25. Kyle Lowry
Barely making the top 25 is a solid pg option in Kyle Lowry. You can't call any one part of Lowry’s game a weakness. Despite his height, he gets some boards and plays really good defense. He also has a respectable inside package and jumper. The other thing keeping him from the top of the list is the sheer talent of the other players on the list.
Why Kyle Lowry is Amazing:
- Probably the best in the league at taking charges, getting the other team players in foul trouble
- Solid play in all aspects of the game with no part of his game is a real weakness to get exploited
Kye Lowry details: https://hoopshype.com/player/kyle-lowry/2k/
24. Demarcus Cousins
Cousins at his young age is already showing real strides to being a top 5 center in the league. He may not be the best defender at the position, with other players being better rim protectors, but Cousins brings an offensive arsenal that is unlike any we’ve seen before. He can handle the ball himself and is one of the first instances of a big man with solid guard skills
Why Demarcus Cousins is Amazing:
- One strong boy being rough to guard down low.
- You can stock up on him inside and he’ll instead score with a clean midrange or pass off to a wide-open teammate.
Demarcus Cousins details:https://hoopshype.com/player/demarcus-cousins/2k/
23. Blake Griffin
Griffin continues to be a top-league power forward. Very few players can keep up with the level of athleticism Griffin has. He continues to be unstoppable at his assaults on the rim, and despite his shorter wingspan is a top shot blocker and can get the occasional steal.
Why Blake Griffin is Amazing:
- Transition offense is a sure-fire bucket if it’s this guy finishing the break
- Probably the most athletic power forward at his position and maybe even the most athletic big man in the game period.
Blake Griffin details:https://hoopshype.com/player/blake-griffin/2k/
22. Rajon Rondo
Rondo always gets severely lowered on a top list despite his ratings, because of one thing, the lack of an outside game. Rondo is still a top point, probably being one of the best ball handlers and passers in the game, but he continues to be a below-average outside presence and above-average in athleticism at best. He is still a top point guard but he has some clear weaknesses to knock him down a few pegs
Why Rajon Rondo is Amazing:
- Probably the 2nd best point guard at dropping dimmed and assists to teammates
- Height and strength make him a tough guy to score on when it comes to his defense.
Rajon Rondo details:https://hoopshype.com/player/rajon-rondo/2k/
21. Kawhi Leonard
A top-level 2-way wing makes him a must-want on any team.
Despite the overalls, don’t be fooled this guy is special, fresh off of winning the finals MVP Kawhi continues to be a defensive stud locking up any player he is put one. His top-tier defense is now partnered with the top-tier offense with insane inside finishes and solid shooting from mid and 3.
Why Kawhi Leonard is Amazing:
- One of the best one on one defenders in the game. Making any isolation a sure-fire stop.
- One of the best finishers at the rim with his length and has a good midrange shot and 3-point shot.
Kawhi Leonard details:https://hoopshype.com/player/kawhi-leonard/2k/
20. Joakim Noah
A top-tier defensive center
Joakim Noah continues to be an underrated defensive monster in the game. He is more than just a rim protector he also plays as a center that can move up to the perimeter to keep up with guards. On offense, he has solid inside play and can pass out to his teammates.
Why Joakim Noah is Amazing:
- A top-tier defensive player especially at the rim
- A solid complete center skillset wise
Joakim Noah details:https://hoopshype.com/player/joakim-noah/2k/
19. Kyrie Irving
The best ball handler in the NBA
Kyrie is probably the best ball handler in basketball right now and it’s no debate. Kyrie is a high-level scorer, with some of the most acrobatic layups and his handle that allows him to get easy open shots.
Why Kyrie Irving is Amazing:
- Breaks any opposing player down with some of the best dribble moves in the world.
- A top-level scorer because of his handle and paired with ambidextrous finishes and scores from all over the court.
Kyrie Irving details:https://hoopshype.com/player/kyrie-irving/2k/
18. Damian Lillard
The best ball handler in the NBA
Kyrie is probably the best ball handler in basketball right now and it’s no debate. Kyrie is a high-level scorer, with some of the most acrobatic layups and his handle that allows him to get easy open shots.
Why Kyrie Irving is Amazing:
- Breaks any opposing player down with some of the best dribble moves in the world.
- A top-level scorer because of his handle and paired with ambidextrous finishes and scores from all over the court.
Kyrie Irving details:https://hoopshype.com/player/kyrie-irving/2k/
17. Tony Parker
Tony Parker is known for his speed that catches players off guard, matched with his inside scoring specifically for his floaters. He is a tough point guard despite his age and height, keeping up with modern defense and younger players.
