For basketball fans, we have NBA 2K21. The game features hundreds of famous players, as well as up-and-comers that you might not have heard of. But all of those options bring up a question - which players are the best ones? Keep reading to find out.
1. Michael Jordan
Overall Rating: 99 Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward Nation: United States Team: All-Time Chicago Bulls Archetype: All-Around 2-Way Jersey Number: 23 Height: 6’6 Weight: 195 lbs
If you even have a passing interest in basketball (or you’ve seen the 1996 classic, Space Jam), you’ve probably heard of Michael Jordan. In real life, he’s basketball royalty and is often lauded as the best player who has ever played for the Chicago Bulls. In NBA 2K21, he’s been selected as a member of the All-Time Chicago Bulls - this means that his stats and ratings never change, so he’s always at the top of his game. Jordan’s stats are incredibly well-rounded - he never scores below an 80 in any category other than Rebounding. With a 99 Potential rating and the obvious star power behind him, Michael Jordan is a must-have for any all-star team.
2. Magic Johnson
Overall Rating: 99 Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard Nation: United States Team: All-Time Los Angeles Lakers Archetype: All-Around Threat Jersey Number: 32 Height: 6’9 Weight: 220 lbs
Yet another member of basketball royalty, we couldn’t have a list of the best players in NBA 2K21 without Magic Johnson. In real life, he’s one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history and was awarded the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award in his rookie season. In NBA 2K21, Johnson has been selected as a member of the All-Time Los Angeles Lakers team as a Point Guard or Shooting Guard. Like Michael Jordan, Johnson is an All-Time player and thus, his stats are perpetually at the top of his game. His stats are incredibly well-rounded, and importantly, his Rebound stats are just as good as everything else.
3. LeBron James
Overall Rating: 99 Position: Small Forward/Power Forward Nation: United States Team: All-Time Miami Heat Archetype: All-Around 2-Way Jersey Number: 6 Height: 6’8 Weight: 250 lbs
Another fan favourite, LeBron James is often put up against Michael Jordan in debates over the best basketball player of all time. He’s played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers - he’s the only player in NBA history to have won NBA championships with three different franchises as the Finals Most Valuable Player. In NBA 2K21, James has been selected as a member of the All-Time Miami Heat, playing as a Small Forward or a Power Forward. Much like Michael Jordan, LeBron James’ stats are all-around incredible in everything other than Rebounding.
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Overall Rating: 99 Position: Centre/Power Forward Nation: United States Team: All-Time Milwaukee Bucks Archetype: 2-Way Mid-Range Finisher Jersey Number: 33 Height: 7’2 Weight: 225 lbs
While his name might be a bit less recognizable than some of the others on this list, you shouldn’t pass on this incredible player for your all-star dream team. He played NBA basketball for 6 seasons, and his list of awards rivals his incredible 7-foot 2-inch height - he’s been the NBA’s Most Valuable Player six times, an NBA All-Star 19 times, a selection for the All-NBA 15 times, and an NBA All-Defensive Team member 11 times. Talk about star power! In NBA 2K21, he’s been selected as a Center or Power Forward for the All-Time Milwaukee Bucks. With an overall score of 99, you can bet that Abdul-Jabbar’s stats are impressive - he never scores less than 80 in any category other than Playmaking.
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
Overall Rating: 98 Position: Center/Power Forward Nation: Nigeria Team: All-Time Houston Rockets Archetype: 2-Way Mid-Range Finisher Jersey Number: 34 Height: 7’0 Weight: 255 lbs
Also known as “The Dream” because of his incredible dunking ability, Hakeem Olajuwon has had an incredible career in the NBA, and he could be the perfect fit for your dream team. He took the Houston Rockets to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, and he’s been inducted into two separate Halls of Fame. In NBA 2K21, Olajuwon retains his incredible star power and dunking ability. He’s been selected as a member of the All-Time Houston Rockets. Similar to his skills in real life, his stats in both Outside and Inside Scoring are exceptional, and he has a wide range of well-rounded stats that will be invaluable on your fantasy court.
