One of the best parts about any 2K is always being able to take control of your favorite player. Not all players are equal, and some are just unfair to play against. Here are the comprehensive Top 25 players for 2k (excluding Historic teams)
25. Demarcus Cousins
Cousins is the type always to give his all, including his emotions.
You may know Cousins is that center that’s really good at flopping and whines a lot but as a 2K Player, he’s way better than you think. As a center he actually has a decent midrange shot rating and a good animation too. He can handle the ball a bit, pass, score around the inside of the 3 pt line and not to mention has decent defense. He is a way better player than what his low overalls might tell you.
Why Demarcus Cousins is Amazing:
- All Around Center with no real weakness
- If you're playing Association, he can quickly develop into the best center in the game.
- Pretty much the only good player on the Kings (Sorry, Kings fans)
Demarcus Cousins details: https://hoopshype.com/player/demarcus-cousins/2k/
24. Blake Griffin
Mr. Highlight Factory Himself.
Blake Griffin is an all-star player on his own, but he gets elevated by players who can Pick and roll with him. You can drive and Postup with Griffin with decent results, and Griffin can pass out of post-up doubles, but his main draw is still transitions and open scoring opportunities inside. His sky-high dunks and posters are also super fun to play with.
Why Blake Griffin is Amazing:
- Top Power forward and in association, modes can get way better.
- He is more than just an inside scorer and can defend, pass and hit midranges.
- Unstoppable on the pick and roll.
Blake Griffin Details: https://hoopshype.com/player/blake-griffin/2k/
23.LaMarcus Aldridge
An all-around beast of a big man.
LaMarcus isn’t the athlete Blake is, but he is pretty much a young Tim Duncan with how he plays, which should tell you just how good he is. LMA has a goated post repertoire and can hit hooks, fades, and score through post-close shots by carving space. He is also a consistent mid-range threat and great free throw shooter, and on defense can rebound and block any shots coming his way.
Why LaMarcus Aldridge is Amazing:
- Consistent scorer inside and stretches the floor with a midrange shot
- Can hold his own as a center with his; 6”10 frame.
- Very few can stop him in the Post.
LaMarcus Aldridge Details: https://hoopshype.com/player/lamarcus-aldridge/2k/
22. Tony Parker
Not super athletic, fast but not the fastest, not that tall, Can score inside but not the best, can score outside but not the best and can pass but not the best. Tony Parker may sound like just some scrub, but he is the primary definition of a Jack of all Trades. He has no real weakness, and in the spurs system, he plays it well and can still buy a bucket through his acrobatic layups and floaters inside.
Why Tony Parker is Amazing:
- A crafty Point guard who can hold his own against any pg matchup
- He can score in various ways that let him score even against larger defenders and shot blockers.
- Floaters are almost always cash.
Tony Parker Details: https://hoopshype.com/player/tony-parker/2k/
21. Manu Ginobli
The most remarkable 6th man in history is pretty great in 2k too.
Manu Ginobli is arguably a top 5 Shooting guard in the game. He has the combo guard skill set to keep up with passing and scoring with such variety; he also has his go-to move, the euro step. Manu may not start, but as soon as the 2nd unit is out, he outclasses everyone on the floor quickly.
Why Manu Ginobli is Amazing:
- Can score from 3, mid, and inside
- Has a crafty euro step that allows him to score on the inside even with somebody in the paint.
- He is a prototypical combo guard, and his left hand can throw off a lot of defenders.
Manu Ginobli Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/manu-ginobili/2k/
20.Damian Lillard
Nothing beats game time when you have Dame Time.
Damian Lillard is an excellent point guard, especially when you remember that he’s only in his 2nd year and is already in the convo for one of the best. He is already an all-around menace that can shoot, drive and pass. He has the athleticism and is overall just a good player that you now will develop more in the future.
Why Damian Lillard is Amazing:
- Light out from the 3-point line
- Top tier point guard against anyone
- Matchup nightmare for any guard.
Damian Lillard Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/damian-lillard/2k/
19. Kevin Love
Why Kevin Love is Amazing:
- A Rare Power Forward that can consistently shoot threes.
- He can play as a traditional Powerforward well compared to similar stretch 4’s
- Rebounding is paired with Passing skills for easy transition layups and dunks for guards and forwards who run the floor.
Kevin Love Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/kevin-love/2k/
18.John Wall
In the short list of the three fastest players and most athletic point guards, Wall is part of that conversation.
