The anticipation around NBA 2K26’s player ratings continues to build as the rankings for players ranked 20 to 11 have been released. This latest grouping showcases a mixture of returning stars, steady veterans, and major rating improvements, particularly spotlighting Karl-Anthony Towns and Cade Cunningham’s remarkable jumps. These changes highlight their standout performances during the recent NBA season and have sparked considerable attention among fans of the franchise.
Detailed Look at Players Ranked 20 to 11 with Notable Rating Adjustments
At 20th position, Devin Booker registers a rating of 91, marking a slight decline from last year’s 93 rating when he was placed 12th. Despite delivering strong individual performances, Booker’s status suffered as the Phoenix Suns’ attempts at a “Big 3” lineup with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal failed, resulting in the team missing the playoffs entirely.
Ja Morant moves slightly up to 19th with a rating of 91, improving from 20th last season with a 90. While Morant’s season included a suspension, he returned with solid numbers, maintaining his reputation for dynamic playmaking and athleticism. However, Memphis remained on the edge of playoff contention.
The biggest leap in this range belongs to Karl-Anthony Towns, whose rating surged from 88 and a 32nd-place rank last year to 92, placing him 18th. After moving to the New York Knicks, Towns was pivotal in leading the team to their first Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. His achievements also earned him an All-Star selection and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team, confirming his emergence as a major force on a prominent stage.
Joel Embiid suffered a significant drop from fifth place with a 96 rating to 17th at 92 due to injuries that limited him to just 19 games. His absence severely affected Philadelphia’s performance, and ongoing health concerns may continue to impact his future ratings.
Cade Cunningham made a remarkable jump from 41st with an 86 rating to 16th at 92. The Detroit Pistons’ resurgence and Cunningham’s leadership on a youthful roster have propelled him as one of the fastest climbers in NBA 2K26. His comprehensive style of play has translated into more wins, a fact rewarded by the updated rankings.
Maintaining a steady 92 rating but moving up to 15th is Kawhi Leonard, who remains the cornerstone of the Clippers after the departure of Paul George. Leonard’s reliable two-way abilities continue to define his value, though questions about his long-term durability linger.
Tyrese Haliburton received a notable boost, rising to 14th with a 93 rating after leading the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, an Achilles injury in Game 7 ended his season prematurely and could affect his next season’s impact.
Jalen Brunson holds 13th place with a 93 rating, recognizing his clutch performances and leadership during the Knicks’ deep playoff run, which ended with a Conference Finals appearance.
Anthony Davis dropped to 12th with a 93 rating, falling out of the top 10. His season was marred by injuries during his first year with the Dallas Mavericks, following the high-profile trade involving Luka Doncic. Despite setbacks, Davis remains a defensive powerhouse and a dominant big man when healthy.
Donovan Mitchell slightly improves from 14th to 11th place with a 93 rating. While the Cleveland Cavaliers faced a disappointing second-round playoff exit, Mitchell’s scoring and leadership were strong enough to warrant this upgrade.
Implications of the Recent Player Rankings Ahead of NBA 2K26 Launch
The 20 to 11 player rankings provide a clear narrative for the NBA 2K26 season: Karl-Anthony Towns and Cade Cunningham are the biggest gainers after breakout seasons, while Joel Embiid and Devin Booker experienced declines mainly due to injuries and team underperformance. As the countdown continues for the reveal of the top 10 players, the competition for the highest ratings remains intense.
This updated ranking not only reflects individual achievements but also the broader impact players have had on their teams’ fortunes. Towns’ leadership with the Knicks and Cunningham’s rapid improvement with the Pistons highlight their rising profiles in both real life and the virtual basketball world of NBA 2K26. Fans and players alike eagerly await how these shifts influence gameplay and team dynamics in the upcoming release.