The first NBA 2K27 Top 100 ratings are always going to start arguments, and this year's list has plenty to pick apart. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic lead the way at 97 OVR, yet the real debate begins well below the top three. For anyone planning an early MyTEAM squad, keeping an eye on 2K27 MT matters, but it's worth looking past the headline number too. A card can show an 82 or 84 rating and still play far above that level because of its build, defensive movement, release, or position. That's why some of these ratings feel less like a verdict and more like a first draft. A few players look short-changed, while others seem to be living a little too much off name value. Players Who Look Short-Changed Near the lower end of the Top 100, Walker Kessler at 81 OVR is fair enough. Health has been a concern, and there's no point pretending availability doesn't affect a rating. Still, if he stays on the floor and gets easy looks beside Luka Doncic, he could move up fast. Tobias Harris at the same rating feels tougher to defend. He's not flashy, but he can score, rebound, and settle an offence when things get messy. An 82 or 83 would have made more sense. Alex Caruso also feels low at 81. His value never comes from one box-score stat. You notice it when he blows up a passing lane, switches onto a bigger player, then knocks down an open three at the other end. Ayo Dosunmu and Dejounte Murray could also have landed a bit higher if the ratings were based more heavily on their best stretches rather than the concerns around them. The Midrange Ratings Raise Bigger Questions Dillon Brooks at 82 OVR looks modest after a season where he brought real effort on defence and gave more on offence than many expected. He's the sort of player opponents hate dealing with, and that should count for something. Jrue Holiday at 82 is even more surprising. He can guard top guards, survive switches, hit spot-up shots, and make calm decisions late in games. That sounds closer to an 84 player. Paul George also sits at 82, which feels harsh if he's healthy and engaged. His recent form showed he can still create shots and defend at a high level. On the other side, Trae Young at 87 seems generous. He remains a brilliant passer and can carry an offence for long spells, no question. But his defensive issues and uneven shooting numbers make 85 feel closer to where he is right now. LaMelo Ball at 86 is a curious comparison. He creates chances from nothing, sees passes other guards don't, and could easily be rated above Young if form and health hold up. The Top Ten Need a Closer Look The top group is strong, though the order still leaves room for debate. At No. 1, Gilgeous-Alexander earns his 97 after his MVP-level run. No. 2 Wembanyama has the kind of defensive reach that changes whole possessions, and No. 3 Jokic remains the game's most reliable offensive hub. No. 4 Doncic at 96 is right where he should be. He controls tempo, finds shooters, and can punish almost any matchup. No. 5 Jalen Brunson at 96 is where things get tricky. He's been outstanding, but 95 might better reflect the gap between him and the three players above him. No. 6 Giannis Antetokounmpo at 96 still feels right. No. 7 Anthony Edwards at 95 has earned a major jump with his improved shooting. No. 8 Cade Cunningham at 93 is believable, even with the turnovers. No. 9 Stephen Curry and No. 10 Kevin Durant, both at 93, are still elite, but age and workload make those ratings easier to question than they once were. Final Thoughts Ratings give players something to talk about, but they shouldn't decide every MyTEAM move. Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard, Jrue Holiday, Paul George, and LaMelo Ball all have solid cases for a boost. Trae Young, James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and perhaps Brunson may have received a little extra credit. Once the season gets going, real performances, injuries, new roles, and updates will shift the picture anyway. Before spending resources, check the attributes that fit how you actually play. A tall defender with quick lateral movement may help more than a famous scorer who doesn't suit your lineup. Using 2K MT with a clear plan makes it easier to build a team that works on the court, not just one that looks impressive on the menu.
|