Jaylen Brown’s NBA 2K rating for the upcoming 2K26 edition has fallen to 90, reflecting a downgrade that raises questions about the Boston Celtics’ potential as a championship contender next season. This change comes after a disappointing postseason for Brown and the Celtics, who were eliminated by the New York Knicks.
Overview of Jaylen Brown’s NBA 2K26 Rating Decline
While Brown’s in-game excellence might seem vital to the Celtics’ success, the developers behind the NBA 2K series have lowered his rating from 92 in NBA 2K25 to 90 in the new release. This places him at No. 22 overall among the top 100 players announced for the 2025-26 season. Brown’s drop coincides with his team’s playoff struggles and a less impressive finish to the year.
New rankings show Brown sharing the 90 rating tier with notable peers including Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder, former Celtics teammate Kyrie Irving, and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. The rankings suggest that the game’s creators believe at least 20 players in the league surpass Brown in impact or skill this season.
Comparisons Within the Celtics and the NBA Landscape
Brown’s teammate, Jayson Tatum, is expected to maintain or improve his standing despite an upcoming season hindered by injury recovery from a torn Achilles. His ability to bounce back will be critical for the Celtics’ aspirations. Other players projected to hold a 90 rating alongside Brown include Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers and Devin Booker from the Phoenix Suns.
Some rating decisions have sparked debate, particularly with players like the Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant, and New York Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns anticipated to be rated higher than Brown. However, players ranked at the very top, such as Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Steph Curry, remain unquestioned as elite talents in the video game and the league.
What This Rating Means for Brown and the Celtics’ Future
The lowered rating serves as a reflection of Brown’s recent performance and the Celtics’ playoff disappointment, but it may also act as a motivating factor. For Boston to truly contend for a title, Brown must elevate his game significantly, effectively playing at an elite level akin to a 99 rating in the game’s scale.
Success for the Celtics hinges on Brown’s ability to respond to this challenge and prove critics wrong, as their current trajectory does not guarantee a spot among the league’s top contenders. Meanwhile, league developments continue off the court, with the NBA Board of Governors recently approving the pending sale of the Celtics, signaling potential shifts in the franchise’s ownership and strategic direction.