Guessing Oklahoma City Thunder 2K ratings
By Tony Heim
NBA 2K18 releases in less than a month – it’s time we figure out the player ratings for the OKC Thunder.
This is getting ridiculous. A week ago we documented how only one player from the Oklahoma City Thunder has had their 2K ranking go public. That fact remains, so we’re taking matters into our own hands.
We spent hours upon hours calculating formulas to ensure that we’d be as accurate to 2K as possible. What that means is we looked at the list of players that are already released and compared them to the Thunder. Simple. Let’s get to it.
Alex Abrines – 75
Abrines proved himself as an above-average shooter in his rookie season, something 2K17 didn’t give him the benefit of the doubt for. His overall athleticism should also increase substantially. With that being said, the 24-year old didn’t do enough in his rookie season to be on the same level as Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr.
Steven Adams – 80
Adams had a bit of a disappointing fourth season, especially considering he was ranked in the top 40 players by ESPN going in. The beauty with the Big Kiwi, however, is that his game isn’t dependent on skill. Adams’ combination of physicality, rebounding and finishing at the rim still keep him on the 80-level plane.
Semaj Christon – 68
At this point we’re not positive sure if Christon is going to make the 15-man roster this season. If it came down to 2K ratings, he probably wouldn’t. Christon didn’t show much as an offensive weapon, the side of the ball the game values much more when determining players overall rating.
Nick Collison – 72
Collison has digressed one point in each of the last three games – that ends this year. 35-year old and 36-year old Collison are seemingly the same player. He’s there to be the best teammate in the league, not touch the court 82 games.
Related Story: Nick Collison named best Thunder teammate
Raymond Felton – 73
2K tends to hurt players as they get older and Felton will be no different. Statistically he didn’t have a great year with the Clippers so there’s no reason to believe the 33-year old will stay at the same 74 as he was last year. Mark my words: playing with OKC’s bench will push Felton back up as the season goes along.
Terrance Ferguson – 71
The kid is uber-athletic and can shoot; that’s a recipe for success in 2K. At 19 Ferguson was one of the more raw prospects coming out of the Draft, but his talk as a Lottery prospect will easily push him into the 70-range.
Paul George – 91
Hopefully I don’t get this one wrong.
Jerami Grant – 76
This is the most difficult one yet. In fact I still haven’t given Grant a figure as I type this. The 23-year old evolved into a knockdown corner three shooter upon his arrival to OKC, but whether or not that was an admonition is questionable. His athleticism is unmatched, his defense is fantastic and he can finish at the rim…I still can’t go over 76 without thinking I’m being bias.
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Josh Huestis – 70
Does Huestis really deserve to reach the 70 plateau even though he’s played in 7 games since being drafted three years ago? Yes. Yes he does. When Ronnie 2K looks at his stats from two appearances last season he’ll be forced into relenting. Now if Huestis can just do that over an 82-game season his ranking could shoot up five points by the end of the season.
Enes Kanter – 77
People that post up in 2K are the worst. That has nothing to do with Kanter’s rating but tells you everything you need to know about his game. The gamemakers will remember Kanter’s inability to play in the postseason and penalize him for it, but his rebounding and scoring ability will bump that number to a respectable rating.
Doug McDermott – 73
McDermott’s time in the league has been underwhelming for a player so offensively talented. The problem is Dougie has yet to prove he can do anything else but score. Here’s the hidden: McDermott will be one of the best 73 players in the game coming off the bench.
Patrick Patterson – 78
Patterson got a lot of good press this offseason. Many basketball minds saw him as a steal of a signing, highlighting his ability to shoot the three and defend multiple positions. Those qualities are fantastic for a 2K role player – so is an overall 78 rating.
Andre Roberson – 76
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Roberson is the antithesis to McBuckets. In real like the 25-year old would be closer to an 80, but 2K doesn’t value defense the way they should. His inability to shoot from deep combined with his lackluster finishing skills hurt Roberson, but 2K will make sure a Second Team All-Defensive player is above a 75.
Kyle Singler – 69
Somehow Singler has been a 71 in the last two 2K games. That streak finally ends this year. Do I need to explain more?
Russell Westbrook – 95
Westbrook’s rating will be the most discussed player of any superstar. Mr. Triple Double put up video game-like stats for an entire season, so he’ll get a few extra points in some statistics. That shooting percentage is the only thing holding him back from being on the same level as Kevin Durant.