76ers’ NBA 2K25 all-time highest-ranked players

As a lifelong Philadelphia fan, I must say, this roster of Sixers greats is nothing short of impressive! Bobby Jones’ defensive prowess and versatility earned him the Sixth Man of the Year award, which speaks volumes about his impact on the court. However, limiting him to layups and free throws on offense could be a bit frustrating for those who love a balanced player.

2K’s NBA 2K25 is just around the corner! The new edition will hit the shelves on Friday, September 6, but lucky fans can get early access for gameplay on the 4th. After an action-packed offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers could make for an exciting team to control in the game.

This year’s Sixers team promises to offer an exciting gaming experience. With the formidable trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, players have a variety of scoring choices at their disposal. The dynamic wing play from Caleb Martin and Kelly Oubre Jr., as well as the long-range shooting abilities of Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, Jared McCain, and Reggie Jackson, create numerous intriguing lineup possibilities, making for an enjoyable mix on the court.

The all-star lineup for the Philadelphia 76ers spans their entire history, and they’ve managed an impressive team rating of 94, second only to the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, and equal to the Golden State Warriors. What makes this even more remarkable is that basketball legend Charles Barkley, one of the greatest Sixers in history, isn’t part of it. His reason? He’s holding a grudge against 2K for not contributing to a fund for retired players, as he has yet to grant them permission to use his likeness.

2K Ratings has revealed the top 10 highest-ranked basketball players in the Philadelphia 76ers’ history, as depicted in NBA 2K25.

1. Moses Malone, 97 overall

Moses Malone claims the highest ranking for the Philadelphia 76ers’ all-time team with an overall rating of 97. Regarded as one of the greatest centers in basketball, Malone guided Philly to their last NBA title during the 1982-83 season. In the playoffs, his performance came incredibly close to a perfect sweep, only falling short by one game from securing the championship and claiming the Finals MVP award.

Malone’s impressive 2K rating is largely due to his exceptional offensive (99) and defensive rebounding (98), as well as his aggregate inside scoring attribute (95). He excels at playing in the post, outperforming many other centers in speed or strength. Moreover, he is an excellent interior defender. Although “The Round Mound of Rebound” may not be on the all-time 76ers list, Malone, also known as the “Chairman of the Boards,” certainly deserves a spot there. He will undoubtedly prove to be highly effective.

2. Allen Iverson, 96 overall

In second place, right after Malone, The Answer excels in his 2K rating. Anyone who assembles the classic Philadelphia team will inevitably utilize AI for scoring, since A.I.’s shooting, playmaking, and athleticism make him incredibly difficult to guard. Just as he was in reality, Allen Iverson is a thrill to observe on the virtual basketball court.

In terms of speed, ball handling, acceleration, and endurance, Allen Iverson should effortlessly outmaneuver defenders. He boasts impressive skills too, such as a 98 layup and 97 draw foul, backed by solid ratings across different jump-shot locations. His defense is particularly commendable, with a 96 steal rating standing out. What sets Iverson apart on this team is his exceptional playmaking abilities, rated at 91, and his remarkable pass accuracy of 93, making him the superior passer by quite a margin.

3. Joel Embiid, 95 overall

In the video game NBA 2K25, Joel Embiid currently has an overall rating of 97, as per 2K Ratings. However, his representation on the all-time Philadelphia 76ers squad is rated lower than that. This seems unusual since he’s in his prime and a part of the all-time roster for the team. Yet, Embiid still ranks third on this team.

In terms of its interior scoring attributes, the Process scores at least 90 points in every category except layups (89) and driving dunks (80), and it has a mid-range shot rating of 94. Offensively consistent with a rating of 98, Embiid is always prepared to be the primary scoring option. While his interior defense is strong, his perimeter defense leaves much to be desired, and his offensive rebounding ability is only rated at 70. Despite these shortcomings, Embiid will remain a formidable presence in NBA 2K.

4. Julius Erving, 94 overall

In my view, Malone’s co-champion, Dr. J, ranks 94th overall. Given that Julius Erving made five consecutive All-NBA First Teams with Philadelphia, won the league MVP in the 1980-81 season, and was an All-Star every year, I find this rating somewhat underestimated. A score of 96 would have been a more fitting reflection of his outstanding performance during his peak years.

Erving’s score for performing dunks is 98, which suits him perfectly as one of basketball’s most thrilling and inventive slam-dunk artists. While he may not be the most agile athlete in an open court (rated at 85 speed and 81 acceleration) or a proficient shooter (with scores of 80 for mid-range shots and 73 for three-points), he’s tough to stop once he gets near the basket, thanks to his impressive 98 vertical leap and driving layup. His defensive skills on the perimeter and quickness laterally are both rated at 90, making him a solid defender for his position as well.

5. Dolph Schayes, 94 overall

Originating from the Syracuse Nationals’ team history, Dolph Schayes, a key player, boasts an overall rating of 94. While he might not be widely recognized by the average sports enthusiast, his significant contributions are expected in this team.

