NBA 2K26 is scheduled to launch on September 5, 2025, and 2K Sports has begun revealing player ratings for the most prominent athletes in the game. After previously announcing rankings from 100 to 51, the top 50 to 31 players were disclosed on Monday, highlighting significant shifts among key stars. The Tyler Herro NBA 2K26 ratings attracted particular attention due to his notable rise in position.
The list starts with DeMar DeRozan securing the 50th spot at an 85 rating, closely followed by Austin Reaves and De’Aaron Fox, also rated at 85. Tyler Herro appeared at number 42 with an 86 rating, showcasing his growth in the NBA and the game rankings. The top 31 included Damian Lillard and Chet Holmgren, both placed at 88, underscoring their impact over the past season.
Standout Improvements Among Guards and Forwards in the New Ratings
The guard category saw several considerable jumps, with Austin Reaves, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, entering the top 50 in NBA 2K26. Reaves was ranked 83rd in the previous edition with an 81 rating but earned a remarkable boost after averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in the 2024-25 season.
Similarly, Tyler Herro experienced a sizable increase, climbing from 64th with an 83 rating last year to 42nd with an 86 rating in 2K26. Herro’s breakout season for the Miami Heat included averages of 23.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. He also earned his first All-Star selection in 2025 and aims to maintain that momentum.
However, the guard with the most impressive rise was Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who advanced from 75th with an 82 rating to a higher position following his crucial role in helping his team achieve a 64-18 record in the 2024-25 season.
Among forwards, Houston Rockets rookie Ausar Thompson made a striking ascent. Thompson, who was rated 80 and outside the top 100 in NBA 2K25, secured a spot near the top 50 this year after making the All-Defensive First Team in 2025, solidifying his defensive impact.
Notable Advances and Defensive Standouts at the Center Position
Looking at centers, Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers climbed from 76th with an 82 rating to 38th at 87 in the current rankings. His solid performance included averaging 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game last season. Although Zubac did not make an All-NBA team, his inclusion in the All-Defensive Second Team earned him a deserved boost.
Veterans Damian Lillard and Jimmy Butler See Their Ratings Decline
On the other hand, some established players witnessed drops in their ratings. Damian Lillard and Jimmy Butler, previously ranked 21st and 22nd respectively with 89 ratings, both saw reductions. Butler, despite playing a key role in revitalizing the Golden State Warriors after his trade from the Miami Heat, averaged a career-low 17.5 points per game in 2024-25, his lowest scoring mark since the 2013-14 season.
Lillard’s season with the Milwaukee Bucks was inconsistent, though he averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. His rating drop likely reflects the Achilles injury he suffered during the playoffs, an injury expected to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season.
While Lillard’s absence may stall his rating progress in NBA 2K27, Butler remains motivated to improve his numbers next season, offering potential for a future rating increase.
Implications of Ratings Changes for Players and the Upcoming NBA 2K Season
The upward shifts for players like Tyler Herro and Austin Reaves highlight their recent breakthroughs and growing influence in the NBA, mirrored in their video game counterparts. These rating updates not only reflect statistical achievements but also recognize defensive contributions and overall impact on their teams.
The debut of rookies and rising talents such as Ausar Thompson signals a new wave of stars earning recognition, increasing competition within the game’s player pool. Meanwhile, veteran players facing rating declines underscore the challenges they endure, from injuries to fluctuating performance levels.
As NBA 2K26 approaches its release, these ratings shape player and fan expectations, adding excitement and tension about how careers will evolve in both real-life basketball and the virtual arena. Fans will watch closely to see whether these trends continue or if any surprises await in the coming season.