Analyzing the Updated NBA 2K16 Celtics Ratings

Last month, I broke down all the Celtics’ players NBA 2K16 ratings, which had already been released. Since I did my initial analysis, there have been more Celtics players’ ratings that have leaked.

Just as a disclaimer, every fan disagrees with the assigned video game ratings for the players on their favorite team. I too, largely disagree with these ratings – but what can I say? I’m a homer. Tommy Heinsohn would be proud.

More from Celtics News

Before I dive into the new ratings, below are the ones that were already leaked.

Previously Released Ratings:

Isaiah Thomas: 81 (+1)

2K Sports hit the nail on the head with Thomas’ rating. When you compare him to the other point guards who were awarded an 81 – Brandon Knight, Ty Lawson, Kemba Walker, Goran Dragic – the number seems even more appropriate.

What the heck is up with Dragic only getting an 81, though. Dude just got paid.

On a bizarre note, Thomas will earn $5 million less than all of the aforementioned PGs. The best part is the Celtics have him locked for three more years on a deal that will actually pay him less each season. And yes, Thomas did fire his agent.

Avery Bradley: 77 (+1)

Yawn. There’s not a whole lot to say about this rating. Bradley’s a good player, but he’s not excellent and a 77 kind of reflects that.

Evan Turner: 74 (-2)

I honestly don’t understand how Turner dropped two points since last year’s 2K, especially in the wake of his 180° transfomation. After his abysmal stint with the Pacers (I honestly forgot about that), he was seen as an inefficient ball hog, but, nowadays, he’s appropriately perceived as a valuable point-forward.

I know I’m a little higher on Turner than most Celtics fans, but if you think the Celtics could have made the playoffs without Turner, you’re a straight-up fool. If it wasn’t for Turner’s ability to distribute the ball, the team would have landed in the lottery. He was also on of the few Celtics’ players to have the gall to take an important shot.

Yet, 2K decides to reward him with a meager 74 rating.

Jared Sullinger: 77 (-1)

Similar to my take on Avery Bradley’s rating, I see no problem with Sullinger’s 77. Hell, I wouldn’t have been surprised if it had been as low as a 74, or as high as an 80 I still don’t have a clue how good Sullinger is (despite the fact that I just wrote a 1,500-word article about him). I don’t even know what kind of role he should play.

Is he a small-ball five? Is he a stretch-four? Is he a bruiser-type power forward? I don’t think he’s any of those. What the hell are you, Jared?!

Tyler Zeller: 76 (+6)

Zeller enjoyed the Brad Stevens value-bump this summer, jumping a Celtics-high six points since last year’s NBA 2K. Unfortunately, Zeller’s rising value will mean a hefty extension come next summer (or even before October 31st). Let the record show, I’m cool with any Zeller extension under $12.5 million per year. While that number may seem high, remember the salary cap will take a huge leap up to $90 million next season (it’s currently at $67M ).

David Lee: 76 (-3)

I don’t know what to expect from David Lee this season. In the few minutes I saw of him last season (of the few minutes he played), it didn’t seem like his production had dropped too much since the year prior – it’s just he didn’t fit in Steve Kerr’s stretch four-comprised offense. However, I could see him having a major drop-off this season.

I don’t have any numbers to justify this, but I just remember how in the season before the Celtics acquired Gerald Wallace (who the Celtics traded for Lee), he was at least serviceable in Brooklyn. As soon as he arrived in Boston, it seemed as if he got all his (little) talent drained by the Monstars – despite being only 31-years-old (Monstars aren’t ageist). Coincidentally, David Lee is also 31. Woah…

Recently Released Player Ratings:

Marcus Smart: 74 (+0)

I don’t have an issue with Smart only being a 74, what I have an issue with is how his rating didn’t change since last NBA 2K. Since the start of the 2014-2015 season, we’ve learned Smart’s a serviceable three-point shooter and an even-more elite defender than we’d thought. But no change, huh?

Plus, how did Tony Wroten and Beno Udrih sneak ahead of him? Also, why is 2K Sports so willing to already deem rookie point guards DeAngelo Russell (77) and Emmanuel Mudiay (75) better than Smart?

Terry Rozier: 69 (+0)

I can live with this rating considering I’ve seen Rozier play zero minutes outside of summer league. A 69 rating seems to be 2K’s standard non-lottery rookie rating.

James Young: 69 (+3)

Not sure how Young warranted a higher rating this season but good for him… I guess. Maybe they meant to give that +3 bump to Smart instead. That would make sense…

Amir Johnson: 76 (+0)

For a starting two-way power forward, 76 seems rather low – especially in comparison to Sullinger’s 77. Johnson is just a more talented player both offensively and defensively than Sullinger (spare me the whole “oh.. well… Sullinger scored more PPG ” argument).

You got away with this one, Jared.

Perry Jones: 69 (-3)

I think Jones has more to worry about right now than his 2K rating. All signs are pointing to him getting released by the Celtics. Luckily for him, he still has enough interest elsewhere in the NBA before he needs to start working out for Euroleague teams.

Still Missing Player Ratings:

R.J. Hunter

My prediction: 69

Jonas Jerebko

Last season: 71

My prediction: 74

Kelly Olynyk

Last season: 74

My prediction: 75

Jordan Mickey

My prediction: 69

Jae Crowder