The Oklahoma City Thunder‘s rising star Chet Holmgren has earned a spot among the top shot blockers in the upcoming NBA 2K26 video game, ranking just behind San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama. The list, released Wednesday ahead of the game’s September 5 launch, highlights Holmgren as one of the premier rim protectors, reflecting his growing reputation in the league and marking him as a key player to watch in the season ahead.
Top Ten Shot Blockers in NBA 2K26 Ranked
The full list of top shot blockers in NBA 2K26 features:
- Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs: 99 overall rating
- Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder: 97 overall rating
- Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers: 95 overall rating
- Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers: 93 overall rating
- Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz: 93 overall rating
- Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers: 91 overall rating
- Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic: 91 overall rating
- Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks: 91 overall rating
- Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks: 91 overall rating
- Jay Huff, Indiana Pacers: 90 overall rating
These ratings, which range from 0 to 99, position Wembanyama and Holmgren clearly at the top, illustrating their potential as dominant shot blockers this season both in the virtual world and on the court.
Debate Surrounds Some Rankings and Notable Absences
While the placement of Wembanyama and Holmgren at the summit feels justified, some rankings have prompted discussion. Robert Williams III’s higher rating than teammate Donovan Clingan and Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler raises eyebrows among fans and analysts. Additionally, Adem Bona’s placement at 91 ahead of seasoned players like Anthony Davis and Myles Turner, who did not make the top ten, seems premature to some.
The omission of players such as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley is particularly noticeable, given their shot-blocking reputations. Rudy Gobert, despite being a formidable rim protector, is also absent from the top ten, perhaps reflecting the game‘s rating system that relies heavily on block statistics rather than other defensive impact measures. Only three players from last season’s top ten in blocks per game appear on this year’s list, indicating a shift in how shot blockers are portrayed in NBA 2K26.
Holmgren and Wembanyama Dominate Expectations for the Season
Despite some disagreements over the rankings, there is little debate that Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren sit in a class of their own when it comes to shot-blocking ability. Both players, still early in their careers, have generated significant excitement for what they could accomplish if healthy throughout the season. Their presence is expected to influence opponents’ strategies and alter the defensive landscape in the NBA this year.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander featured as the cover athlete of NBA 2K26, which releases on September 5 in physical stores and via digital download, Oklahoma City Thunder fans have plenty to anticipate. Holmgren’s high rating reaffirms his role as a cornerstone of the franchise’s defense and signals his growing stature in the league’s next generation of elite defenders.