The 2020 NBA season produced a ton of great games, new stars, and players performing at the highest level. NBA 2K22's best players may be familiar faces, but the combinations of some of the best players are still surprising. Not only do the best players have the highest overall ratings, they also have some of the best badges and archetypes. Here are the best players in NBA 2K22.
10. Damian Lillard — 94 au total
The Portland Trailblazers star point guard enters 2K22 as the tenth best player in the game. Lillard boasts one of the three most dangerous deep shots in the league and that's reflected in his 47 total badges, two of which are HOF-level shooting badges.
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9. James Harden – 94 total au
Last year, Harden left the Rockets to team up with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn. Despite having a lower workload, Harden put up impressive numbers, making him the ninth-best player in NBA 2K22. Harden has 46 badges and has four HOF and 37 gold badges. Harden is listed as an offensive threat, so his stats are only lacking on the defensive side, much like Lillard.
8. Luka Doncic – 94 au in total
The 22-year-old Mavericks star broke into the top 10 with an impressive season leading his team to the playoffs. Doncic has 50 badges including 2 HOF, giving him dangerous all-court abilities. Doncic's build is also listed as an offensive threat, sharing a similar style to Harden and Lillard.
7. Nikola Jokic - 95 in total
Last year's MVP, Nikola Jokic, has carved out a place for himself as one of the best players in NBA 2K22 after a dominant season as a center for the Nuggets. Jokic has a unique Facilitating Three-Level Scorer build, which suits him perfectly. Jokic is one of the best passing players and is capable of knocking down shots from all areas of the pitch. Jokic has 46 badges, including two HOF badges which help him score after.
6. Joel Embiid – 95 overall
Embiid was one of the favorites in the MVP race last year and is also one of the best big men in the league next to Jokic. Embiid is listed as a 2-tier 3-tier marker, making him one of the most balanced archetypes in the game. Although he has 37 badges in total, Embiid does not have a HOF badge, but has 21 gold badges.
5. Kawhi Leonard - 95 in total
Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard is coming off a great season, but suffered an injury in the playoffs. However, Leonard still comes in NBA 2K22 as the fifth best player due to his incredible efficiency and defensive play. Leonard is listed as a 2-way scoring machine and has 51 total badges. Two of his badges are HOF Clamps and Menace, making him one of the most consistent defensive players in the game.
4. Stephen Curry — 96 au total
Star shooter Steph Curry put in a phenomenal performance last season after suffering a devastating injury the previous year. Despite having a drastically different team, Curry still puts up impressive numbers in the same shooting mode that fashion fans have become accustomed to. Curry has 48 badges, including four staggering HOF badges, all for shooting.
3. Kevin Durant – 96 overall
KD's first season on the Brooklyn Nets proved he could come back from such a dominant Achilles tear that he left. KD performed well and had high shooting efficiency, making him the third best player in NBA 2K22. KD is listed as an offensive threat, but also has strong defensive ratings. He also has 47 badges in total with a mix of many at each level, including four HOF badges.
2. Giannis Anteokounmpo - 96 in total
Last year's Finals champion and MVP has certainly earned his place among NBA 2K22's best players. Giannis is an athletic freak who has proven to also have the ability to score and be a point guard as well. Giannis is an archetype of the 2-Way slashing point guard, matching his dominant slashing style of play. Giannis has 57 badges in total, with three HOF badges.
1. LeBron James — 96 total au
Despite losing an overall rating from last year, James still holds the throne of 2K ratings. LeBron was an MVP candidate until he suffered an injury midway through the season. James is still one of the most versatile players in the league, which is why he has the most badges. His 65 badges include four HOF badges for Bullet Passer, Chasedown Artist, Dimer, and Fearless Finisher.
For more NBA 2K22 guides, check out How to Get a Shoe Deal in NBA 2K22 on Thekingplayers.
