Finally, the wait is over: NBA 2K25 has here, along with the ratings that always blow the internet up. Whether you’re building your MyTEAM, chasing GOAT status in MyCAREER, or just arguing with your friends, these numbers get everyone talking.
Whether you’re building a fantasy team or balling out in The Rec, knowing who 2K crowned as the elite makes all the difference.
Let’s examine the top ten NBA 2K25 players and examine what makes each one an absolute nightmare on the court.
1. Nikola Jokić – 97 OVR
Team: Denver Nuggets
Jokić does everything. Triple-doubles? Easy. Court vision? Ridiculous. Efficiency? Off the charts. He’s not flashy, but he’s the most complete player in basketball, and 2K25 knows it. He leads the game this year with a well-deserved 97 overall.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 97 OVR
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Anybody who dares to stand in the paint will be bullied by Giannis as he runs coast to coast and swats shots into the stands. He just dominates in a different way.
3. Luka Dončić – 97 OVR
Team: Dallas Mavericks
Luka’s stepbacks are nasty, his frame gives him an edge, and the way he controls the game? Pure brilliance. Offensively, he’s a nightmare matchup.
His scoring and passing are elite, and 2K25 reflects that. At 97 OVR, Dončić is a walking bucket and a playmaker rolled into one.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 96 OVR
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Talk about a rise. SGA has earned his 96 rating with smooth handles, elite slashing, and clutch shot-making. He’s your go-to guard if you want to cook defenders with finesse.
5. Joel Embiid – 96 OVR
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
The reigning MVP still brings the pain. Embiid’s post dominance, midrange game, and defensive anchor skills make him a monster in 2K25. He’s a two-way threat every time down the court.
6. LeBron James – 95 OVR
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Still going strong in year 22. LeBron may not be the highest anymore, but a 95 at his age is absurd. He’s still a cheat code, elite in transition, passing, IQ, and power. Age is just a number in 2K.
7. Stephen Curry – 95 OVR
Team: Golden State Warriors
The best shooter ever. Curry’s off-ball movement, deep-range shooting, and quick release make him deadly even when smothered. In 2K25, his badge stack still gives defenders nightmares.
8. Jayson Tatum – 95 OVR
Team: Boston Celtics
Tatum’s two-way game, size, and scoring ability finally get the 2K respect they deserve. With improved badges and smoother animations, he’s a dangerous SF/PF hybrid who can lead your franchise mode dynasty.
9. Kevin Durant – 94 OVR
Team: Phoenix Suns
KD’s rating dips slightly, but his skillset is still elite. He’s long, deadly from midrange, and can shoot over anyone. In the right hands, KD is unguardable in any mode.
10. Anthony Davis – 94 OVR
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Defense, shot-blocking, and inside scoring. AD rounds out the top 10 with an imposing inside presence. His versatility lets you run him at the 4 or 5, and he’s still a lockdown anchor on defense.
Who Just Missed the Cut?
Devin Booker – 93 OVR: Smooth shooter and playoff killer. Still one of the most well-rounded guards.
Jimmy Butler – 92 OVR: Perennial playoff beast, tough defender, and clutch scorer.
Jalen Brunson – 91 OVR: One of 2K25’s biggest risers. Dynamic footwork and high IQ play earn him a serious bump.
What This Means for Your Game
In MyTEAM, these players will be instant favorites, expect their base cards to cost a fortune and dominate early metas. In MyCAREER, if your build mirrors these guys (playmaker big like Jokic, slashing guard like SGA, or shooting guard like Curry), you’ll have an easier time adjusting to the game’s mechanics.
Quick tip: 2K25 places a bigger emphasis on footwork, spacing, and badge synergy. Having high-rated players like these not only gives you great stats, but also unlocks critical animations and badge thresholds that lower-rated players simply can’t reach.
The Badge Edge in 2K25
One of the big shifts in NBA 2K25 is how badges influence performance. It’s not just about attributes anymore, badge stacking and synergy can turn a 94-rated player into a monster on the court. Players like Stephen Curry and LeBron James don’t just have high ratings, they come loaded with Hall of Fame badges that supercharge their impact. For example, Curry’s range is ridiculous because of badges like Limitless Range and Deadeye, while Giannis becomes unstoppable with Fast Break Finisher and Anchor. If you’re grinding MyTEAM or building custom rosters, badges are the real meta this year.
Final Takeaway
The top 10 in NBA 2K25 is the ideal balance of the new wave crashing in and the legends holding it down. Stars like SGA and Tatum are quickly catching up, but Jokić, Dončić, and Giannis are still in charge. These are the names influencing the meta this year, whether you’re competing with the squad in Pro-Am or chasing badges in MyCAREER.