John Wall is an athletic marvel of a player. Super fast and taller than your average point guard. He is also pretty strong for the position. He can also dime up his teammates for jumpers and drives. And can score himself through the transition game, especially with his steals. He’s not quite the most athletic, but there are like two other players that can even match his athleticism.
Why John Wall is Amazing:
- Super fast and super strong point guard, super tough to stop on the break
- His teammates get dimed up with good shots through his kick-outs
- Very few Point guards can even match him in athleticism.
John Wall Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/john-wall/2k/
17. Rajon Rondo
He is on point with his passes, as always
You may be wondering what a 90 overall player is doing so low on this list, and It's because Rondo is the type to make a good team great but isn't as effective at upgrading a lousy squad into a good one. He can finish a bit inside, defend well, and have a good handle. Rondo’s main draw is passing; he can set up teammates well with his ratings and badges. Rondo could’ve easily been a top 10 player if he wasn't such a weak shooter, which is almost essential as a point guard. Other point guards can get away with only decent shooting, but Rondo doesn't quite have the athletics of this level of point guards.
Why Rajon Rondo is Amazing:
- He is arguably a top 5 playmaker in the game, which greatly helps his team score.
- He is one of the best defending point guards, specifically with steals which is then enhanced by his passing skills on the break.
- He has solid size for his position, making him challenging in all aspects other than shooting.
Rajon Rondo Details: https://hoopshype.com/player/rajon-rondo/2k/
16. Deron Williams
Not quite the same as his time on the Jazz, but still really good.
Deron Williams is a really good point guard. He’s shifty and can score on you from all over whether it's a three, a floater or an inside acrobatic finish. He also plays well with his team’s bigs and can set them up really well. There is not much to say as he’s the type of player who just does a lot of really good things.
Why Deron Williams is Amazing:
- Walking bucket from all over the floor
- His handles, paired with passing, sets his teammates up well
- Pretty amazing level of athleticism for his size(He can dunk)
Deron Williams Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/deron-williams/2k/
15. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan is not quite at the level he was in the early 200os, but he can still keep up in this era. His 6”11 frame means he can still contest any shot at the rim and block. Big Timmy can also keep up with the shorter forwards and taller centers, making him instrumental at defense. On offense, the man is still a backdown bully with all the finesse in the post, paired with a smooth mid-range jumper.
Why Tim Duncan is Amazing:
- Scoring with Timmy D is always simple; you don't need complicated handling as he's just a fundamental and steady scorer.
- Duncan works well as ann off bal threat through mid-range shots, fakes and screens
- Defensive anchor is the best way to describe how Important Duncan is to boosting your team’s defense.
Tim Duncan Detailshttps://hoopshype.com/player/tim-duncan/2k/
14. Jrue Holiday
Up there as the best defensive guard in the game.
With the number of good Guard players in the game, a player who can stop them is almost instrumental. The best guard at locking them up is probably Jrue, with his airtight defense and giant frame. He keeps up with the best guards and, on the other end, holds his own with a myriad of offensive skills like passing and handling. A small addition, as well as being one of the best rebounding guards.
Why Jrue Holiday is Amazing:
- Jrue locks up the best guard on the opposing team, whether it's the perimeter or inside shot attempt.
- Great length for his position and skill set makes him viable for both the shooting guard and the point making him versatile.
- Can also pass well and set up his teammates with an easy shot
Jrue Holiday Details: https://hoopshype.com/player/jrue-holiday/2k/
13. Stephen Curry
The best Shooter in the game, both in 2k and the actual NBA
Add Stephen Curry to the ever-growing list of unstoppable point guards in the game. Enough has been said about his shooting, as it’s pretty much unanimous that he’s the best 3-point shooter. Still, not enough people realize he is also good at getting steals, handles the ball well and quickly, and has a cavalcade of moves for inside makes.
Why Steph Curry is Amazing:
- Shooting is unparalleled by any other player
- He is arguably a top 5 scorer in the game and one of the best scorers in the guard position
- Underrated defender when it comes to swiping the ball
Steph Curry Details: https://hoopshype.com/player/stephen-curry/2k/
12. Paul George
The Quintessential 2-way player
Paul George hit his stride the previous 2K going toe to toe with Lebron. Very few can keep up with this guy as a defensive talent with how he can lock up any player, whether their a shifty point guard or a bruising forward. PG is almost a cheat code with a 6’9 frame at the shooting guard position getting blocks, steals and rebounds. All this talk about defense, but he is also a top offensive talent with solid jump shooting and highly athletic inside scoring.
Why Paul George is Amazing:
- Shooting is unparalleled by any other player
- He is arguably a top 5 scorer in the game and one of the best scorers in the guard position
- Underrated defender when it comes to swiping the ball
Paul George Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/paul-george/2k/
11. James Harden
Combo Guard that can put the ball in the hoop.
