NBA 2K27 is on the horizon, and even if you’re not a gamer, the annual player ratings are always intriguing to examine.
Leading the pack are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama, each earning a top rating of 97—a reflection of their standout MVP-level performances last season.
But what about players who excel in specific skills? Who stands out as the best in certain areas of the game?
2K has addressed this question by highlighting top specialists. Some choices are expected, while others may surprise you. Let’s dive in, starting with an undisputed category leader.
NBA 2K27 Attribute Leaders
3-Point Shooting
- Stephen Curry — 99 (93 OVR)
- Kon Knueppel — 94 (84 OVR)
- Damian Lillard — 93 (86 OVR)
Steph Curry remains the greatest shooter in NBA history, earning a perfect 99 in three-point shooting, which seems fitting. Close behind is Charlotte’s rookie Kon Knueppel, rated 94 after shooting 42.5% from deep in his first season—a higher percentage than Curry’s 39.3% rookie mark, though Knueppel took fewer and less complex shots. Damian Lillard rounds out the top three, a solid 93 rating.
Mid-Range Shooting
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 99 (97 OVR)
- Tre Johnson — 98 (78 OVR)
- Nikola Jokic — 98 (97 OVR)
- Kyrie Irving — 98 (87 OVR)
The reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander boasts the smoothest pull-up jumper in the league with a 99 rating. Jokic and Irving not far behind at 98 is no surprise. The standout here is Tre Johnson, who, despite a modest 78 overall, is rated 98 for mid-range shooting—thanks to his polished mechanics and impressive rookie year stats before a leg injury.
Layup
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 97 (97 OVR)
- Jalen Brunson — 96 (96 OVR)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo — 96 (96 OVR)
- Luka Doncic — 96 (96 OVR)
This list features players with very different physical profiles, from Brunson’s 6’2” frame to Giannis’s towering 6’11”. Brunson’s skill is particularly impressive given he relies on technique rather than size or athleticism to finish at the rim.
Driving Dunk
- Anthony Edwards — 97 (95 OVR)
- Jalen Johnson — 96 (87 OVR)
- Amen Thompson — 96 (86 OVR)
- Ja Morant — 96 (84 OVR)
Edwards leads this group, known for his thunderous dunks. Ja Morant is right behind, and teammate Shaedon Sharpe just missed the cut with a 95 rating. These players bring high-flying excitement whenever they hit the court.
Speed
- De’Aaron Fox — 97 (84 OVR)
- Tyrese Maxey — 96 (92 OVR)
- Amen Thompson — 96 (86 OVR)
All three players can coast across the court in a flash, but Fox edges out as the fastest. Amen Thompson stands out thanks to his elite speed combined with a 6’7” frame—a rare combination that makes both him and his brother Ausar exceptional athletes.
Ball Handling
- Kyrie Irving — 99 (87 OVR)
- Stephen Curry — 97 (93 OVR)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 96 (97 OVR)
- Jalen Brunson — 96 (96 OVR)
Kyrie Irving remains the gold standard for ball handling, a benchmark for nearly a decade. Curry and others follow closely, but Irving and Curry are in a league of their own when it comes to dribbling artistry.
Perimeter Defense
- Ausar Thompson — 97 (85 OVR)
- Derrick White — 95 (83 OVR)
- OG Anunoby — 94 (88 OVR)
- Dyson Daniels — 94
Ausar Thompson leads in perimeter defense, combining elite athleticism with a refined defensive approach. Derrick White is an underrated defender who quietly ranks among the league’s best guards at stopping opponents.
Interior Defense
- Victor Wembanyama — 97 (97 OVR)
- Rudy Gobert — 96 (84 OVR)
- Bam Adebayo — 95 (87 OVR)
- Chet Holmgren — 95 (86 OVR)
Wembanyama tops this list as a dominant rim protector, already one of the most disruptive defenders despite having room to grow. Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, is the natural runner up. With Wembanyama rated 97, one can only imagine what a perfect 99 would entail.
Fan Take:
These ratings not only reflect current NBA performances but also highlight emerging stars and unique skill sets that could shape the league’s future. For basketball fans, this means fresh storylines and exciting player matchups, both in real life and virtual courts, as players continue to push the boundaries of the game.
Source: nbaanalysis.net

