NBA 2K22 is filled with superstar players at every position. Almost every team has at least one highly rated player that can win games through strong offense or defense.

There are plenty of talented players, but only a select few stand out as the utmost elite. Sixteen players have at least a 90 overall, while over 40 come in at 85+. These players have deep and versatile skillsets across scoring ability, playmaking, defense, or athleticism. Focus your game plan around one of the seven highest-rated players in NBA 2K22 to net more than just extra baskets.

LeBron James

• Team: Los Angeles Lakers
• Position: Small Forward
• Strengths: Athleticism, Inside Scoring, Playmaking
• Weaknesses: Free Throw Shooting
• Overall Rating: 96

King James reigns supreme atop the NBA 2K ratings yet again. At 36 years old his elite athleticism shows no signs of fading away. LeBron’s strength allows him to out-muscle opponents inside, while his consistent outside shot rounds out near-limitless scoring potential. He’s also a threat away from the basket thanks to strong passing, awareness, and defensive ability.

LeBron’s free throw shooting rating is low for superstar players. However, the timing on his free throw is one of the easiest to learn.

Kevin Durant

• Team: Brooklyn Nets
• Position: Power Forward
• Strengths: Outside Scoring, Inside Scoring, Ball Handling
• Weaknesses: Strength
• Overall Rating: 96

Many NBA fans argue Kevin Durant is the best player in the league right now. The 7-foot scoring machine has the highest player rating this year (tied with four others). KD can create shots from anywhere on the court as the game’s premier offensive weapon. His proficiency extends to playmaking and defense.

Strength is one of Durant’s lowest ratings. Fortunately, his unguardable combination of size and skill masks this limitation. KD is tall enough to shoot over shorter players, while his ball-handling lets him blow by Centers that try to body him up.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Team: Milwaukee Bucks
• Position: Power Forward
• Strengths: Athleticism, Defense, Inside Scoring
• Weaknesses: Free Throw Shooting, 3-Point Shooting
• Overall Rating: 96

Fresh off his first NBA championship, the Greek Freak is tied for the highest rating in NBA 2K22. This physically dominant force imposes his will on opposing teams. Giannis’ size and strength combine for effortless baskets and effective passes. As the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, he can guard any position.

While he is solid from mid-range, his free throw and three-point shots are well below average. Players will have to score most of their baskets from inside of the arc with Giannis, although that isn’t much of a con.

Stephen Curry

• Team: Golden State Warriors
• Position: Point Guard
• Strengths: Outside Scoring, Playmaking, Layup
• Weaknesses: Strength, Rebounding
• Overall Rating: 96

After missing most of the 2019 season due to an injury, Steph Curry proved he was still one of the NBA’s best players last season. The crafty Point Guard is the game’s best shooter with unlimited three-point range and skilled passes. His elite ball handling allows him to easily create separation from any defender. He also has a fantastic layup. Just don’t expect him to throw down any dunks.

Curry lacks the size and strength of other players on this list. It’s harder for him to rebound and consistently score inside against players in the paint, but those responsibilities aren’t really part of the Point Guard role.

Kawhi Leonard

• Team: Los Angeles Clippers
• Position: Small Forward
• Strengths: Outside Scoring, Defending, Inside Scoring
• Weaknesses: Rebounding
• Overall Rating: 95

Elite scoring and shutdown defense make Kawhi Leonard the best two-way player in the game. Leonard mastered the mid-range shot but is just as much of a threat from up close or behind the arc. His true strength is defending. Leonard shuts down nearly anyone he guards and can even slow down the game’s top offensive weapons like KD and LeBron.

Despite Leonard’s size and athleticism, his rebounding is average at best. This can put pressure on his big men to do it for him.

Nikola Jokic

• Team: Denver Nuggets
• Position: Center
• Strengths: Inside Scoring, Passing, Outside Scoring
• Weaknesses: Defending
• Overall Rating: 95

Nikola Jokic represents the pinnacle of new-age big men in basketball. The reigning MVP has an advanced post repertoire that comes with being an elite Center. What makes Jokic unique is a passing ability that rivals the game’s best Point Guards. He is also a threat from mid-range and has a steady three-point jumper.

Jokic lacks speed and athleticism, limiting his defensive ability. He can hold his own inside but lacks the lateral quickness to guard out on the perimeter.

Joel Embiid

• Team: Philadelphia 76ers
• Position: Center
• Strengths: Inside Scoring, Interior Defending, Rebounding
• Weaknesses: Playmaking
• Overall Rating: 95

Joel Embiid is the old-school style of big men featuring a few new tricks. His size, strength, and soft-touch inside make him nearly unstoppable in the post. He also has a fine mid-range game and can occasionally hit three-pointers. An intimidating anchor on defense, Embiid’s presence makes it hard for any team to score from under the basket.

Playmaking is the one facet that is lacking in Embiid’s game. Fortunately, he is not put into many of these situations playing Center.

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