NBA 2K16: Top Rookie Player Ratings, Release Date, Best Teams to Choose Online

The first four rookies had their NBA 2K16 player ratings revealed, and so far, the Detroit Pistons' Stanley Johnson is among the most highly regarded first-year players.

Keep in mind, none of the seven players drafted ahead of Johnson have had their ratings revealed as of Monday morning, but Johnson's 73 overall is solid for a rookie—especially in NBA 2K16's more realistic ratings method.

Essentially, the way we should look at the ratings this year, and moving forward, is as follows: Michael Jordan in his best season is a 99 overall-rated player. Everyone else kind of falls in line after that. 

For a 19-year-old kid who has never taken a shot in the league to be just 26 ratings points behind Jordan is pretty good.

Here's a look at the other three rookies whose ratings have been revealed:

The game releases via preorder early tip-off on September 25 and officially on September 29. I recently had an opportunity to visit NBA 2K headquarters, and I got some hands-on gameplay experience. 

In that experience, I tested about eight teams. The game played like a dream, and several of the issues from NBA 2K15, such as too many made threes, zig-zag dribble exploitation and random rebounding logic, looked to be remedied.

The session also shined a light on some of the teams online users will flock to once the game is released. Some of the choices may come as a shock to you.

Memphis Grizzlies

Defense is big in NBA 2K16. From ball-stopping off the dribble to rim protection in the paint, you'll notice the same types of money plays won't work. In my visit to headquarters, I and some other experienced YouTubers in the NBA 2K community were finding it difficult to win our first few games played against the CPU on superstar level.

What does this have to do with the Memphis Grizzlies?

Led by Mike Conley on the perimeter and Marc Gasol in the paint, the Grizz's defense is just nasty. Once gamers understand that this team is going to be excellent at locking down opponents, you should see a lot of people picking it in head-to-head matchups.

Cleveland Cavaliers

This is an obvious choice. 

LeBron James is the best player in the world, and in NBA 2K16, he is still a monster. Off the dribble, he's a real problem, and his strength is finally apparent as he attacks the basket.

James' presence is the biggest reason people will pick the Cleveland Cavaliers, but point guard Kyrie Irving and power forward Kevin Love give the team a compelling Big Three.

Golden State Warriors

By default, novices flock to any team that just won the NBA championship. Cue the Golden State Warriors selections online in NBA 2K16.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson's three-point bombing only make the Dubs that much more attractive. Truth be told, the more skilled players probably won't rush to use the Splash Brothers.

Hardcore 2K gamers like a challenge, and Golden State could easily be viewed as the choice for novices.

Oklahoma City Thunder

"

How do you guys feel about Kevin Durant rated 91? Given the new ratings system this year http://t.co/TMCbueGY9Y pic.twitter.com/0IK9LOCQdo

— VGS Network (@NetworkVGS) August 23, 2015"

If the Warriors are the team of choice for novices, then Russell Westbrook might be the individual equivalent. He's so insanely quick that players will attempt to simply turbo past defenders on a mad dash to the rim.

However, in 2K16, they will find that it isn't that easy to dominate. Defensive A.I. is excellent, and it doesn't wait until you already have 30 points to adapt to your strategies. 

Even with those adjustments, Westbrook and Kevin Durant make the best dynamic duo in the game. With Serge Ibaka down low as a rim protector and rebounder, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be a popular choice online.

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