Why Tony Parker is Amazing:
- The Floater GOAT no one quotes hits floaters like him
- Despite his age is still a super quick pg
Tony Parker details:https://hoopshype.com/player/tony-parker/2k/
16. Lamarcus Aldridge
One of the best post scorers in the league with very few players matching up with him. He is a power forward but he also works as a perfect small ball center for the modern era. He can stretch out from midrange being a deadly shooter from there.
Why LaMarcus Aldridge is Amazing:
- A top-tier post scorer with maybe only one or two players being better than him
- He shoots mid-range jumpers better than some guards and makes post fades scary coming from him
Lamarcus Aldridge details:https://hoopshype.com/player/lamarcus-aldridge/2k/
15. James Harden
Harden continues to be a shooting guard that people can’t keep up with. A 3-level scorer Harden can get inside with his dribbling or get his shots up from 3 of his creation. He can also pass out to his teammates for wide-open jumpers making him a top threat on offense
Why James Harden is Amazing:
- His dribbling is a perfect balance to get him inside penetration and/or outside shots
- His passing lets his teammates keep up on offense making him a top offensive threat
James Harden details:https://hoopshype.com/player/james-harden/2k/
14. Anthony Davis
A Top Rising Star in the League
Anthony Davis is probably the best young star in the game currently. Very few players can boast the same two-way skill he has, with AD being a beast on defense and offense. Very few players at his age show this much upside and potential to be an all-time great
Why Anthony Davis is Amazing:
- A top-tier blocker both in the paint and moving out on guards at the perimeter
- Guard skills at offense let him dominate other big men
Anthony Davis details:https://hoopshype.com/player/anthony-davis/2k/
13. Dirk Nowitzki
Nowitzki has long proven that he is a top player of all time. He became one of the first to consistently hit shots from midrange or 3 at a high clip. All of that perimeter shooting balances out with the rest of his offensive repertoire, specifically his top post-game
Why Dirk Nowitzki is Amazing:
- Dirk Nowitzki is the best shooter at the big man position, putting top guards to shame with how well he shoots
- Dirk is the sole owner of the 2nd most unguardable shot in NBA history, the one-legged fadeaway, a shot that despite his old age, he still hits consistently with ease
Dirk Nowitzki details:https://hoopshype.com/player/dirk-nowitzki/2k/
12. Dwight Howard
Dwight is far removed from his level of skill in his Orlando days. Dwight isn't quite as dominant and athletic as he was before but he is still an all-star center. Dwight still Locks the paint down and has an offensive game centered around post-scoring and pick and roll.
Why Dwight Howard is Amazing:
- He is still one tough dude especially on the block with his strength
- Dwight still has high-level finishing inside whether it's off some solid post moves or getting wide open for a drop pass or lob
Dwight Howard details:https://hoopshype.com/player/dwight-howard/2k/
11. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook is still a top athletic pg that just hustles at every aspect of the game. Westbrook pours his heart and soul into every possession and his offensive skills consist of aerial rim assaults and just some high athletic plays overall
Why Russell Westbrook is Amazing:
- Westbrook is a transition cheat code grabbing the rebound, getting to the other end of the court, and then finishing with a dunk with ease.
- Very few players can match his athleticism whether it's his quickness, the height he gets on vertical skills like rebounds and finishes, and very underrated strength for a point guard.
Russell Westbrook details: https://hoopshype.com/player/russell-westbrook/2k/
10. Derrick Rose
Rose continues to be a blur on the court with his athleticism still being top-tier. Rose has the playmaking to set his teammates up and moves around the court so quickly that it opens up easy lanes to drive through.
Why Derrick Rose is Amazing:
- Rose continues to rise over defenders with his moves to score inside
- Rose play makes well getting his teammates easy shot opportunities with skill and ease.
Derrick Rose details:https://hoopshype.com/player/derrick-rose/2k/
9. Tim Duncan
Duncan continues to be the wise old leader of the Spurs. Duncan continues to be a beast patrolling the paint and keeping it safe. On offense, Duncan continues to be a top option when needed with his still reliable post skills and a high clip mid-range.
Why Tim Duncan is Amazing:
- Duncan continues to have some of the best post moves being pretty much unguardable from the post.
- Defensively Duncan can be a 5 or a 4 and either way can defend all positions if needed.
Tim Duncan details:https://hoopshype.com/player/tim-duncan/2k/
8. Kevin Love
Kevin Love has always been a big man that is perfectly balanced in skills. In big man skill he post-ups and can hit shots from the post, he can also grab boards with ease. Those big man skills of Love are then paired with all his high-level guard skills like perimeter shooting and his top-tier passing.
