'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
NBA 2K22 recently released the first batch of official ratings for the game, which is set to be released on September 10th. After initially releasing the official ratings for the top ten players, a range of other WNBA and NBA ratings for the upcoming game have now been released.
NBA 2K22 features Luka Doncic as the cover star, and has the likes of Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant in the legends’ version of the game. A few other players, such as Miles Bridges and Rudy Gobert, also had their official ratings released, but the former is especially unhappy about his 78 overall rating.
On Saturday, NBA 2K posted the official ratings for the top five rookies of the 2021 class. The ratings have not put out a surprise, unlike in the case of some other established players, with Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham the highest-rated rookie in the game. Without further ado, we look at the top-5:
On that note, here's a look at the five highest-rated rookies in NBA 2K22:
#5 Scottie Barnes - 76
The fourth overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft, Scottie Barnes was not expected to be in the top four. However, the Toronto Raptors sprung a surprise by picking him over Jalen Suggs, who eventually went to the Orlando Magic, somewhat unexpectedly.
Nevertheless, NBA 2K has given Barnes a rating of 76, which puts him fifth in his class.
Barnes is a versatile guard who has a huge wingspan and is considered one of the unique prospects this year. He is an able defender who knows how to use his body, and is an elite playmaker capable of hitting out passes and finishing moves in transition.
#4 Jalen Suggs - 77
Considered to be one of the four elite prospects from the 2021 class, Jalen Suggs claimed that he never wanted to go to the Toronto Raptors after he was picked by the Magic with their fifth overall pick. He is a different type of player than Barnes, as he is a quick, athletic guard with an immense basketball brain and top-notch passing prowess.
Suggs is an efficient scorer who does not give away too many turnovers, and has a lethal ability to finish at the rim. His overall shooting can sometimes be erratic, especially from distance. However, that is something he has a lot of time to work on.
#3 Evan Mobley - 78
Evan Mobley appears to have all it takes to be a successful big man in the NBA. The big center finds himself at the Cleveland Cavaliers, and has multiple skills to offer right from the outset. Mobley is quick for his size, is arguably the best defender in his rookie class, and is an efficient scorer who has the ability to catch fire.
Mobley is already an elite rim protector, and has an interior shot that is only going to get better with time. He is not a good three-point shooter, but has the physical presence to dominate opponents, something he will only improve at.
#2 Jalen Green - 79
In what is hardly a surprise, the Houston Rockets' no. 2 pick Jalen Green is also the second-highest rated rookie in the NBA 2K22 game. Green has the ability to score from anywhere on the court, can finish through contact, and is an expert at quick shooting and making space for himself and his teammates.
Green’s offensive game looks good, although some more consistency in shooting is required to take him to the next level. Additionally, Green can ignore easy passes, which is another area of his game that can be improved. Nevertheless, he is one who could challenge Cade Cunningham this season for the 'rookie of the year' award.
#1 Cade Cunningham - 80
The Detroit Pistons are well aware that in Cade Cunningham, they have a future star who is looking to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Cade Cunningham is the best player in his class, based on his offensive game, leadership, and the fact that he has a range of weapons in his arsenal he is confident to use.
Cunningham can finish at the rim, can pull in regular jumpers and can also put in the occasional three. He is an elite passer who has, until now, been the leader and the major ball handler in all his teams.
Cade Cunningham’s inconsistent defending, and occasional streaky spells are the only notable issues the Detroit Pistons should be wary of and looking to help him improve.
