The NBA 2k16 Player Ratings has gained more notoriety over the years as the players themselves regard it as some sort of validation.
Recently, NBA 2K released the Top 10 player ratings of each position via Twitter. As listed:
Stephen Curry - 93, Chris Paul - 90, Russell Westbrook - 89, Kyrie Irving - 87, John Wall - 87, Damian Lillard - 86, Mike Conley - 85, Derrick Rose - 84, Kyle Lowry - 83, Jeff Teague - 83.
Earlier, it was speculated that Chris Paul would drop out of the 90+ ratings, but as it turns out, he still made the cut. The player who dropped out was Russell Westbrook.
It was predictable that Stephen Curry, the reigning Most Valuable Player would get the highest point guard nod with a 93 score, the second highest (so far, as the top 10 centers are not out yet) behind LeBron James' 94.
But second place is not as cut-and-dry though. Russell Westbrook was expected to be in the runner up slot, since he was in the conversation for MVP honors. Still, it was Chris Paul.
Of course, the fans of both players would have their say on the ratings. Clipper Holics would take CP3's side. They note that they disagree with the numeric ratings, but the ranking of their star was just right.
"Chris's placement is what I'd deem perfect; just below NBA MVP and champion Stephen Curry and right above the enigmatic Russell Westbrook."
They even make a case that CP3 should be the best, but "he doesn't score enough points and when he does, the task isn't done in a entertaining or dominating matter," which seems like a priority for 2K (it is a video game, after all).
Yet they throw in their full support: "But everywhere else, Paul is near perfect, as he's up to the responsibility of guarding top point guards, is an elite playmaker, can knock down the three, and has created a reputation for being reliable in clutch moments - if anyone knows, San Antonio Spurs fans know."
Strong shots fired! What would the Thunder fans say about this? Thunderous Intentions represents the other side of the fence. Aside from the ranking, they are also questioning how Westbrook is just an 89.
"How can a guy who had so many triple-doubles and mesmerizing stats last season be ranked lower than two at most? We will just have to leave that up for 2k to explain to its fans. When Russell Westbrook puts up better stats and more wins than Chris Paul, yet again, I expect him to be ranked higher by mid-season."
That's true, 2K can change the ratings as the season progresses and the Thunder fans will definitely watch out for that, unless they heed the article's advice:
"If you don't like this rating, you can always play NBA Live 16. Westbrook is a 94 overall and even the cover athlete."
Is that reason enough to switch? We'll need another discussion for that!