The recently revealed mid-range shooting ratings for NBA 2K26, set to launch in September, have stirred controversy among basketball enthusiasts, particularly loyal fans of the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite Kawhi Leonard’s reputation as one of the league’s most skilled mid-range scorers, the two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP was notably absent from the game’s top 10 mid-range shooters. This omission has sparked debate centered on the “Kawhi Leonard mid-range rating snub.”
The ratings list features players such as Nikola Jokic, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant topping the mid-range chart, with Leonard missing from this elite group. The Clippers faithful believe that this exclusion disregards Leonard’s consistent shooting ability, especially considering his impressive mid-range percentage. Many have voiced frustration on social media, criticizing NBA 2K for what they perceive as bias or an unfair evaluation of Leonard’s talent.
Official Mid-Range Rankings Highlighted in NBA 2K26
The official top 10 mid-range shooters, according to the latest NBA 2K26 report, are as follows:
1. Nikola Jokic – 98
2. Kyrie Irving – 98
3. Kevin Durant – 97
4. Devin Booker – 97
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 97
6. Andrew Nembhard – 97
7. Stephen Curry – 97
8. DeMar DeRozan – 96
9. Miles McBride – 96
10. Khris Middleton – 96
The presence of lesser-known names like Miles McBride ahead of Leonard has intensified the scrutiny, prompting fans and even the official Clippers’ social channels to dismiss the rankings as misguided. Many argue that Leonard’s well-documented mid-range efficiency warrants a higher standing on the list.
Fan Outcry and Perspectives from the Clippers Community
Several Clippers supporters expressed their outrage candidly:
2K is a notorious Clippers hater and Lakers lover. They can’t deny the results, though.
—Anonymous fan
We don’t even take them seriously.
—Anonymous fan
Real, cos the list is actually a joke.
—Anonymous fan
I knew somebody was missing cause why tf miles mcbride up there.
—Anonymous fan
Shai should have the top middy rank, but truly, no Kawhi is insanity.
—Anonymous fan
The general consensus among Clippers fanatics is that Leonard’s absence reflects persistent undervaluation by the NBA 2K franchise, fueled possibly by his injury history and fewer appearances in recent seasons.
Kawhi Leonard’s Mid-Range Shooting Compared to Past and Present Players
This controversy is not a new occurrence. In NBA 2K21, Giannis Antetokounmpo received a higher mid-range rating than Leonard, despite Leonard outperforming Giannis in efficiency within that range. Historically, Leonard’s mid-range shot success rate fluctuated between 40-47%, while Giannis hovered around 36-38%. In the 2024-25 season, Leonard maintained a 53.7% success rate from mid-range, significantly above players like McBride, who managed only 37.1%.
Leonard’s lower ranking appears tied to his time missed during the season due to a right knee injury that sidelined him for 45 games. During the 37 games he played, Leonard averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. His limited availability may have influenced NBA 2K’s assessment, overshadowing his on-court effectiveness.
Player Comments and Continuing Debates on Mid-Range Shooting
Even as Leonard faces rating challenges, other players like Giannis Antetokounmpo have publicly praised their own mid-range games, grouping themselves with efficient scorers such as DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, further highlighting how important mid-range proficiency remains in today’s NBA.
As NBA 2K26 approaches its launch, the debate over Kawhi Leonard’s mid-range rating is likely to persist among fans and analysts. Leonard’s supporters hope the game’s final version will better reflect his proven skill set, while the rankings serve as a mirror of how perceptions of players can be influenced by factors like injury and playing time.