The next installment of NBA 2K, NBA 2K18, will be releasing September 19th. The game gives every player in the league individual ratings. I will attempt to predict the 2K ratings for the 76ers players in 2K18.
Player Ratings Already Revealed
Markelle Fultz- 80 (highest rating given to a rookie since John Wall)
Joel Embiid- 86 (remains the same as last year)
Ben Simmons
Current Rating: 79
Predicted Rating: 79
Ben Simmons’ player rating can’t really change since he has never actually played an NBA game yet. So for now, his rating will stay the same. I do, however, expect his rating to increase as the season goes on.
Dario Saric
Current Rating: 78
Predicted Rating: 77
The hype surrounding Dario Saric was real, especially at the end of the season. This could have caused 2K developers to increase his rating higher than it actually should have been. After examining some statistics and watching some “Super Dario” gameplay, they might hop off the hype wagon and give him a modest 77.
Robert Covington
Current Rating: 78
Predicted Rating: 78
Robert Covington is one of the best defensive wings in the league. He suffered a shooting slump to begin the season but he did pull himself out of it. I expect his rating to remain the same to begin 2K 18, but expect his rating to fluctuate throughout the season if his inconsistency from last year carries into this year.
J.J. Redick
Current Rating: 78
Predicted Rating: 77
J.J. Redick is an exceptional shooter (career 41.5% three point shooter), but that’s about it. He isn’t known for his defense and he isn’t very athletic. He also always seems to play a bit worse in the playoffs (38% field goal, 34.6% three point in the postseason).
Amir Johnson
Current Rating: 77
Predicted Rating: 75
Amir Johnson may have looked a lot better than he actually is last season playing for the Celtics. With young and inexperienced teammates, don’t be too surprised if his efficiency takes a small dip.
Richaun Holmes
Current Rating: 76
Predicted Rating: 77
Richaun Holmes is a great player. He hustles whenever he is on the floor and swats some shots as well. His three point percentage also increased from his last season (up to 35.1% from 18.2% his rookie season). I’m sure 2K will keep this in mind when creating his rating.
Jerryd Bayless
Current Rating: 75
Predicted Rating: 75
Bayless only played 3 games for the Sixers last year thanks to a wrist injury. He averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4.3 assists in those 3 games. His rating should stay the same for now, although I wouldn’t be too surprised if it is changed later in the season.
T.J. McConnell
Current Rating: 75
Predicted Rating: 76
Timothy John McConnell is a grinder. That’s simply what he is. He showed great leadership and hustle when Embiid went down late in the season. He is also one of the best assist men in the league (13th with 6.6 assists per game). 2K should take his work ethic and dedication into consideration and give him the slight bump up.
Jahlil Okafor
Current Rating : 74
Predicted Rating: 75
Jahlil Okafor was wrongly shamed for a video in early march showing him sitting in the paint while opposing players tried to lay the ball up. His defense is bad, but it isn’t that bad. I think the whole fiasco had a big impact on the hit he took in his 2k rating. I expect his rating to slightly improve in 2K18, especially if he is traded before the season starts.
Timothe Luwawu- Cabarrot
Current Rating: 74
Predicted Rating: 74
TLC is still improving. He had a solid rookie season with the team, even starting a few games. His rating should remain the same for now. If he improves his defense and shooting then expect a slight rating increase by 2K at some point throughout the season.
Justin Anderson
Current Rating: 74
Predicted Rating: 73
Anderson was acquired at the trade deadline from the Mavericks in exchange for Nerlens Noel. In the 21 games wearing a Sixers uniform, he averaged 8.5 points and 4 rebounds in 21 minutes of gameplay. However, he only shot 29% from deep. He got quality minutes last year since the only wing depth behind Covington was still-not-performing-to-expectations Nik Stauskas and a rookie TLC. His rating should go down slightly. The only reason it isn’t lower is because he hustles hard on defense.
Nik Stauskas
Current Rating- 73
Predicted Rating- 74
Stauskas, who was drafted 8th by the Sacramento Kings in 2014, still hasn’t quite lived up to his expectations. That isn’t to say he hasn’t improved. He averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game last year. His rookie season, he averaged 4.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.9 assists. His ball handling, playmaking and shooting have all gotten a tad bit better. 2K should recognize that when determining his rating.
Furkan Korkmaz
Current Rating: N/A
Predicted Rating: 69
We haven’t seen much from Furkan Korkmaz. We know he can shoot and we know he can dunk. Can he shoot well consistently? Can he get to the rim through contact in order to dunk? We don’t know. Until then, he earns this 69.
Bonus: Team Rating
Current Rating: 11th in offense, 22nd in defense, 18th overall
Predicted Rating: 10th in offense, 17th in defense, 15th overall
The Sixers should be much better this year. They’ll have Fultz, Simmons and Embiid all playing together for the first time (hopefully for most of the season, fingers crossed). With the additions of J.J Redick and Amir Johnson, this team should be fighting for a playoff spot. Let’s hope that 2K sees the same thing I see so that way next year, people will actually want to play with the Sixers online.
Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
