Heading into the 2025-2026 season, the NBA 2K rankings were announced in advance of the anticipated game release in early September. As per usual there’s some that were too high, some were too low, and some were just right.
In regular fashion though, 2K has continued with their habit of underrating some of the Raptors (shocker). It’s never just about the numeric rating, it’s where they are relative to other players in the NBA.
So let’s break down where the roster in terms of their rating and see where we
can hope for changes before the first updates in November.
The Starters:
Scottie Barnes- 85
Scottie leads Raptors with an OVR of 85. It’s the same rating he started the season with last year, which ballooned briefly before falling back to 85 in April. After averaging 19-8-6 on 45% shooting, his production dropped a bit with injuries and roster changes but still played well, especially defensively. The fact that he shares a rating with De’Aaron Fox and OG Anunoby seems fairly respectful. Until you find out that Derrick White is an 87. And then it starts to get a bit insulting. Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, and Zion Williamson are all rated higher and if I had to choose between Scottie and any of those guys it wouldn’t require a second thought. Honestly, he should be an 86 or those guys should be dropped down to at least the same level.
Brandon Ingram – 84
This one seems a little bit fair because he sat out most of the season. Last year he was an 85, so the single point drop is more than likely a reflection of his lack of reps recently. I think this will probably be the biggest riser as the season goes on. When he was healthy, 2k24 gave him an OVR of 87 at the close of the season. It’s more than realistic to expect him to be back around there if he’s able to stay healthy.
RJ Barrett – 82
His rating has flip-flopped a bit, with an 83 OVR in 2k24, an 81 in 2k25, and now he’s right in the middle of those. Despite unnecessary criticism, RJ had a really solid season. Improving in a lot of ways, especially from a facilitation standpoint. With some of the lineups the Raps were using last year, he didn’t get enough credit for some of the stuff he was able to do. I’d give him the 83 back.
IQ – 81
This one I’m actually on board for. He spent a lot of time hurt last year, and when he did play, his numbers weren’t out of this world. Averaging only 17 points a game, this feels like the neighborhood he should be in. It’s also consistent with last year. With him being healthier this year, I would expect to see him up to 82 by November though.
Poeltl – 80
This seems like a solid rating for a big man that doesn’t conform to the NBA’s current standard that requires long range shooting. Jokic obviously leads centers in the league, with Wemby and AD following (which makes sense). Even the next few including JJJ, Sengun, and Zubac all make sense. But apparently, John Collins, Naz Reid (a backup centre) and Jalen Duren are all at least 2 OVR better than him. I’m giving Jak the 82 if those guys get it.
The Bench:
Gradey – 78
Mamu – 75
Ja’Kobe – 74
Mogbo – 74
Ochai – 73
AJ – 73
Shead – 73
CMB – 72
Battle – 71
Temple – 70
Shead and Mogbo have all shown some defensive chops but are still putting things together on the other end. Of course, as sophomore players, keeping them low until they prove you otherwise is valid. They’re on par with where those with similar stats are within the league, and when you look at their placement among their draft class it’s reasonable.
The biggest complaint here probably Ja’Kobe. While his rookie season was tenuous with injuries, he had a really solid showing, especially towards the end. Statistically he’s significantly better than Adem Bona and Pelle Larson who he shares a rating with, and I’d rather have him than Dalton Knecht or Ryan Dunn who were both given higher OVRs.
Gradey is another one that’s questionable. Among his draft class he’s 11th, behind Brandin Poziemski and Cason Wallace, both of whom he outdid in pretty much every statistical category. If they are 79s, so is he. I’m really hoping this will be a big year for him though and that he’ll make the jump to 80.
For CMB and Ochai, the reality of defence doing less for their OVR than offence holds true. CMB showed flashes during summer league that were genuinely impressive. He’s started out at 9th in his class, but I would expect to see him closer to 7th by the first updates. Ochai will probably climb a little too, but I anticipate this is more to see if he’s able to maintain his 3-point shooting.
For AJ, Temple, Mamu, and Battle, they’re right on par in the 70s where most teams’ benches are sitting. I’m not mad about any of them and suspect they’ll continue to float in that area for most of the season.
The Two-Ways
Alijah Martin – 69
Chomche – 68
Chucky – 68
This is pretty on-par with where the other two-way players are. Every team has a handful of guys in the high 60s, but they’ll spend most of the time in the G-League so this feels like a good spot for all of them. Although it’s probably a few years away, I expect Chomche will be the first of the three that will break 70.
Hopefully with better health, a better season, and a bit more respect we’ll see some climbing among their OVRs by November.
There are a few more OVRs that should really change in November too though…
Three ratings that were too low
- Tyrese Maxey (86)
At no point in time should a guy who can get you 52 points in a single game be rated this low. I don’t care if he’s hurt, if guys like Embiid, Kat, and Kawhi can all stay in the 90s than he deserves AT LEAST an 89. As a Raptors fan, Philly is public enemy 1, but this is just wild.
- Aaron Gorden (82)
Did anyone watch Denver without him? He’s a three-level threat that plays with his heart on his sleeve and gives 100% effort. With guys who are statistically worse, bench players, and rookies rated higher, this feels rude.
- Jalen Johnson (81)
His defence this year was impressive, as was his statistical performance. Averaging a double double while being an insane wing defender should earn you at least an 83. Up is down if this is actually a good rating for him.
Three ratings that were too high
- Kawhi Leonard (92)
This is probably controversial, but if injury is affects a rating, he should be lower. Not to mention his performances as a whole last season were underwhelming, averaging his fewest points since the 2017-2018 season. I get that some of his historic performance spills over, but this is a 90 in my mind.
- Amen Thompson (87)
Real question, did someone pay for this rating? 14 points per game? 28% from long range? Don’t get me wrong, I see the talent and role he played for the Rockets this season, but this feels just as bad as the Derrick White inflation. Even an 85 would’ve felt generous. Take in that this puts him above Tyrese Maxey.
- Julius Randle (86)
His inability to play in the playoffs is my biggest issue here, as well as the drop in production with his move to the T-Wolves. He shouldn’t be tied with Maxey, he shouldn’t be higher than Scottie, and an 84 feels like a better spot to start the year for him.
On November 7 the ratings will update, and we’ll have to see if the Raptors finally get some respect and if some of the other *creative* ratings shift.
