NBA 2K26 is just right around the corner, and as usual, the biggest question for a lot of fans is: who’s going to top the player ratings?
Luckily for you, the NBA 2K26 ratings have been leaked, and there are a few surprises in the top ten. As usual, once the 2K ratings were known, chaos ensued. The debates in the 2k community are getting wild, Reddit threads, Twitter beef. Somebody's always too high, somebody's always too low, and the arguments never end.
So, without further ado, let's take a look at the top 10 players in NBA 2K26.
1. Nikola Jokić - 98 OVR
2K25 Rating - 97 OVR
Jokić is the best player in the league, there's no question about it; and even though Denver lost to the eventual champion OKC in the second round, Jokic showed why he’s still that guy. He dictates the game like no one else, turning basketball into high-level chess while making it look easy.
No player is more important to their team’s system. He does everything, score, pass, rebound, screen, and anchor, and does it with perfect timing. Now that Denver finally signed some studs to support him, this might be exactly what The Joker needs to chase that second ring. He deserves to take the number 1 spot in the NBA 2k26 players ranking.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 98 OVR
2K25 Rating - 96 OVR
2K26's cover athlete, and tied for the highest rating in the game, Shai is living his dream. Say what you want about his foul-baiting antics, but Shai just won a championship and a Finals MVP. OKC’s young core turned potential into results, and Shai was the calm killer at the heart of it all.
Also, the best PG in the league; he controls the game with a smooth, unhurried style that drives defenders nuts. His midrange game is honestly a joy to watch. He’s so smooth and patient with it, just gets to his spots and rises up like it’s nothing. Some people say the middy’s boring nowadays, but if you’re using Shai in 2K, go ahead and prove them wrong. It’s one of those “you know it’s coming, but you still can’t stop it” kind of things.
Read Also: NBA 2K26 Gameplay Deep Dive: What to Expect & When to Watch
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo - 98 OVR
2K25 Rating - 97 OVR
Dame is gone, back to Portland, and the Bucks are looking for answers. But one thing hasn’t changed: Giannis is still a freak of nature. 28 points, 11 boards, and the same relentless motor he’s had his whole career.
He’s the most physically dominant player in the league, and 2K always makes him a nightmare to defend. With elite transition speed, contact finishing, and defensive length, he’s still a top-tier option, and a 98 rating feels just right.
4. Luka Dončić - 96 OVR
2K25 Rating - 97 OVR
The trade that sent Luka to L.A. was dubbed the biggest trade in NBA history, and for good reason. The Mavs gave up a generational superstar for an aging one in Anthony Davis, but they were rewarded with the #1 pick and Cooper Flagg. Crazy times.
Now in purple and gold, Luka looks different. He’s slimmed down, bulked up, and clearly took his body seriously in the offseason. With a fresh Lakers squad around him, Luka Magic is about to hit Hollywood. Expect big numbers, bigger highlights, and that signature calm chaos he brings to every game.
5. LeBron James - 96 OVR
2K25 Rating - 95 OVR
There’s speculation this might be LeBron’s final NBA season, and if that’s true, it’s going to be weird seeing future 2K titles without him on the roster. But for now, in Year 23, the King is still putting up numbers and making his presence known.
While the Lakers are shifting toward Luka and a new era, LeBron remains the centerpiece of highlight plays and leadership. In NBA 2K, using him guarantees excitement, bullet passes, chase-down blocks, and poster dunks. It’s also perfect rage bait if you're playing online. Let’s be honest: 2K loves LeBron, and he is still an elite player, so there was no way "The King" wouldn't crack the top 10.
6. Stephen Curry - 95 OVR
2K25 Rating - 95 OVR
Another legend we might not see in future 2K games, Steph is the greatest shooter to ever pick up a basketball. The game evolved around his influence, and even though there’s been a slight drop in production, Curry remains a threat from literally anywhere past halfcourt.
In 2K26, he’ll still be the best shooter in the game, period. Players love running plays just to free him up for deep threes, and even with young stars on the rise, Steph's presence in 2K is legendary.
Chef Curry can still cook you, and knowing his jumper is one of the easiest to green in the game, no lead is ever really safe.
7. Jayson Tatum - 95 OVR
While Jayson Tatum's season ended tragically, with an Achilles injury he suffered during the East Semis, which is going to completely take him out of the NBA 2025-2026 season, the Boston superstar is still among the best players in the league.
Loved by some, hated by many, Tatum has cemented himself as a superstar in the past two seasons, averaging 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, while being the engine of the Celtics' offense. When things weren't working, Tatum's hero ball was the go-to solution, and that worked more times than expected.
A 95 rating and a top-seven place for Jayson Tatum in the NBA 2k26 players rankings feels more than deserved.
8. Anthony Davis - 95 OVR
2K25 Rating - 94 OVR
Sure, Dallas gave up Luka for him. And yeah, AD’s no spring chicken anymore. But let’s not get it twisted, Anthony Davis is still one of the best big men in the league.
With Joel Embiid’s knees becoming more and more unreliable, it might be safe to say that AD is the second-best big behind Jokic. He’s now leading the Mavericks alongside Kyrie, Klay, and top pick Cooper Flagg, and this version of Davis might be the most balanced one we’ve seen in years.
He gives you 25 and 10, protects the rim like a madman, and is still a menace when healthy. People sleep on him because of the injuries, but when he’s on the floor, he’s a force of nature and a must-use in NBA 2K26.
9. Anthony Edwards - 94 OVR
2K25 Rating - 94 OVR
Ant is one of the most fun players to use in NBA 2K. He’s an athletic, two-way guard who mimics flashes of Jordan and Kobe, can shoot threes, clamp on defense, and posterize your center without warning. Admit it, we’ve all used him at some point just to see the crazy dunks.
In his fifth season, Ant-Man is just getting started. He’s charismatic, explosive, and ready to lead Minnesota deep into the playoffs once again. He’s built for pure fun. He’s explosive, he plays defense, and he’ll absolutely cook your opponent if he's on your team.
10. Donovan Mitchell - 94 OVR
2K25 Rating - 94 OVR
Donovan Mitchell is quietly one of the most fun players to use in the game. Quick, aggressive, and made for high-scoring highlights, Spida feels like he was designed specifically for NBA 2K. He slices through defenses, hits momentum threes, and throws down sneaky dunks that’ll get a crowd (or your party chat) screaming.
He’s been consistent year after year, and while Cleveland hasn’t made massive noise, Mitchell’s numbers and impact are still elite. So, a place in the top ten for Spida Mitchel is a very pleasant surprise. If you're looking for a shifty guard who can heat up fast, Mitchell is your guy.
This list is based on reliable leaks, which have recently revealed the NBA 2K26 top ten players' ratings.
The league’s changed a lot, and if this really is LeBron’s final NBA rating, man, that's sad. Now with guys like Ant, Wemby, and Shai on the rise, it’s kind of crazy to think we might be playing 2K soon without the stars we grew up with on the roster.
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