NBA 2K26 Ratings Players: Full List of Top Stars, Rookies, and WNBA Standouts
Every September, the basketball gaming community eagerly awaits one of the most hotly debated announcements of the year: the player ratings in NBA 2K. These numbers don’t just represent virtual ability; they are a snapshot of the NBA and WNBA landscape at a specific point in time.
They influence how fans perceive their favourite players, how gamers strategise in MyTeam and MyCareer, and even how debates unfold across social media.
In NBA 2K26, the ratings bring together established legends, current MVP-calibre superstars, and an exciting crop of rookies from the 2025 NBA Draft. They also highlight the WNBA’s growing prominence within the franchise, with stars like Napheesa Collier and Caitlin Clark standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their NBA counterparts in terms of recognition.
This detailed breakdown of the NBA 2k26 ratings players explores the top-rated current stars, elite shooters, dominant backcourts and frontcourts, promising rookies, and the best of the WNBA. Along the way, it also explains how ratings are determined and why they matter so much for both the real-world NBA narrative and the virtual gaming experience.
Who Are the Top 10 Players in NBA 2K26?
At the top of the rankings are two players who symbolise different eras of basketball excellence. Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets’ do-it-all centre, has been at the peak of the sport for several seasons. His court vision, rebounding, and scoring ability give him a unique dominance rarely seen at his position.
Matching him is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose rise with the Oklahoma City Thunder has transformed him into one of the league’s most unguardable guards. Both hold an Overall Rating (OVR) of 98, sharing the honour of being the game’s top stars.
Here is the full top 10:
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikola Jokić | C | Denver Nuggets | 98 |
| 2 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | PG/SG | Oklahoma City Thunder | 98 |
| 3 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF/C | Milwaukee Bucks | 97 |
| 4 | Luka Dončić | PG/SG | Los Angeles Lakers | 95 |
| 5 | Anthony Edwards | SG/SF | Minnesota Timberwolves | 95 |
| 6 | Stephen Curry | PG/SG | Golden State Warriors | 94 |
| 7 | LeBron James | PF/PG | Los Angeles Lakers | 94 |
| 8 | Jayson Tatum | PF/SF | Boston Celtics | 94 |
| 9 | Victor Wembanyama | C/PF | San Antonio Spurs | 94 |
| 10 | Kevin Durant | PF/SF | Houston Rockets | 93 |
What stands out here is the balance between veterans and the new generation. Curry, LeBron, and Durant remain at the top after more than a decade of dominance, while rising stars like Edwards and Wembanyama are pushing into the elite category. This blend ensures NBA 2K26 feels current but also nods to history.
Which Stars Are Rated as the Best 3-point Shooters in NBA 2K26?
Three-point shooting has defined the modern NBA. No player embodies this more than Stephen Curry, who once again earns a perfect 99 3PT rating. His ability to hit shots from anywhere beyond the arc changes the way opponents and gamers approach defence.
Interestingly, while Curry leads, the rest of the list shows both expected names and some surprise sharpshooters.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Curry | PG/SG | Golden State Warriors | 99 |
| 2 | Kevin Durant | PF/SF | Houston Rockets | 91 |
| 3 | Klay Thompson | SG/SF | Dallas Mavericks | 89 |
| 4 | Desmond Bane | SG/SF | Orlando Magic | 88 |
| 5 | Isaiah Joe | SG/PG | Oklahoma City Thunder | 88 |
| 6 | Anthony Edwards | SG/SF | Minnesota Timberwolves | 87 |
| 7 | Zach LaVine | SG/SF | Sacramento Kings | 87 |
| 8 | Sam Hauser | SF/PF | Boston Celtics | 87 |
| 9 | Grayson Allen | SF/SG | Phoenix Suns | 87 |
| 10 | Luke Kennard | SG/PG | Atlanta Hawks | 87 |
Durant’s inclusion reflects his ability to knock down perimeter shots despite being a forward, while young specialists like Isaiah Joe and Sam Hauser highlight the depth of shooting talent in the NBA.
From a gameplay perspective, these shooters are crucial. They stretch defences in MyCareer, and in MyTeam they often make or break competitive line-ups.
Who Makes Up the Strongest Backcourts in NBA 2K26?
The backcourt remains the heartbeat of any team, combining playmaking, scoring, and perimeter defence. NBA 2K26 places Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the top with a 98 OVR, reflecting his ability to score efficiently and create for others. Luka Dončić and Anthony Edwards follow closely, both at 95 OVR, underlining the new era of superstar guards.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | PG/SG | Oklahoma City Thunder | 98 |
| 2 | Luka Dončić | PG/SG | Los Angeles Lakers | 95 |
| 3 | Anthony Edwards | SG/SF | Minnesota Timberwolves | 95 |
| 4 | Stephen Curry | PG/SG | Golden State Warriors | 94 |
| 5 | Jalen Brunson | PG | New York Knicks | 93 |
| 6 | Tyrese Haliburton | PG/SG | Indiana Pacers | 93 |
| 7 | Donovan Mitchell | SG/PG | Cleveland Cavaliers | 93 |
| 8 | Cade Cunningham | PG/SG | Detroit Pistons | 92 |
| 9 | Ja Morant | PG | Memphis Grizzlies | 91 |
| 10 | Devin Booker | PG/SG | Phoenix Suns | 91 |
This list highlights the changing face of the NBA. SGA’s control of pace, Haliburton’s passing vision, and Edwards’ explosiveness make them elite, while veterans like Curry and Mitchell continue to thrive.
For gamers, controlling these guards means access to lethal scoring runs and highlight-reel assists.
Which Frontcourt Players Dominate NBA 2K26 Ratings?
