The next version of the NBA 2K series is coming out next month. What kind of rating will each player on the Memphis Grizzlies receive?
The hottest release of the year is coming soon: NBA 2K18. This game creates and ruins friendships. It may decrease communication with your significant other. More importantly, it’s the greatest sports video game franchise of all time.
Over the past few weeks, 2K has released more info on its upcoming game, including a revamped MyGM mode, a fire playlist that includes music from Damian Lillard and screenshots of the game’s insane graphics. I mean, look at how realistic this looks:
Now, I know every Memphis Grizzlies fan is ready to cross people up with Mike Conley. Or splash 3s with Marc Gasol. Or rise up and punch one in on someone with Ben McLemore.
With the game right around the corner, how should each Memphis Grizzly rate in NBA 2K18?
Player Ratings
End of the bench
Kobi Simmons – 67
There’s not any news out there on whether or not two-way players will be in 2K18. However, if he’s in the game, his rating won’t be all that high. Though he’s lightning quick, his jumper is essentially non-existent. Also, he’s a G-League player, and those guys usually don’t get a high rating.
Rade Zagorac – 68
Zagorac is the typical player that arrives from Europe: skillful with below-average athleticism. He won’t be a killer in NBA 2K18, but maybe a jump-shot can change things.
Ivan Rabb – 70
Rabb’s contract situation has been tricky as of late, but that shouldn’t stop him from being in the game. He’s a solid offensive player with above-average athleticism. He’s the kind of player who would end up being useful down the road in a myGM mode.
Jarell Martin – 70
Martin is a big man who can run the floor, shot a little bit from mid-range and rebound the ball well. He won’t be the best 2K player in the world, but he can help a little bit in a 2-3 minute stretch.
Dillon Brooks – 70
Predicting how good a second-round pick will be in the NBA is tough. However, the reigning PAC-12 Player of the Year has the game to land a rotation spot with consistent minutes. This may seem low right now, but his rating could go up as the season progresses.
Deyonta Davis – 71
Of all the low 70 guys on this team, Davis will be the most useful. At the 5, he can run the floor, protect the rim and throw down lobs.
Wade Baldwin – 71
While the verdict is still out on Wade Baldwin, he won’t receive a super-low rating because of his physical tools. He has the speed, athleticism and frame to be a solid NBA player. However, it may be wise to not shoot 3s with him.
Rotation players
Mario Chalmers – 72
The injury definitely hinders Chalmers. His speed and athleticism will go down. He won’t have as much explosiveness. Even if you can’t use him as a point guard, he’ll still be a nice off-ball option for spot-up jumpers. If he’s back to form though, this rating will increase significantly.
Andrew Harrison – 73
Because of his playoff performance, Harrison should receive a higher rating. He’s a big guard who can penetrate to the basket and defend well. In addition, his jumper became less shaky as the year progressed.
Wayne Selden – 73
Of every player on the roster, Selden has the potential to skyrocket his rating. He has elite size and athleticism. His jumper is improving immensely, and he can score from just about any spot on the court. Don’t be surprised to see Selden flirt with the 80’s once this season is over.
Brandan Wright – 74
When healthy, Wright is still one of the best backup centers in the NBA. He can run the pick-and-roll extremely well, finish around the rim with tremendous efficiency and catch lobs no matter how high the pass. He’s another big man who’ll be fun to play with in 2K18.
James Ennis – 75
If Ennis had an off-the-dribble, mid-range game, his rating would be a lot higher. He can shoot the 3 ball at a quietly efficient rate, finish in the paint and play strong defense.
Troy Daniels – 75
If you want to frustrate your friend with a random NBA player, do it with Troy Daniels. You won’t regret it. Even though he receives little playing time, Daniels is an elite shooter in this league. He’s shown that he can get hot in a hurry from downtown, and the creators of 2K should recognize that.
Sir Charles In Charge
Tyreke Evans – 78
The highest rated bench player for the Grizzlies. Evans is a 2K dream. He can handle the ball and cross anyone up. He’s a matchup nightmare at any position 1-3. Evans can shoot from mid-range and finish in the paint. In addition, he’s not a liability from downtown. For once, the Grizzlies have a non-starter that’s a 2K beast.
Starters
Ben McLemore – 76
Granted, after lackluster seasons in Sacramento, McLemore may receive a lower rating. However, he still has potential to be a solid NBA starter. His jumper and athleticism are both intriguing. In a better environment, he may flash something on defense. As the season goes along, McLemore can be another player who receives a bump in his 2K rating.
Chandler Parsons – 77
Oh man, last season. Can we all just forget about it? Those knees did Parsons damage, but there’s still hope, right? When healthy, Parsons is a player who’s rating would be in the low-to-mid 80’s every year. However, with decreased speed and athleticism, Parsons may start lower than ideal. It’s just a process.
JaMychal Green – 78
JaMychal Green is everything you want in a NBA power forward. He can shoot from distance, defend just about any big man in the league and throw it down with authority. Green received a lot of attention this past season and could continue to improve.
Marc Gasol – 88
Gasol is one of the best big men in the NBA and has been for quite some time. Last year though, he took his game to another level by adding a 3-point shot. Even at 32, he can still score and protect the rim at an elite level.
Mike Conley – 89
Last postseason, Conley put the entire basketball universe on notice, proving every bit of his fat contract. He’s flashy with the basketball, possessing elite ball-handling abilities. He can pull off the valuable pull-up 3-pointer with ease. In addition, he’s supersonic fast and can play lockdown defense. If you could score 40 with any Grizzly in NBA 2K18, it’ll be Mike Conley.
Next: ESPN projects low win total for Grizz
Closing Remarks
NBA 2K18 will be fun as always. Hopefully, you can upset people of your friends – or online foes – with your favorite team: the Memphis Grizzlies.