James Harden at this time, is already a top 3 shooting guard. He can score from all over the floor, to the point that any shot is good if he’s the one taking it. He has stepback jumpers, euro steps inside, and passing ability that put some point guards to shame. He also isn't a bad defender who can look people up if they post him and get steals that trigger the fast break.
Why James Harden is Amazing:
- Pairs well with his teammates, being the engine and go-to guy in the offense
- Has options in scoring, with any shot he takes is a good one and not a fallback option
- The Pick and roll he has with Dwight on the team is pretty much unfair
James Harden Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/james-harden/2k/
10. Kyrie Irving
Pray that he doesn’t go psycho and snatch your ankles.
Kyrie Irving is another one of the many, many, many, MANY point guards who are god-like at their position. However, Kyrie stands above the rest because of one thing in particular: his handles. The dude is scary with the ball and any one-on-one matchup becomes a bucket if he's out there the way the ball is on a string. He has all the offense you expect from a star guard, and he is one of the most fun players to play in 2K.
Why Kyrie Irving is Amazing:
- Arguably the best ball handler in the game period
- The offensive skill set is nuts with shooting and shot creation from all over the floor.
- Has some of the best acrobatic layups that would make even MJ proud
Kyrie Irving Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/kyrie-irving/2k/
9. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade is the 3rd best shooting guard of all time, and even though he isn't the fast-slashing guard he was in the 2000s, he is still a terrifying monster all over the court. He’s undersized at Shooting guard but is still somehow one of the best in rebounding and shot-blocking guards in the game; He can score from mid-range consistently and finish inside with ease. He may be old, but he is still far from being a washed-up player.
Why Dwyane Wade is Amazing:
- A top-tier slashing guard that can score from inside the arc well.
- Menace on defense being a good perimeter defender and help defender get blocks
- Underrated passer and ball-handler for his position.
Dwyane Wade Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/dwyane-wade/2k/
8. Dwight Howard
Dwight is the best Center in the game, no questions asked. He is immovable in the post on the ball, scoring off hooks and carving up space for better inside shots. D12 can cut to grab lobs, dunk off the ball, and his offensive rebounding. Defensively he’s just a menace blocking and contesting every shot inside. You may be wondering why the best center is so low on the list because, like most centers, Dwight has no scoring from anywhere farther than 10 feet away and is one of the worst free-throw shooters. Despite the apparent weaknesses, it’s still tough to slow down Dwight.
Why Dwight Howard is Amazing:
- With no question, Superman is unstoppable in the paint.
- Will block shots with ease and authority no matter who's shooting inside.
- Plays well with any ball-dominant player as an off-ball threat, especially through his screens
Dwight Howard Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/dwight-howard/2k/
7.Carmelo Anthony
He will get buckets on anyone, guaranteed.
Carmelo Anthony is a scorer from anywhere and everywhere. Any shot he takes is a good shot since he can score from inside, outside, low post, high post, and drive. Anthony is so good that the man argues for being the best scorer in the game. The only thing keeping him from a top 5 position is that he’s pretty average in all other aspects. Still, you need scorers in the game, and you have one with Carmelo.
Why Carmelo Anthony is Amazing:
- Melo is a matchup nightmare, especially in an iso, smaller forwards get overpowered, and he outspeeds the bigger guys.
- Even highly contested and forced shots drop with all his badges and how good his release is.
- With his scoring and clutch gene, close games are always winnable with him on the roster.
Carmelo Anthony Details: https://hoopshype.com/player/carmelo-anthony/2k/
6. Derrick Rose
No Injuries to slow him down in 2K.
Derrick Rose is still a crafty demigod of a point guard. No one can keep up with him on the open court, and you can be sure he’ll finish with a powerful, acrobatic dunk. Rose is a menace at the rim finishing through contact and finding space making insane circus layups. All of that paired with his playmaking and much-improved jumper.
Why Derrick Rose is Amazing:
- Only a few players can match his skill at driving to the hoop for a finish
- He is a good Playmaker for his teammates and draws enough attention to get them open.
- Transitions are a guaranteed bucket with Rose, either through his teammates or taking it in to score himself.
Derrick Rose Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/derrick-rose/2k/
5. Russell Westbrook
It may be Blasphemous, but he might be the most athletic point guard on 2k14.