Why Kevin Love is Amazing:
- Kevin Love pairs well with Kyrie and Bron throwing the outlet to them getting them the score
- Love is the perfect complimentary player either staying in the paint and screens for perimeter players or staying on the perimeter to shoot for inside dominant players
Kevin Love details:https://hoopshype.com/player/kevin-love/2k/
7. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is an average to a below-average defender, he isn’t a natural playmaker, and he isn't some super athlete. Despite all that, Carmelo continues to be a high-level scorer from everywhere on the court. Posts, midrange, three-point shooting, and drives all are avenues for Melo to score.
Why Carmelo Anthony is Amazing:
- Melo continues to be a guy that gets you a bucket when you need it. He can hit shots from all over the court whether contested or not.
- Mello has an underrated strength that allows him to work the post well, stronger defenders can't keep up with his quickness and faster defenders get bodied by his power.
Carmelo Anthony details:https://hoopshype.com/player/carmelo-anthony/2k/
6. Kobe Bryant
Kobe continues to be an assassin. His shot creation continues to be top-level. Bryant makes even the toughest shots go in with an all-around offensive game, he isn’t as much of a hard-nosed defender as in his younger days, but he is no slouch on that end either.
Why Kobe Bryant is Amazing:
- Kobe makes any shot go in whether it’s difficult or not.
- An offensive assassin that always gives 100% on every possession
Kobe Bryant detailshttps://hoopshype.com/player/kobe-bryant/2k/
5. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry just a few years ago was just a high-potential point guard who was injury prone, now he continues to make an argument to be one of the best in the entire league. Curry has become iconic with how he drains 3-pointers of all types, whether they are catch and shoot, Moving, shot created, or even threes from deep 3-point range, they all go in. His top-tier shooting is then paired with an inside game with super high releases, a super tight fluid handle, and quickness that makes him impossible to keep up with and he continues to have an argument as one of the greatest players.
Why Steph Curry is Amazing:
- Is the first player to truly be a deep 3 threat, where three-point shots from near half court still go in with a high clip
- His historic skill at 3-pointers is paired with his all-around offensive game which is one of the best the league has ever seen.
Steph Curry details:https://hoopshype.com/player/stephen-curry/2k/
4. Paul George
Very few players can boast a skillset like Paul George. We are talking about a player that on defense can lock up the best opposing player, get steals and block shots with his 6’9 frame. On Offense, Paul George has the scoring game to hit shots from all over the perimeter and midrange and assault the rim with some of the most spectacular dunks. Except for maybe being an average passer, this guy is just goated in all aspects of the game
Why Paul George is Amazing:
- Paul George is one of the best if not the best wing players in the game and real life
- George has some of the best dunk packages soaring high for 360s and windmills when given the chance
Paul George details:https://hoopshype.com/player/paul-george/2k/
3. Chris Paul
Chris Paul has and always will be known as one of the best point guards of all time. Despite Chirs Paul’s smaller stature the man continues to be an absolute leader making every one of his teammates better. He has the scoring repertoire from all over, the defense despite his 6’0 stature and some of the best playmaking in the game
Why Chris Paul is Amazing:
- Chris Paul is a master of pace perfectly orchestrating the offense on any given night
- Chris Paul has defensive chops being one of the best pests on the ball stealing any ball coming their way.
Chris Paul details:https://hoopshype.com/player/chris-paul/2k/
2. Kevin Durant
Durant continues to be at the top of the league. Durant is unstoppable when it comes to scoring, whether it’s inside makes, post-ups, and a whole cavalcade of shots. Durant is unguardable from everywhere and has a build that makes your career players' proportions look normal.
Why Kevin Durant is Amazing:
- Durant has a shot-making game with a high release that allows him to be unstoppable from everywhere.
- Durant is underrated at defense and other aspects of the game but his height and IQ make him shine here as well
Kevin Durant details:https://hoopshype.com/player/kevin-durant/2k/
1. Lebron James
Kevin Durant may have won MVP and proved he has a case as one of the NBA’s best, there is still no question however that the actual best player is still Lebron James. In his return to Cleveland James returns with a deeper arsenal of a heightened outside game and a post-game. All of that is paired with his always dominant defense, his athleticism that defies physics and Lebron’s always unstoppable straight drives to the hoop. Lebron is the best player in 2k15, whether it’s overall wise, badges, playstyle, simulation, and pretty much every other part of the game.
Why Lebron James is Amazing:
- Lebron continues to have one of the most unstoppable offensive skills of all time with a virtually unstoppable driving game, even against taller defenders and faster guards
- Lebron returns to Cleveland with a big 3 roster built to be the best team, as a leader on every end of the court.
Lebron James details:https://hoopshype.com/player/lebron-james/2k/
Image Sources:
https://www.nba2k.org/search/label/NBA-2K15
