Bucks’ NBA 2K25 ratings that are 100% wrong

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt and a passion for basketball that rivals even the most die-hard fans, I must say that NBA 2k25 has left me scratching my head on more than one occasion.


2k25 stands out as the leading basketball video game currently available. Giannis Antetokounmpo is an extraordinary player who appears almost like a character from a video game. He significantly enhances the enjoyment of playing with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2k, but the team’s combination of depth and star power makes them an essential choice for this year’s basketball gaming experience.

In the light of NBA 2K25‘s release to the general public, there has been a wave of criticism regarding player ratings across various teams, and the Milwaukee Bucks are not immune. In this piece, we will examine the ratings where the 2K team seems to have erred.

Damian Lillard still deserves to be ranked in the 90s

Bucks’ NBA 2K25 ratings that are 100% wrong

In 2023, the Bucks acquired Damian Lillard, a future Hall of Famer, with the expectation that he would elevate the team to the NBA Finals. However, his integration into the team wasn’t seamless, and it resulted in one of his less productive seasons since joining the NBA.

Consecutively, Milwaukee suffered elimination during the initial playoff round for two seasons in a row. Following a subpar season, NBA 2k25 lowered Lillard’s overall rating to 89, which is significantly lower than his 94 rating from last year’s game edition. This reduction appears to be an excessive adjustment.

In his eighth All-Star season last year, Damian Lillard continued to impress, averaging 24.3 points and 7.0 assists per game. These are top-tier stats, and as the season progressed, his team chemistry also seemed to strengthen.

Lillard is still among the most elite three-point shooters and most clutch scorers in the NBA. There are some good years left in the tank, and the point guard could remind everyone why it was such a big deal when the Bucks traded for him last season. At the time of the trade last year, we gave Lillard and Antetokounmpo the title of best NBA duo, and Lillard’s 2k rating should better reflect that, even after a down year.

Khris Middleton’s regression warrants a ratings drop off

In NBA 2K25, Khris Middleton’s rating remains at 85, identical to its previous version. Given his health issues and decline in performance over the last two seasons, many believe his rating should have been slightly lowered for this year’s edition due to these factors.

Last season’s stats for Middleton were comparable between the years 2022-23 and 2023-24. However, it’s important to note that before these two seasons, he had an outstanding All-Star campaign. It’s clear now that his performance isn’t as exceptional as it used to be. Given that Middleton is currently 33 years old, it seems unlikely that he will significantly improve in the upcoming seasons.

Middleton, ranked third on his team, shares the same performance rating as Scottie Barnes, Alperen Sengun, and Brandon Ingram – players who are more frequently relied upon to take the lead within their respective teams compared to him. Interestingly, his rating surpasses Mikal Bridges, a player acknowledged for his exceptional two-way talent in the NBA.

2K shouldn’t significantly lower Middleton’s rating, but a current 85 feels somewhat excessive, particularly when compared to other players with comparable or poorer rankings in the league.

AJ Johnson’s 69 rating is too high, even for a first-rounder

Bucks’ NBA 2K25 ratings that are 100% wrong

As an ardent basketball fan, I must admit that it’s typically the early NBA draft picks who receive ratings in the 70s and above. However, when it comes to the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-rounder, AJ Johnson, 2K Sports seemed to have overestimated a bit by giving him an 69 rating. In my opinion, that rating is still somewhat generous. You see, Johnson appears to be a work in progress for the Bucks, so it might take some time before he significantly contributes to the team.

As a fervent fan, I can’t help but notice that there are numerous newcomers with a track record of higher production who are poised to leave their mark sooner rather than later. Last season, Johnson was part of the NBL, where he managed an average of 2.9 points and 0.7 assists per game. Watching him spend most of his time on the bench during professional play doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence about his immediate prospects in the NBA. Frankly, it’s hard to envision Johnson making a significant impact at this level just yet.

As an avid fan, I find myself questioning the evaluation system when it comes to Jabari Johnson. With just his high school tape as a basis, it seems like we’re only getting a raw glimpse of his potential. Moreover, Johnson’s physique, currently weighing 160 pounds, might struggle against the towering figures of the NBA. This could make both scoring and defending challenging against grown men in the league.

It’s possible that Johnson could become a reliable NBA player in the future, though there are doubts about his current potential with the Bucks. However, it appears that we may have to wait several years before seeing any meaningful output from him. Given this timeline, a rating of 69 for the rookie might be overly optimistic.

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2024-09-18 20:08