The arrival of NBA 2K23 means newly adjusted player ratings for the game, and these are the highest-rated players who are the best to pick when you want to dominate.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (97 OVR)
• Position: PF, C
• Team: Milwaukee Bucks
• Archetype: 2-Way Slashing Playmaker
• Best Ratings: 98 Layup, 98 Offensive Consistency, 98 Shot IQ
In the past few years, Giannis Antetokounmpo has won two MVP Awards, the All-Star MVP, Finals MVP, an NBA Title, Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and more. Antetokounmpo, 27, ran through the walls and bulldozed every adversary in his front this last 2021-22 season. Averaging 29.9 points, 11.6 boards, 5.8 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 54.3 percent field accuracy, the Greek stalwart willed the Bucks to a potential back-to-back title season. The Greek Freak stuffs his 2K attribute ratings on both the offensive and defensive end, making him a nightmare to go up against.
2. Stephen Curry (97 OVR)
• Position: PG, SG
• Team: Golden State Warriors
• Archetype: Versatile Offensive Force
• Best Stats: 99 Three-Point Shot, 99 Offensive Consistency, 98 Shot IQ
The Golden State Warriors are champions, and the guy at the helm is Stephen Curry. In the 2021-22 season, he put forth a career-best 32.3 points per game through 16 contests while hitting 52.9 percent of his field goal attempts, 44.7 percent of his threes, and 90.3 percent of his free throws. What Curry does have is the highest three-point rating in the game at 99, which is the max number a player can attain. He is a one-of-a-kind player, making him a cheat code in 2K.
3. Luka Doncic (96 OVR)
• Position: PG, SF
• Team: Dallas Mavericks
• Archetype: Versatile Offensive Force
• Best Stats: 98 Close Shot, 98 Pass IQ, 98 Pass Vision
The wunderkind out of Slovenia has quickly risen to the upper echelon of NBA talent. Last season, Luka Doncic managed to take his Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals without the help of a second major star. At 33.5 points per game through 15 appearances, Doncic is averaging the most points in the league after a blistering start to the season, where he scored at least 30 points in his first nine games. Standing at 6’7″, Doncic is a big point guard with a strong set of handles and has developed into a remarkable playmaker. He can do it all and is a rising star that continues to shine.
4. Kevin Durant (96 OVR)
• Position: PF, SF
• Team: Brooklyn Nets
• Archetype: 2-Way 3-Level Playmaker
• Best Ratings: 98 Close Shot, 98 Mid-Range Shot, 98 Offensive Consistency
Drama and controversies marred the 2021-22 season of the Brooklyn Nets and crushing disappointments, but it didn’t stop Kevin Durant from hooping like an inevitable machine. He marked his highest scoring average since his 2013-2014 MVP season with 29.9 points, plus 7.4 boards and a career-high 6.4 dimes in 51/38/91 shooting splits across 55 games. Even in his age-34 season, he’s still chugging along as one of the greatest scorers ever to touch a basketball. His seven-foot frame makes him nearly unguardable in real life and 2K.
5. LeBron James (96 OVR)
• Position: PG, SF
• Team: Los Angeles Lakers
• Archetype: 2-Way 3-Level Point Forward
• Best Ratings: 99 Stamina, 98 Offensive Consistency, 98 Shot IQ
Entering his twentieth NBA season, LeBron James is still regarded as one of the best players in the league. His ability to penetrate the defense and dish the rock to the open man is a skill that will never leave him, no matter how old he gets. The superstar even compiled a 30.3 points average last season, together with 8.2 boards, 6.2 dimes, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 52.7 percent shooting from the field. It’s no wonder that James still has a 96 overall because there isn’t a thing on the court he can’t do.
6. Nikola Jokic (96 OVR)
• Position: C
• Team: Denver Nuggets
• Archetype: Diming 3-Level Scorer
• Best Ratings: 98 Close Shot, 98 Defensive Rebounding, 98 Pass IQ
The reigning back-to-back MVP, Nikola Jokic, comes in tied as the highest-rated center in NBA 2K23 with a rating of 96. Although the Denver Nuggets have faltered in the playoffs (primarily due to injuries), Nikola Jokic (96) has remained one of the best players in the league. Behind a career-high 27.1 points per game and 13.8 rebounds per game, Jokic secured his second consecutive MVP award, becoming the thirteenth player in league history. As a center, Jokic owns scores over 90 in layups, standing dunks, post hooks, post fade, post control, drawing fouls, and hands.
7. Joel Embiid (96 OVR)
• Position: C
• Team: Philadelphia 76ers
• Archetype: 2-Way 3-Level Scorer
• Best Ratings: 98 Hands, 98 Offensive Consistency, 98 Shot IQ
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers has a case for being the most dominant big man in the entire league. He might not have taken home the MVP trophy, but he won the scoring title because he can put it in the bucket with various post moves or deep three-point shots. Along with that scoring ability, Embiid also has significant defensive capabilities, making him a dual threat. This past season, Embiid recorded a career-high 30.6 points per game and finished second in MVP voting.
All in all, these are the best NBA 2K23 players that you will find in the game. If you want them to join your MyTeam, you may need to buy NBA2K23 MT through U4gm.com to get them to join your team.