6. Oscar Robertson
Overall Rating: 98 Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard Nation: United States Team: All-Time Sacramento Kings Archetype: All-Around 2-Way Jersey Number: 14 Height: 6’5 Weight: 210 lbs
Also known as “the Big O’, Robertson had an incredible NBA career between 1960 and 1974. He’s the first NBA player in history to have averaged a triple-double for a season - he achieved that distinction in 1962, and went on to have a star-studded career filled with All-Star distinctions and an MVP award. In NBA 2K21, Robertson has been selected as a member of the All-Time Sacramento Kings, and plays as a Point Guard or a Shooting Guard. His stats in the Outside Scoring and Playmaking categories are exceptional, and his high Speed and Acceleration stats make him lightning on the court.
7. Dirk Nowitzki
Overall Rating: 98 Position: Power Forward/Center Nation: Germany Team: All-Time Dallas Mavericks Archetype: 2-Way 3-Level Scorer Jersey Number: 41 Height: 7’1 Weight: 245 lbs
This German national is often considered one of the greatest Power Forwards of all time. He played his entire 21-year career for the Dallas Mavericks, so it is fitting that he’s been selected for the All-Time Dallas Mavericks in NBA 2K21. He was present when the Mavericks franchise reached its first round of Finals in 2006, and when they won their first and only NBA championship in 2011. In NBA 2K21, Nowitzki’s stats are impressive. While his scores in the Defending and Playmaking categories leave something to be desired, his Inside Scoring, Outside Scoring, and Athleticism stats make him a powerful team member.
8. Tim Duncan
Overall Rating: 98 Position: Power Forward/Center Nation: US Virgin Islands Team: All-Time San Antonio Spurs Archetype: 2-Way Mid-Range Finisher Jersey Number: 21 Height: 6’11 Weight: 255 lbs
Also known as “the Big Fundamental”, Tim Duncan is right up there with Dirk Nowitzki as one of the best Power Forwards of all time. He played for 19 years with the San Antonio Spurs, and he’s been selected for their All-Time team in NBA 2K21. Most of Duncan’s stats fall in the high 80s range, and he’s an excellent, well-rounded player to add to your lineup. His Rebounding score of 90 is particularly impressive, and he would be a good matchup with other all-stars like Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson.
9. Shaquille O’Neal
Overall Rating: 98 Position: Center/Power Forward Nation: United States Team: All-Time Los Angeles Lakers Archetype: Paint Beast Jersey Number: 34 Height: 7’1 Weight: 325 lbs
This charming player might be more recognizable for his memes or Old Spice commercials, but he’s still a powerhouse on the court. He played for six different teams over his 19 year career, but he’s been selected as a member of the All-Time Los Angeles Lakers for the purposes of NBA 2K21. After all, they won three consecutive championships (2000, 2001, and 2002) while O’Neal was on the team. Stats-wise, Shaquille O’Neal is a powerful Inside Scorer, with incredible Layup, Standing Dunk, and Driving Dunk scores. He’s an absolute powerhouse who should not be missed.
10. Kobe Bryant
Overall Rating: 98 Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward Nation: United States Team: All-Time Los Angeles Lakers Archetype: All-Around 2-Way Jersey Number: 24 Height: 6’6 Weight: 205 lbs
We couldn’t have a list of all-stars without mentioning the dearly departed Kobe Bryant. Bryant spent an incredible 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he has been fittingly selected for their All-Time team in NBA 2K21. During his illustrious career, he won 5 NBA championships and was the 2008 MVP. In NBA 2K21, Bryant’s stats reflect his incredible real-life skills. His Outside Scoring category is exceptional, and with a Stamina score of 98, he can run circles around your opponents for an entire game. And that’s it! We hope this list of the top 10 players in NBA 2K21 was helpful. Happy team-building!
