NBA 2K14 Player Ratings: Breaking Down Top Rookies
NBA2K14 hits stores on Tuesday, and part of the excitement over the new edition of 2K Sports' popular pro basketball video game franchise is the presence of rookies.
When fans of the league's recently awful teams have their top draft picks on the roster, it is worth looking at their initial ratings to see how creators view them, and what their prospects look like in franchise modes.
As a surprise to few, the top three players in this year's perceptibly weak draft class are also the highest-rated first-year pros.
Let's take a closer look at some of their attributes and how they should fit in on their respective squads.
Note: All information courtesy of 2kSports.com.
Anthony Bennett, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers (76 overall)
It makes sense that the No. 1 overall pick in the draft is the tied as the highest rated player, and his offensive versatility is a big reason for that.
With a 69 rating on three-pointers and 75 low-post offense, there is plenty of room for Bennett to grow, and he also has a solid foundation from which to build.
Bennett was hoping for at least an 80 overall rating, per BallerStatus.com, but was not granted such status.
Part of the problem is that he's a bit undersized for a power forward, although he makes up for it with a large wingspan. His basketball IQ is given a letter grade of B-. If Bennett is meant to stretch the floor in a Cavs' bigger lineup, he will have trouble defending on the perimeter.
Still, there is plenty of upside to be had for the former UNLV star, whose rating should boost throughout the year with the new Dynamic Living Rosters feature.
Victor Oladipo, SG, Orlando Magic (76 overall)
Some may argue that the Magic's young nucleus is promising, but it's revealing that Oladipo was given the highest overall rating of any player on Orlando's roster.
Oladipo will be asked to do a lot, and even played point guard in the Magic's summer league—out of position from his typical 2-guard slot at Indiana.
Ball-handling isn't Oladipo's strong suit (C grade), and that explains why his interior offense gets only a C- in spite of his supreme athleticism and demonstrated ability to get to the rim.
Hard work on his jump shot paid off, because Oladipo garners a B+ grade on outside offense and can stretch out to the three-point line while also lighting it up from mid-range.
The trick will be to get enough opportunities to work off the ball and get clean looks. He could struggle if he's asked to constantly generate his own offense or run the point on a part-time basis.
The reigning Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year does get respect on that end of the court, though, with an A on perimeter defense.
Otto Porter Jr., SF, Washington Wizards (74 overall)
Porter was selected to stay in the D.C. area after starring at Georgetown. Despite being the third overall pick, he might be the most complete prospect entering the Association.
That assertion is reflected not only in his collegiate production, but also in his NBA2K14 ratings.
At 6'8" and 198 pounds, he isn't imposing from a physical standpoint, yet he is able to finish strong at the rim and is granted a B- rating on interior offense.Thanks to his 42.2 three-point percentage in his final year with the Hoyas, he gets an outside offense grade of B+.
What makes Porter special is his ability to play at a high level so early at both ends of the court. He garners a solid C+ on perimeter defense and a C in the post.
Don't be surprised if Porter sees his rating move up more than any other rookie. While Bennett will struggle to find minutes and a defined role in the deep Cavs' back court (while Oladipo carries a lackluster Magic team), Porter will benefit from a stellar supporting cast once he returns from a hip injury.
The Wizards' backcourt of Bradley Beal and John Wall should shoulder most of the scoring load, allowing Porter's defense to get better. His IQ grade is a B+, which indicates that he should pick up the NBA game quickly.

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