Schayes’ three-point score of 90 positions him as an excellent open-court player to complement the previously mentioned top performers. He excels at scoring both in the post and mid-range, often outmuscling opponents for rebounds, with an offensive rating of 95 and a defensive rating of 96. However, he’s not particularly recognized for his athleticism or defensive skills. Interestingly, despite having one of the highest free-throw percentages in NBA history (84.9%), leading the league three times during his career, his free-throw rating is relatively low at 76.

6. Billy Cunningham, 93 overall

Billy Cunningham played an essential role in the Philadelphia 76ers’ championship team during the 1966-67 season, and he also served as coach for the 1982-83 team. He was a fantastic athlete with a total score of 93.

Apart from his three-point shooting skills, Cunningham exhibits a versatile scoring ability across various areas. His interior scoring attributes are all rated 90 or higher, with a close shot rating of 95. Similarly to Schayes, he excels in rebounding, but his defensive capabilities could use improvement. He’s an all-around athlete, not particularly swift but strong and agile everywhere else, with a remarkable stamina rating of 98. His performance is optimized when playing as a power forward rather than a small forward, although it might be challenging given the current composition of the roster.

7. Wilt Chamberlain, 93 overall

It appears questionable to me. Assigning an overall rating of 93 to Wilt Chamberlain, who won three consecutive MVP awards and a championship, seems rather odd. Particularly when you consider that during his full seasons with the 76ers, he was the only player ever to average at least 24 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists in all three of those seasons – something no one has achieved even once.

Despite his playmaking rating being only average at 50, Chamberlain will continue to dominate for the all-time 76ers. His impressive block rating of 96 suggests he’ll excel on defense, especially down low. Moreover, with a staggering 95 stamina rating, he’s bound to perform well. On offense, his post scorer abilities are top-notch, boasting a 97-rated post hook. Interestingly, the player who ranked among the top three in assists per game for two full seasons with the Sixers has this relatively low playmaking rating.

8. Bobby Jones, 90 overall

As a die-hard Sixers fan, I used to cheer Bobby Jones on as an All-Star for our team. But when he shifted to a bench position, something magical happened – we went on to win it all! That year, he rightfully received the Sixth Man of the Year award, demonstrating how seamlessly his versatile defense adapted to his backup role.

Jones’ defensive skills are top-notch, but offensively, he primarily excels in taking layups and free throws. Interestingly, his lowest defensive rating is in blocking at 82, while his steal ability stands at 88; every other defensive attribute scores at least 92. This offensive limitation might hinder his playing time, but his defensive skills are undeniably valuable.

9. Hal Greer, 88 overall

Hal Greer played alongside both Schayes and Chamberlain as a fellow star player. Over ten seasons, he was chosen for the All-NBA Second Team an impressive seven times consecutively, and in the 1963-64 season, he came in sixth place for MVP voting. It’s plausible that his recognition should have been elevated to a higher rank, perhaps even ninth.

Regardless of his age at 88, Greer’s scoring capabilities in 2K promise an enjoyable experience. His shooting skills are noteworthy, particularly a 90 three-point shot, and his layup rating is commendable at 91, though he primarily excels from outside. With balanced playmaking attributes, a quickness of 92 laterally, and an 89 defense on perimeter, Greer makes for an excellent guard to substitute in the game.

10. Andre Iguodala, 88 overall

Andre Iguodala played his initial eight professional years with the Philadelphia 76ers, garnering Defensive Player of the Year consideration in six out of those seasons and making the All-Star team during his final season there. Given his widespread recognition among younger fans, he’ll be a versatile asset for various scenarios.

With a remarkable driving dunk score of 96, Iguodala promises many exciting moments on court. His impressive 85 three-point shooting ability makes him invaluable even when he’s not holding the ball, and his exceptional perimeter defense skills add to his worth. He excels as a ball handler, with an 88 rating for his handling skills, 81 for his speed with the ball, and 81 for his passing intuition. Iguodala is indeed a great choice when playing from the wing.

Other notable ratings

To begin the new season, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey both have an overall rating of 89, placing them among the top 30 players in terms of current ratings. Interestingly, Paul George maintains his rating from last year, whereas Tyrese Maxey has seen a boost of four points this time around.

2K Sports ranks Ben Simmons on Philadelphia 76ers’ historical team with an overall score of 86. However, his placement on this esteemed team is debatable considering his past issues with the organization. Additionally, it’s puzzling why he isn’t given a higher rating (88) – the highest he achieved during his tenure with the Sixers. Interestingly, Simmons’ 86 rating is equivalent to that of Mo Cheeks, a key defender on the ’82-83 championship team.

Doug Collins, who led mediocre Philadelphia 76ers teams at the start of the 2010s and eventually prompted the franchise to hire Sam Hinkie and clashed with players during his tenure, is ranked 87 on the all-time team. As a player for the Sixers in the 1970s, he was a four-time All-Star and helped the team advance to the 1976-77 Finals, showcasing his skills as an efficient high-scoring player. One of his teammates during that season, the late George McGinnis, is also ranked 87 overall.

2024-08-26 16:39