Ranking the top 5 games in the NBA 2K series as we move closer to the release of NBA 2K22

NBA 2K22 is just days away from its release, with a number of new features and overall ratings for players already having been announced. This year, the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Milwaukee Bucks’ newly crowned champion Giannis Antetokounmpo will share the title of being the joint-best rated players, each boasting of an overall of 96.

Kevin DUrant and LeBron are two of the highest rated players in NBA 2K22.

The overall list of the best rookies and three-point shooters did not throw in too many surprises. Regardless, fans are excited about the game considering the extent of new features that have been promised. The NBA 2K series has seen a range of editions that were recognized as some of the best ever, with the 2K22 game vying for a similar stature. In this article, we look at the top five games of the series so far:

Looking at the top five NBA 2K games as NBA 2K22 set to be released on September 10th

While the graphics and overall quality of the game has undoubtedly become better with each passing year, some editions of the NBA 2K series are recognized for various reasons. This might be due to the pricing of the game, an improvement over recent counterparts or simply a matter of fan-convenience and opinions. Regardless, the following article looks at the five best games of the series so far:

#5 NBA 2K1

NBA 2K1 obviously pales in comparison of graphics and gameplay due to changing technology. However, the game is often recognized as the first truly global edition of the NBA 2K series. The NBA 2K released the previous year had decent reviews but did not feature an online multiplayer mode.

It was the NBA 2K1 that gave the series life and started the game’s journey to become the most popular online basketball multiplayer in the world. NBA 2K1 also featured a revamp of the career mode and was the first edition of the game to gain global acclaim.

#4 NBA 2K17

The NBA 2K17 game introduced a range of career and MyTeam related features, including allowing players to relocate franchises to different cities. The NBA's 2K16 edition was often recognized as the best game of the series as it features the biggest ever revamp and introduction of the new MyLeague mode.

Regardless, NBA 2K17 took things to the next level with respect to both graphics and gameplay, and was the first edition of the game that focussed on realism. NBA 2K17 allowed a wide range of customizations and team changes including allowing custom players to play in the MyLeague mode.

#3 NBA 2K10

One of the most revolutionary game modes to be associated with the NBA 2K series, Blacktop Online was introduced for the first time as part of the NBA 2K10 game. It was the year when the game became one of the highest-streamed games on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.

NBA 2K10 allowed the series a global presence and attracted gamers on streaming platforms as well. The game was an improvement on the basis of graphics and semantics on previous versions and allowed the 2K series to truly dominate the NBA Live game series.

#2 NBA 2K9

NBA 2K9 sold almost twice the number of copies as NBA 2K8. This was because the game was for the first time priced at an affordable $20 which allowed players from other countries to buy it as well. NBA 2K9 had an early version of Blacktop and also featured what is considered to be the most drastic improvement in graphics over a year as well.

Miami Heat v Golden State Warriors

NBA 2K9 featured LeBron James, who was back then plying his trade at the Miami Heat. The cover featured LeBron’s famous “chalk toss,” which truly became a globally-recognized image with respect to the game as well.

#1 NBA 2K16

NBA 2K16 is till date considered to be the best game of the series. The game introduced an all-new MyCareer mode and story arc that transformed the overall game from a basketball video game to somewhat of an RPG.

NBA 2K16 also featured the ProAm as well as the most impressive courts and in-game atmosphere that had ever been seen in a basketball game. As a result, it is considered to be the best game of the series so far, considering the transformation that it brought forth within a year.