The past 75th anniversary season of the NBA has featured jaw-dropping performances and highlight-reel finishes amongst the game’s brightest stars – which gives millions of fans and gamers something to look forward to with regards to the ratings of their favorite players in the upcoming NBA 2K23. (Writer’s note: While waiting for the release of NBA2K23, why not try this free 25 € casino no deposit? Enjoy!)
The next installment of the NBA 2K is set to be released this Sept. 9, and it is only fitting to unveil the TalkBasket.net’s prediction of Top Five highest-rated players in the NBA 2K23.
T-5. LeBron James – 94
The future hall of famer and four-time champion in LeBron James enters the fifth slate with a projected 94 ranking in the NBA 2K23.
Though now at age 37, James still continues to defy Father Time using his never-aging all-around game and refined explosiveness. The superstar even managed to compile a 30.3 points average last season, together with 8.2 boards, 6.2 dimes, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks in 52.7 percent shooting from the field.
Despite these shocking individual stats and his amazing small ball center adjustments, James only managed to play in 56 games upon battling injury issues. Ultimately, his Los Angeles Lakers settled for a disappointing, postseason-less campaign amid the Russell Westbrook acquisition.
T-5. Kevin Durant – 94
Tied with LeBron James at the fifth spot is the most gifted scorer in NBA history – Kevin Durant.
The 2021-22 season of the Brooklyn Nets was marred by drama, controversies and crushing disappointments, but it didn’t stop Durant on hooping like a true inevitable machine. He just marked his highest scoring average since his 2013-2014 MVP season with 29.9 points, plus 7.4 boards and a career-high 6.4 dimes in 51/38/91 shooting splits across 55 games.
After an embattled offseason with the Nets, Durant himself can only be optimistic on what the upcoming season will offer. His legendary ability to score at all three levels will remain indelible and the main ingredient of the franchise’s continuing hopes to chase for a title.
T-4. Joel Embiid – 95
The cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers in Joel Embiid sits within our Top 5 ratings.
A special big man who can handle the ball like a guard, snipe even from long distance and dominate the shaded area with his massive body, Embiid stands as a foundational talent and the fiery light of Philadelphia’s ongoing hunt for that fourth championship.
Though the best big man debate between him and Nikola Jokic remains swirling, Embiid is indeed a remarkable one of his own and an MVP-type of player especially when healthy.
T-4. Luka Doncic – 95
Do you believe in Luka Magic?
After leading the Dallas Mavericks to the 2022 West Finals and pulverizing the regular season-best Phoenix Suns in the Conference Semis, the 23-year-old Doncic cemented himself as a big-time performer and a generational basketball superstar the league has ever seen.
Entering his fifth year in the NBA, this Slovenian sensation just keeps getting better and better. As such, there will be an absolute time that he’ll be ranked as the league’s best player via ratings in the forthcoming NBA 2Ks in the future.
3. Nikola Jokic – 96
The reigning, back-to-back league MVP Nikola Jokic grabs the third highest NBA 2K23 rating in our site’s projection.
Jokic established career-highs in points (27.1) and boards (13.8), to go along with 7.9 assists. With that, he became the first ever in league history to compile 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season.
Even without the then-injured Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Jokic still even managed to steamroll the Denver Nuggets’ 48-34 top six finish at the Wild Western Conference. The amount of carry he did on his squad was beyond superb to imagine.
The Serbian superstar has every single reason to feel rejuvenated and positive about the upcoming basketball year – with an NBA championship only yet to be filled in his now golden résumé.
2. Stephen Curry – 97
Night, night, isn’t it for the game’s greatest shooter?
After two-straight seasons of resiliency under the NBA’s rock bottom, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors have risen from the ashes and reclaimed what’s theirs – the throne of the basketball world.
Serving as the torch of the Dubs in another magical run, Curry was the main catalyst of the organization’s fourth title in eight years, averaging 31.2 points, 6.0 boards, 5.0 assists to beat the Boston Celtics in six thrilling games of the 2022 NBA Finals. In his iconic performances back in the league’s biggest stage, the spotlight was finally directed to him as the Finals MVP recipient.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 98
Widely regarded as the current best player in the world, Giannis Antetokounmpo takes the crown of being the highest-rated player in our NBA 2K23 rating projection.
Antetokounmpo, 27, ran through the walls and bulldozed every adversary in his front this last 2021-22 season. Averaging 29.9 points, 11.6 boards, 5.8 assists, 1.4 blocks in 54.3 percent field accuracy, the Greek stalwart willed the Bucks to a potential back-to-back title season.
Though he came up short in defending their championship, Giannis is ready to run it back and lead the city of Milwaukee in a return to the basketball’s promised land.