Frontcourt talent is flourishing, and NBA 2K26 reflects this by placing Nikola Jokić (98) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (97) as the premier forces. The inclusion of Victor Wembanyama at 94 OVR so early in his career is remarkable, reflecting how quickly he has reshaped expectations for a modern big man.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikola Jokić | C | Denver Nuggets | 98 |
| 2 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF/C | Milwaukee Bucks | 97 |
| 3 | Victor Wembanyama | C/PF | San Antonio Spurs | 94 |
| 4 | LeBron James | PF/PG | Los Angeles Lakers | 94 |
| 5 | Jayson Tatum | PF/SF | Boston Celtics | 94 |
| 6 | Kevin Durant | PF/SF | Houston Rockets | 93 |
| 7 | Anthony Davis | C/PF | Dallas Mavericks | 93 |
| 8 | Kawhi Leonard | PF/SF | Los Angeles Clippers | 92 |
| 9 | Karl-Anthony Towns | PF/C | New York Knicks | 92 |
| 10 | Joel Embiid | C | Philadelphia 76ers | 92 |
With LeBron and Durant still highly rated, the list reflects both experience and new potential. The frontcourt is no longer just about rebounding and inside play it’s about all-round dominance.
How Are Rookies and the 2025 NBA Draft Class Rated in NBA 2K26?
The rookies bring excitement and unpredictability. Unlike established stars, their ratings are projections of future potential, and NBA 2K26 has placed Cooper Flagg at the top with 82 OVR. His athleticism and all-round game make him a must-try in career and custom rosters.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cooper Flagg | SF | Dallas Mavericks | 82 |
| 2 | Dylan Harper | SG/PG | San Antonio Spurs | 78 |
| 3 | Ace Bailey | SF/SG | Utah Jazz | 77 |
| 4 | VJ Edgecombe | SG | Philadelphia 76ers | 76 |
| 5 | Kon Knueppel | SG/SF | Charlotte Hornets | 75 |
| 6 | Tre Johnson | SG | Washington Wizards | 75 |
| 7 | Jeremiah Fears | PG/SG | New Orleans Pelicans | 73 |
| 8 | Khaman Maluach | C | Phoenix Suns | 74 |
| 9 | Collin Murray-Boyles | PF/C | Toronto Raptors | 72 |
| 10 | Egor Demin | SF/SG | Brooklyn Nets | 72 |
These rookies may not yet compete with top-tier NBA stars, but in MyLeague or MyTeam, their potential growth makes them exciting long-term assets.
Which WNBA Players Are the Highest Rated in NBA 2K26?
The WNBA continues to grow in importance within NBA 2K, and the ratings in NBA 2K26 highlight just how competitive and skilled its players are. Napheesa Collier leads the pack with an impressive 98 OVR, followed by fellow superstars A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Napheesa Collier | SF/PF | Minnesota Lynx | 98 |
| 2 | A’ja Wilson | PF/C | Las Vegas Aces | 97 |
| 3 | Breanna Stewart | PF/SF | New York Liberty | 97 |
| 4 | Caitlin Clark | PG/SG | Indiana Fever | 96 |
| 5 | Alyssa Thomas | PF/C | Phoenix Mercury | 95 |
| 6 | Sabrina Ionescu | PG/SG | New York Liberty | 93 |
| 7 | Nneka Ogwumike | SF/PF | Seattle Storm | 92 |
| 8 | Jonquel Jones | PF/C | New York Liberty | 92 |
| 9 | Satou Sabally | PF/C | Phoenix Mercury | 92 |
| 10 | Angel Reese | PF/C | Chicago Sky | 90 |
Clark’s entry at such a high rating reflects her immediate impact on the sport, both on the court and in popular culture. For gamers, the WNBA roster offers fresh ways to experience the game.
How Do NBA 2K26 Ratings Influence Gameplay and Modes?
Ratings influence every aspect of gameplay.
- MyCareer: Facing high-rated opponents makes progression more rewarding and realistic.
- MyTeam: Cards are based on ratings, so star players become must-haves for competitive squads.
- Play Now & Online: Choosing teams with multiple top-rated stars gives gamers an edge in head-to-head competition.
Ratings also spark debate. For instance, should LeBron still be a 94 at his age? Should rookies like Wembanyama already be rated 94? These discussions are part of what makes 2K ratings a cultural phenomenon every year.
Conclusion
The NBA 2K26 ratings players reveal not just who dominates basketball today but also who could shape the sport in the years to come. With Jokić and SGA setting the standard, Edwards and Wembanyama breaking through, and WNBA stars commanding deserved recognition, NBA 2K26 offers fans and gamers alike a thrilling, competitive landscape.
Whether debating sharpshooters, building backcourts, or scouting rookies, the ratings make the game more than just entertainment they make it a living reflection of the sport.
FAQs
How accurate are NBA 2K26 ratings compared to real-life stats?
They are based on advanced analytics and scouting but still include subjective decisions, which is why debates among fans are so common.
Which rookies from the 2025 draft could rise fastest in ratings?
Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper are expected to climb quickly, given their talent and projected NBA roles.
Who is the most improved player in NBA 2K26?
Anthony Edwards stands out, with his leap into the mid-90s signalling his rise into superstardom.
How often are player ratings updated during the season?
Updates typically occur monthly, but big games or slumps can trigger quicker adjustments.
Are WNBA players fully playable in NBA 2K26 modes?
Yes, and their inclusion is expanding each year, offering more ways to enjoy women’s basketball in-game.
Who is rated higher: Luka Dončić or Anthony Edwards?
Both sit at 95 OVR, reflecting their elite status without placing one firmly above the other.
Can a player’s rating drop during the season in NBA 2K26?
Yes, poor performance, injuries, or reduced minutes can lower a player’s rating in updates.
