Thunderous Intentions
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NBA 2K19 drops OKC Thunder players Paul George and Russell Westbrook ratings

By Jordan Buckamneer

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 3: The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 3, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 3: The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 3, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Things didn’t go as planned for the OKC Thunder last season and 2K took notice in their ratings for Westbrook and George.

Although OKC Thunder players Russell Westbrook and Paul George both had outstanding individual seasons, it apparently wasn’t enough to maintain their previous overall player ratings.

When the creators of the popular basketball game NBA 2K set the overall player ratings, they try to do so with as much  subjectivity as possible. As veteran 2K gamers know, a players’ overall rating is on a scale of 0-99 and is determined by around 50 categorized skill sets.

The rating for each particular skill is determined by comparing it to the greatest of all time in each respective category. For example, if 2K considers Stephen Curry to be the greatest 3-point shooter of all time, his highest 3-point shooting percentage is rated the highest at 99 overall and everybody else is then judged against that percentage.

Of course, players cannot be judged on statistics alone, but it is the biggest factor in the decision process. The formula for getting to the final overall rating is somewhat hidden to the public, however. This inevitably leads to debates among players and fans. And as we’ve seen on social media, the players care a lot about their own overall ratings.

https://twitter.com/NBA2K/status/1022149499668426752

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Despite having excellent individual seasons, Paul George and Russell Westbrook will each have a slightly lower overall rating in the upcoming NBA 2K19 game. Westbrook started out with an overal rating of 93 player in 2K18 and then increased to 94 as the year went on. But he will begin this season again as a 93, which is tied for second highest rated point guard with Kyrie Irving, trailing only Curry.

George, on the other hand, was rated a 91 prior to his first season with the Thunder and will begin his second campaign in OKC as an 89. This makes him the fifth highest rated small forward in the game.

For Westrbook, his slight dip is probably a result of his lower 3-point and free throw shooting percentages. However, he still managed to shoot at a higher clip from the field and averaged a triple-double for the second time in a row.

George’s overall rating took a harder hit, likely due to his season averages dropping almost across the board. Even though his numbers went slightly down, it should be forgivable given the caliber of talent around him. In fact, coming within two points of his previous scoring average as the No. 1 option in Indiana was an impressive feat. Especially considering how ball dominate Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony were at times.

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Neither Westbrook or George have given a public reaction yet, but both will hopefully see an increase throughout the season in their second year as teammates.

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