as “NBA 2K19” will be released soon on September 11 (September 7 for those that purchase the 20th Anniversary Edition). US Gamer has been keeping tabs on news that comes out regarding the game.
Many star players have received their ratings for this year’s iteration of the game. It started out with LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, then Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, followed by Giannis Antetokounmpo and DeAndre Ayton, and then Kyle Kuzma and Trae Young.
Here are the most recent players to receive their overall player rating for “NBA 2K19.” Also included is what their rating was last year when “NBA 2K18” first came out.
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder - 93
- Last year's "2K" rating: 94
Westbrook averaged a triple-double for the second consecutive season in 2017-18. The 2016-17 MVP led the league in assists last year, one season after he led the NBA in scoring. The point guard will turn 30 on November 12.
Blake Griffin, Detroit Pistons - 86
- Last year’s "2K" rating: 87
Griffin was traded to the Pistons in late January of 2018 after nearly eight seasons with the Clippers. The five-time All-Star has averaged 20+ points in every season except one and has developed a three-point shot. After making just 80 in his first seven years, he made 111 in 2017-18.
Clint Capela, Houston Rockets - 84
- Last year's "2K" rating: 79
Getting ready to enter his fifth NBA season, Capela finished as the runner-up to Victor Oladipo for Most Improved Player in 2017-18. He led the league with a 65.2 field goal percentage last season and averaged a double-double in points and rebounds.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies - 78
- Last year’s "2K" rating: N/A
Jackson Jr. was the fourth overall pick in June’s draft by the Grizzlies out of Michigan State. He was named both the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year during his only season at the collegiate level.
Willy Hernangomez, Charlotte Hornets - 76
- Last year’s "2K" rating: 77
Hernangomez is likely to receive more playing time for Charlotte now that Dwight Howard has left for the Wizards.
After being traded from the Knicks to the Hornets, the 6-11 center averaged 6.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 11.9 minutes per game.
Tyus Jones, Minnesota Timberwolves - 74
- Last year’s "2K" rating: 73
Jones played in all 82 games for the Timberwolves last season and had his first 11 career starts. A first-round pick in 2015, he was third in the NBA in 2017-18 with a nearly 4:1 assist to turnover ratio.
Royce O’Neale, Utah Jazz - 74
- Last year’s "2K" rating: 69
O’Neale spent two seasons playing overseas after going undrafted in 2015 but the Jazz signed him last offseason. In his rookie season, he averaged five points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 16 minutes per game.
Isaiah Canaan, Phoenix Suns - 72
- Last year’s "2K" rating: 70
According to his Twitter page, Canaan is satisfied with his "2K" rating coming off an injury. He didn’t sign with Phoenix until mid December last season. At the end of January, he fractured his ankle which unfortunately cut his season short. He put up productive averages of 9.1 points and four assists in 19 games with the Suns.
Omari Spellman, Atlanta Hawks - 71
- Last year’s "2K" rating: N/A
Spellman was selected with the 30th overall pick by the Hawks in this year’s draft. He won a National Championship in his only season playing for Villanova and was also named Big East Rookie of the Year.
Tony Bradley Jr., Utah Jazz - 70
- Last year’s "2K" rating: 69
The 28th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Bradley Jr.
spent much of his rookie season in the G-League. He appeared in just nine games for the Jazz, playing a grand total of 29 minutes.
Alize Johnson, Indiana Pacers - 69
- Last year’s "2K" rating: N/A
Johnson was selected 50th overall by the Pacers in this year’s draft out of Missouri State. He was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team in both of his two seasons there.