NBA 2K 26 is teasing its player ratings ahead of the new game’s release. The official 2K social media accounts have been releasing top-10 lists for various attributes. Notably, two Cleveland Cavaliers have been omitted from multiple lists.
Neither Darius Garland or Donovan Mitchell landed in 2K’s top 10 for ball-handling. The two elite guards fall behind names such as Luka Doncic, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant at the backend of the list. Former Cavalier Kyrie Irving ranks first in this year’s edition with a perfect 99 overall.
It’s a bit shocking to see both Garland and Mitchell miss the cut. They are two of the most skilled ball-handlers in the association. Mitchell might have the best sham-god move in today’s NBA, while Garland’s hesitation and herky-jerky style allow him to navigate the floor as well as anyone.
This is where 2K’s ratings can be hard to decipher. Does anyone actually think Booker has a better handle than Garland or Mitchell? Sure, Durant has one of the greatest handles of all time for his size. But is there anything he can do (as far as dribbling) that Garland can’t? The game has never cared to clarify its own rating scale.
The snubs don’t end there. Garland and Mitchell are both absent from 2K’s top-10 three-point shooting list, as well. Mitchell finished with the 12th most three-pointers last season while Garland placed in the league’s 84th percentile for three-point shooting. Both guards failed to make the top-10 for mid-range scoring — even though Garland ranked in the 90th percentile from this zone.
Let me be clear, I’m past the age where I actually care about any of these things. NBA 2K can rate players however it wants. But as long as there’s no actual basketball to talk about — then this type of discourse will have to suffice.