With the release of NBA 2K26, the annual franchise installment has also rolled out a list of the top-rated players for this season. The highest-rated players will include some not-so-surprising names, with some of the highest OVRs belonging to stars like Kevin Durant, Luka Dončić, and other incredible players.
OVR, or Overall Ratings, is a ranking used to determine just how good a player is by comparison to others in the league. In the NBA 2K franchise, OVR rankings are based on stats such as scoring, defense, play-making, potential, and athleticism, ranked out of 100, but they don't necessarily represent a direct average of individual stats.
Kevin Durant: Houston Rockets
93 OVR
Kevin Durant nba 2k player list
The Houston Rockets bolstered their championship hopes by acquiring Kevin Durant, who, despite being nearly 37, remains a dominant force. Durant’s skills translated to a 59% effective field goal percentage last season, ranking in the top 20 league-wide. Beyond scoring, he adds veteran leadership, championship pedigree, and All-Star play-making to fuel a deep playoff run.
Durant’s spot in NBA 2K26 as a top-10 overall player stems from his unique blend of size, skill, and versatility. A 7-foot forward with guard-like handles, he remains nearly unguardable 1-v-1, deadly from the three, and is clutch in big moments. Combined with two NBA titles, multiple scoring crowns, and MVP honors, Durant’s résumé solidifies his elite 93 OVR rating.
Victor Wembanyama: San Antonio Spurs
94 OVR
Wembanyama nba 2k26
After two seasons in his NBA journey, Victor Wembanyama has dominated defensively, leading the league in blocks both years and winning Rookie of the Year in 2023-2024. Averaging 22.5 points per game and anchoring the Spurs’ interior defense, his rare combination of a 7'3" frame, guard‑like dribbling, and shooting makes him a true phenom.
In NBA 2K26, Wembanyama earns a 94 OVR, placing him among the top‑rated players, tied with Curry, LeBron, and Tatum and ahead of Durant. His historic rookie season included All‑Defensive First Team honors and becoming the first rookie to receive that honor.
Jayson Tatum: Boston Celtics
94 OVR
Tatum NBA 2k26
Before his season-ending Achilles injury in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, 26-year-old Jayson Tatum looked poised for another championship run. The NBA 2K25 cover star tallied 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, finished fourth in MVP voting, and earned his third straight All-NBA selection.
In NBA 2K26, Tatum has a 94 OVR, making him Boston’s highest-rated player and one of the top-10 overall in the game. Off the court, he's a six-time All-Star, 2024 NBA champion, and Finals record-holder (most points in a Game 7) and known for spectacular scoring bursts. Now recovering from surgery, he's expected to rehabilitate steadily and return to his elite two-way form.
LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers
94 OVR
lebron james nba 2k26
At 40 years old, LeBron James continues to defy expectations, entering his historic 23rd NBA season as the first player ever to reach that milestone. Despite his age, he remains at the top of his game, finishing sixth in MVP voting last year while averaging 25.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists.
A 21-time All-Star, James is a four-time champion, four-time Finals MVP, and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. His versatility and ability to dominate as a scorer, playmaker, or defender cements his top-10 status in the league and in NBA 2K26, where he holds a 94 OVR rating.
Beyond stats, LeBron’s leadership, basketball IQ, and durability continue to inspire, making him not just a star of his era but a living legend shaping the history of the game.
Stephen Curry: Golden State Warriors
94 OVR
Steph Curry nba 2k26
Stephen Curry remains one of the most incredible players in basketball, showing no signs of slowing down as he goes after his fifth NBA championship. An 11-time All-Star, two-time MVP, and four-time champion, Curry has revolutionized the game with his limitless shooting range and unmatched ability to create space.
Last season, he ranked among the league leaders in three-pointers, once again carrying the Warriors’ offense with his scoring and play-making. In NBA 2K26, Curry’s 94 OVR rating reflects his enduring excellence and solidifies his place among the top-tier superstars shaping the game today.
Anthony Edwards: Minnesota Timberwolves
95 OVR
Anthony Edwards nba 2k26
Anthony Edwards has quickly emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, cementing himself as a staple in the Timberwolves’ franchise. Following his Team USA experience, the 23-year-old erupted in the 2024-25 season, averaging a career-high 27.6 points and leading the league with 320 three-pointers.
With the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, Edwards took full command of Minnesota’s offense, guiding them to a second consecutive Western Conference Finals. Beyond scoring, he has grown into a versatile two-way force, improving as a playmaker and defender.
A multiple-time All-Star and 2023 Rookie of the Year finalist, Edwards is also known for highlight-reel dunks and fearless performances in clutch moments. His NBA 2K26 95 OVR rating reflects his incredible rise as a league superstar.
Luka Dončić: Los Angeles Lakers
95 OVR
doncic nba 2k26
Luka Dončić is one of the premier talents in the NBA, taking scoring, play-making, and rebounding to an elite level. In the 2024-25 season, the 26-year-old superstar averaged over 33 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds per game, ranking among the league leaders in both scoring and usage.
A multiple-time All-Star and All-NBA First Team selection, Dončić has already recorded more than 70 career triple-doubles, placing him among the all-time leaders despite his young age.
He carried the Dallas Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, further proving his ability to dominate in a talent-packed league. In NBA 2K26, his 95 OVR rating reflects his status as one of the game’s most unstoppable and complete offensive forces.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee Bucks
97 OVR
Giannis Ante nba 2k26
Giannis Antetokounmpo is simply an unmatched dominating force in the NBA. At 30 years old, the two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion remains one of the league’s most unstoppable players, averaging over 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists during the 2024-25 season.
Already an eight-time All-Star and multiple All-NBA First Team honoree, Giannis has also won a Defensive Player of the Year award, showcasing his ability to control both ends of the floor.
While his downhill attacks make him nearly impossible to defend, he has expanded his offense with improved post moves and a mid-range game, making him even more versatile. His NBA 2K26 97 OVR rating reflects his standing as one of the league’s top-performing players, showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Oklahoma City Thunder
98 OVR
nba 2k26 SGA
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA 2K26 cover athlete, enters the season as the league’s reigning MVP and 2025 NBA champion, firmly cementing himself among basketball’s elite. At just 27, he has become the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder, guiding the youngest roster in the NBA to its second championship.
Known for his smooth scoring and unshakable control of the game, "SGA" consistently ranks among the top guards in points per game while maintaining efficiency few players can match.
He has also developed into a strong rebounder and defender, making him a complete two-way threat. With his leadership, clutch performances, and unguardable offense, his 98 OVR rating in NBA 2K26 rightfully places him second overall.
Nikola Jokić: Denver Nuggets
98 OVR
nikola jokic nba 2k26
Nikola Jokić stands at the top of the rankings in the basketball world, earning a #1 OVR rating of 98 in NBA 2K26 and securing his place as the league’s most complete player. A three-time MVP and 2023 NBA Finals MVP, Jokić continues to dominate with an unparalleled blend of scoring, rebounding, and play-making.
Last season, he posted a career-best in points and assists, while also ranking near the top in multiple other categories. His ability to control the pace of the game, stretch defenses with his shooting, and orchestrate offense like a point guard from the center position makes him unique in NBA history.
In his prime, Jokić's blend of skill, vision, and dominance makes him arguably the best player alive. Jokić's spot as the number 1 best player with the highest OVR is well-earned, and it likely comes as no surprise that he's one of the most formidable players inNBA 2K26.