Victor Wembanyama makes history as highest-rated rookie in NBA 2K

San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama

San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama smiles during the NBA Summer League game between the San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Hornets, at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 7, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—Despite not yet playing in an official NBA game, San Antonio rookie Victor Wembanyama has already been carrying a ton of expectations.

On Friday (Manila time), NBA 2K officially released some of the players’ ratings for the upcoming NBA 2K24 game. In a surprising turn, Wembanyama was already rated an 84 overall, the highest rating a rookie has ever gotten in an NBA 2K game.

The 7-foot-3 cager, who is the No. 1 pick by the Spurs in this year’s NBA Draft, dethroned John Wall and Kyrie Irving in the highest-rated newcomers’ column with both players getting 81 before their rookie seasons.

LeBron James, who made his debut in ESPN NBA Basketball (2003), was only a 78 overall as a rookie.

Also revealed on Friday were the ratings of Jamal Murray (88), Jaylen Brown (89) and Donovan Mitchell (92).

OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who will compete for Canada for the 2023 Fiba World Cup, had the highest rating-reveal today at a 93.

NBA Champion and Denver’s Nikola Jokic stands alone at the top of the ratings as a 98. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo, James, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry stand below, sharing a 96 overall.

NBA 2K24 is set to release in the Philippines next month, September 8.

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