NBA 2K14: Projecting Top Rookies Who Will Dominate in Game

One of the most exciting aspects of purchasing a brand new sports video game is getting to see the rookie players in action before they actually have a chance to suit up for your favorite team.

That is no different for NBA 2K14, which will be released Oct. 1—almost a month before the 2013-14 NBA season tips off.

Let’s take a look at a handful of first-year players who you will certainly want to acquire for your franchise and build around, as they will almost assuredly dominate in the right hands.

Nerlens Noel Will Swat All Comers

After sliding down to No. 6 overall during the 2013 NBA draft and getting traded to the Philadelphia 76ers almost immediately after, Nerlens Noel is going to play with a chip on his shoulder—when he finally gets on the court.

The former Kentucky Wildcat was widely projected to be the top overall pick in the class, but concerns stemming from his torn ACL and lack of weight caused him to fall a few pegs on the big board.

While he won’t be suiting up until late-December at the earliest, players will be able to unlock Noel’s talent from Day 1 when they play NBA 2K14.

The big man will be an absolutely dominant force, especially considering the developers have implemented a brand new shot-blocking system for this year’s installment of the game.

For the first time, players going up hard for a dunk—not a common occurrence in the 2K series—will be able to be sent packing and rejected by well-timed challenges.

At 6’11” and possessing crazy athleticism, Noel is going to be one of the game’s best shot-blockers and will be an excellent rim protector as a rookie.

Although there are some concerns about his offensive prowess and ability to hold his own in the post against some of the bigger centers, he should be a valuable star who averages a ton of blocks in every single contest.

There’s nothing more satisfying than stuffing an opponent's shot, and now that dunks can be sent back it should only get more thrilling to use a player like Noel in the game.

Michael Carter-Williams Set to Drop Dimes

Speaking of 76ers rookies, Michael Carter-Williams should also be an incredible 2K player to use during his first season with the club.

The former Syracuse Orangeman is one of the top facilitators in the 2013 draft class and was constantly making plays by setting up his teammates during his two years under Jim Boeheim.

Players who can innately pass with great accuracy and vision like MCW are going to be much more valuable in this year’s edition of 2K, as the pro stick will now be used to toss flashy passes for easy assists.

The new controls make it simpler than ever to connect on a bounce pass between the legs, a no-look dish on the drive or a superb alley-oop, but not every player is going to be able to do this.

The league’s best passers will likely be the most dangerous set-up artists and capable of slicing up the opposition with pinpoint precision.

Count Carter-Williams as part of that dime-dropping fraternity, as the 6’6” floor general projects to be a phenom in NBA 2K14.

Ben McLemore Will Simply Light It Up

The Sacramento Kings may have pulled off the steal of the draft when they selected Kansas’ Ben McLemore at No. 7 overall.

Although there are some hustle and motor questions surrounding the 6’5” shooting guard, those won’t show up in NBA 2K14.

What will be on full display is his deadly quick shooting stroke, unlimited three-point range, ability to drive the basket and elite athleticism.

McLemore is a prototypical video game off-guard who players can use to get buckets at will and help lead their team to victory.

He’s the complete package and should have the ball in his hands for most of the game.

It wouldn’t even be surprising to see YouTube videos emerging of McLemore pulling off unfathomable feats and scoring 100-plus points.

For those looking for a franchise scorer to build around for the life of the game, make sure you find a way to acquire McLemore.