Analyzing the ratings of PAC-12 rookies in NBA 2k17

Every Fall, the newest edition of the NBA 2k series releases, giving basketball fans and gamers alike the opportunity to play as the newest versions of their favorite teams or players. Many buy the newest versions so that they can play as the rookies from the summer’s draft class. The developers at 2k Sports usually do a great job at rating players, but with all the unknowns that come with rookies it can be hard to rate them properly. Player ratings can go up or down throughout the season depending on how well the players do, but current rookies are pure speculation. The 2016 draft was not very kind to PAC-12 players with only five of them being selected. However, three of them were selected in the top 10, making the PAC-12 a huge part of this years draft class.

Jaylen Brown

Overall Rating: 74

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 3

College: California

2015-16 Stats: 14.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.0apg, 43.1fg%

Analysis: The Celtics shocked many experts when they picked Jaylen Brown with the third overall pick. With the other talent available, it seemed obvious that he wasn’t the best available, and his rating reflected that. His overall rating is lower than three of the next four players drafted, only being rated higher than number 4 pick Dragan Bender. His shooting ratings are also far below his position average. However, Brown is still the highest rated out of all the PAC-12 rookies. Jaylen Brown will likely be alone in his corner during his rookie season as he tries to prove that he was worth such a high pick, because many have already written him off as a bust.

Marquese Chriss

Overall Rating: 71

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 8

College: Washington

2015-16 Stats: 13.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 0.8apg, 1.6bpg

Analysis: Chriss was the second top 10 draft pick that landed in Phoenix after Sacramento traded his draft rights. His shooting ratings are around the average, but his athletic ratings are far above average. His overall rating is similar to the those drafted around him. He has the same overall as the PAC-12 player drafted right after him.

Jakob Poeltl

Overall Rating: 71

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 9

College: Utah

2015-16 Stats: 17.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6bpg, 64.6fg%

Analysis: Poeltl may end up being one of the biggest steals in the draft for Toronto. The 7-foot Austrian led the PAC-12 in field goal percentage, win shares, and player efficiency rating. He also finished second in the PAC-12 in points per game and fourth in rebounds per game. When one looks at his successes, it’s hard to imagine that NBA 2k only rated the reigning PAC-12 player of the year at just a 71. However, Poeltl will likely be given solid minutes with the departure of Bismack Biyombo. He will have plenty of opportunities throughout the season to get that rating up.

Dejounte Murray

Overall Rating: 70

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 29

College: Washington

2015-16 Stats: 16.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.4apg, 41.6fg%

Dejounte Murray proved at Washington that he was capable of playing in the NBA. Being picked at the end of the first round, it’s not surprising that his game rating isn’t very high. It is surprising however, how close his rating is to the PAC-12 players who were picked in the top 10. 2k probably wanted to give many of the rookies similar ratings in order to give themselves a chance to prove themselves. Murray’s lack of shooting skills are likely what caused him to be a late first rounder, but Murray fell to the Spurs. If any organization can get the best out of a late pick, it’s San Antonio. We may see Murray’s rating rise in the next couple years, if not this season.

Notable Players Not Included

Tyrone Wallace

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 60

College: California

Gary Payton II

Undrafted

College: Oregon State