It has always been a controversial topic on who is the more athletic point guard between Rose and Westbrook, and on a pure rating stance, 2K thinks it’s Westbrook. In terms of speed and quickness, it’s neck and neck with the slight edge given to Rose. However, what puts Westbrook above Rose is his strength, especially for being a point guard. He folds any defender getting in between him and the rim, making him an absolute terror inside. All of that inside dominance is paired with his playmaking, allowing him to create open shots for his teammates while driving inside.
Why Russell Westbrook is Amazing:
- You can name maybe two players, max, who you can argue are more athletic than this man.
- His inside presence is genuinely elite, making any drive from him a headache to defend.
- Pick, and pop game is difficult to defend with him handling the ball.
Russell Westbrook Details:https://hoopshype.com/player/russell-westbrook/2k/
4. Kobe Bryant
The Black Mamba is still an assassin out there.
He isn't quite afro Kobe from the early aughts or 81-point Kobe from 05-06, but he is still the mamba through and through. Kobe is unguardable to this day, with any shot on the floor being a good shot. He still has his post skill and shot creation, and even though he's older, he still has the hard-nosed perimeter defense he's known for.
Why Kobe Bryant is Amazing:
- Still the best shooting guard in the game, no questions asked.
- He can hit shots from anywhere even though most heavily contested circus shots go in if it's him shooting it, which makes for some wild game-winners.
- The Mamba’s game animations for shots have made his ratings even more dangerous, paired with smooth animations that are pretty unguardable.
Kobe Bryant Details: https://hoopshype.com/player/kobe-bryant/2k/
3.Chris Paul
With all the incredible point guards in the game, this 6’0 guard who isn't even that athletic is somehow the best point guard.
You can argue that some players are better point guards than Chris paul, but you know those arguments would be wrong. CP3 is the best point guard, hands down, he’s not the fastest, the strongest, and his frame is tiny compared to all these players. But his playmaking and passes are god-tier unrivaled in the game. All of that, paired with crafty inside finishing, A tier-outside scoring, IQ better than 99% of NBA Players, and somehow at 6’0, is a nightmare at defense; he deserves the title of best point guard, hands down.
Why Chris Paul is Amazing:
- He initiates the offense so well, whether finding his own shot or getting a teammate an easy bucket.
- The Point God ticks all the boxes of what a point guard should be able to do as he has no real weakness in his game.
- Makes his teammates way better and elevates any team he’s on.
Chris Paul Details: https://hoopshype.com/player/chris-paul/2k/
2. Kevin Durant
The short answer to can you guard Durant is no. The long answer would be “No, you can't.”
Throughout this list, we’ve explored a bunch of players who can score really well. Durant is better in every way compared to all of them. Durant can literally shoot over anyone with his tall frame and is a go-to scorer from every type of shot imaginable. At this point, it’s a given that if you want a good shot on your team, you let Durant shoot. Pairing all this scoring talent with a frame that allows him to swallow up shots at the rim and a ball-handling that would make guards jealous, he deserves to be 2nd on this list, no questions asked.
Why Kevin Durant is Amazing:
- Any shot has a good chance of going in if he takes it. He is unstoppable on offense.
- Aside from Scoring, he does everything else you need at a high level.
- Slim Reaper is a clutch player that is almost guaranteed to get you the win if you hand him the ball in crunch time.
Kevin Durant Details: https://hoopshype.com/player/kevin-durant/2k/
1.Lebron James
The Best Player in the game; no if’s or buts, any argument against him being the best is wrong.
How are you supposed to defend against a 6’8,250 lb man barrelling to the hoop, who also has the ball-handling of a guard, the inside game that can embarrass most big men, the threat of a shot from midrange and three-point, and the passing to dime up anyone else left open? Yeah, the answer would be no, you can't. Lebron James is the only one with a special badge that guarantees that it's going in if he drives to the rim on a fast break. Even without his inside drive assaults, Lebron is also a much-improved post-up player, can handle the ball and dime up to and open teammates, Defend any position with ease, and is a way better shooter than past versions, yeah Lebron is the best, and that comes with no questions as no one can keep up with this dude.
Why Lebron James is Amazing:
- If he drives inside, it’s either two points, an and-one, a foul and free throws, or a perfect dime to a shooter.
- He is the leader and the anchor on offense and defense; not only does he have no weaknesses, but he is also arguably a player with no average skills. Everything basketball-related he does is top tier.
- He is so good that you could put him at the center position and he would still dominate opposing big men keeping up with their strength and outshining them with jumpers and his speed easily, or put him at point guard and have no guard be able to survive his strength and inside presence
And That’s all of the 25 best players in 2K14. Tune in next time for more information about your favorite games -SGT
