Taking a closer look at Nikola Jokic's NBA 2K ranking and what they got wrong

The ratings came out recently for the latest edition of the popular NBA 2K video game and for the second straight year, Nikola Jokic was the highest-rated player. The Nuggets’ superstar received a 97 overall rating, which put him on par with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic, but the Joker’s aggregate score is higher.

Funny enough, despite Jokic being the highest-rated player in the game, there was some blowback from social media and other players suggesting that the 97 rating was too low. And honestly, the complaints aren’t unfair. Jokic has won the MVP or Finals MVP four years in a row and almost took down Team USA by himself this summer. If he’s not worthy of a 99 rating, what more does he have to do?

Digging deeper into the ratings of specific categories for Jokic

The Nuggets’ official Twitter account posted some of the specific ratings that went into Jokic’s overall 97 and some of them do seem a bit low.

Let’s start with the top and bottom. How is close shot 99 but layup is 91? Jokic’s finishing package around the rim is spectacular and he has some of the greatest touch near the basket we’ve ever seen; a 91 on layups is actually somewhat insulting.

Then there are the low-ranking (relatively) passing stats. His pass vision being a 95 and pass accuracy being 93 feels crazy. What could he possibly do to bump those ratings up higher? He is a passing savant and his vision and accuracy rival anyone who has ever played the game. Both of those ratings should be much higher.

The mid-range shot and post hook are both at 94 which also seems a little off. Again, when Jokic gets the ball down low and looks to score he’s all but unstoppable. Each of these rankings should have been higher.

Jokic has a right to be mad at his NBA 2K Rating

In review, although he is the highest-rated player, he should be rated even higher. Some of these stats just seem lazily done and as if they were grasping at straws to keep his rating from a 99 overall that was deserved. I’m sure this is the last thing in the world Jokic cares about, but he has every right to be upset and feel slighted.