The official NBA 2K27 player ratings have sparked plenty of discussion ahead of the game’s global release. This year’s ratings reveal a changing NBA hierarchy, with young superstars making major gains while several established veterans slip outside the top 10.

At the top of the leaderboard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokić are tied with an impressive 97 OVR. Their presence at the top highlights the combination of elite production, two-way impact, and long-term superstar potential that defines the highest-rated players in NBA 2K27.

NBA 2K27 Top 10 Highest-Rated Players

Here are the 10 highest-rated players announced for NBA 2K27:

The three-way tie at 97 OVR is arguably the biggest talking point. Jokić remains one of the most complete offensive players in the game, while Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise reflects his status as one of the league’s premier two-way guards. Wembanyama’s rating is perhaps the most eye-catching, considering how quickly he has climbed toward the very top of the overall leaderboard.

Wembanyama Makes the Biggest Leap

Victor Wembanyama’s jump is one of the defining changes in NBA 2K27. After receiving a 94 OVR rating in the previous edition, the Spurs superstar now enters NBA 2K27 at 97 OVR.

That three-point increase puts him directly alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić. Wembanyama’s unique combination of size, rim protection, shooting ability, ball handling, and athleticism makes him particularly dangerous in gameplay.

For MyTEAM and other modes where player attributes can have a major effect on lineup construction, a 97 OVR Wembanyama gives players another elite option around which to build.

Brunson and Cunningham Continue Their Rise

Jalen Brunson also receives one of the most notable ratings boosts, reaching 96 OVR. His rise reflects his increasingly important role as the centerpiece of the Knicks and his postseason success.

Cade Cunningham also makes a significant jump to 94 OVR. The Pistons guard’s improvement places him ahead of several established stars and signals how quickly the ratings landscape can change when a young player takes another step forward.

These increases are important for players building competitive rosters and managing their NBA 2K27 MT. Higher-rated cards and players are likely to attract significant attention as the game’s economy and MyTEAM market develop.

Veterans Face a New Challenge

While several young stars moved up the rankings, some familiar names are no longer part of the top 10.

Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are both rated 93 OVR, putting them outside the elite 95–97 range. Jayson Tatum also drops to 93 OVR, while Jaylen Brown begins at 91 OVR.

Those ratings have already generated debate among fans. Both Celtics stars have established themselves as elite NBA players, making their exclusion from the top 10 one of the more controversial aspects of the initial ratings reveal.

Ratings are ultimately designed to reflect a combination of recent performance, overall player ability, and how 2K evaluates attributes for gameplay. As a result, a lower overall rating does not necessarily mean a player is ineffective in every game mode.

The WNBA Gets a Major Spotlight

NBA 2K27 is also putting considerably more emphasis on the WNBA, particularly with crossover features connecting the men’s and women’s basketball experiences.

The highest-rated WNBA players include:

· A’ja Wilson — 98 OVR

· Napheesa Collier — 97 OVR

· Caitlin Clark — 97 OVR

A’ja Wilson leads the group at 98 OVR, giving her a higher rating than every NBA player listed in the top 10. Collier and Clark follow closely behind at 97 OVR.

The ratings demonstrate the growing importance of WNBA content within NBA 2K and give players additional elite options to explore as the new edition expands its crossover features.

What the Ratings Mean for NBA 2K27 Gameplay

The NBA 2K27 ratings suggest that the game is entering a period where younger superstars are becoming the foundation of the league’s virtual hierarchy.

Wembanyama’s 97 OVR rating is the clearest example. Gilgeous-Alexander, Brunson, Cunningham, and Edwards also represent a younger generation that is increasingly dominating the upper end of the ratings.

At the same time, players such as Jokić, Dončić, and Giannis remain firmly among the game’s best, creating a strong mix of established superstars and emerging talent.

For MyTEAM players, these ratings will also influence which players become highly desirable when building competitive squads. The demand for top-tier cards can affect the early 2K MT market, particularly once powerful versions of these stars become available.

Which NBA 2K27 Rating Is the Biggest Surprise?

Wembanyama reaching 97 OVR is arguably the biggest rating development, especially given his dramatic rise from 94. Brunson’s 96 OVR rating and Cunningham’s 94 OVR rating are also significant because both players have moved into a higher tier of superstar recognition.

On the other hand, Tatum’s 93 OVR and Brown’s 91 OVR ratings are likely to remain subjects of debate among the community. Whether players agree with the ratings or not, the differences will make NBA 2K27’s roster evaluation particularly interesting when the game launches.

Building Your NBA 2K27 Roster

The new ratings give players plenty of options when deciding how to build their teams. A lineup centered around Wembanyama can emphasize size and defense, while Gilgeous-Alexander and Dončić offer elite perimeter creation. Jokić remains an outstanding option for players who prefer a versatile offensive hub, and Giannis provides an exceptional combination of athleticism and interior dominance.

Meanwhile, the continued rise of Brunson, Edwards, and Cunningham provides more variety for players who want to build around younger guards.

With the official ratings now setting expectations, the next major question will be how these players perform once NBA 2K27’s competitive modes and player markets are fully active. The combination of a new three-way 97 OVR tie, Wembanyama’s huge jump, and expanded WNBA representation makes the new edition’s roster one of the most interesting yet.