NBA 2K25 has continued to generate buzz with the release of its player ratings, and the latest batch of rankings—covering players 30 through 21—has sparked plenty of discussion among fans. The list features several notable names, including Jimmy Butler, Damian Lillard, and Paul George, who all find themselves outside of the top 20, a surprising development considering their stature in the league. Let’s dive into the ratings and the context behind them.
30. Zion Williamson - 88
29. Domantas Sabonis - 88
28. De'Aaron Fox - 88
27. Bam Adebayo - 88
26. Tyrese Maxey - 89
25. Trae Young - 89
24. Paul George - 89
23. Paolo Banchero - 89
22. Jimmy Butler - 89
21. Damian Lillard - 89
Zion Williamson , the New Orleans Pelicans ' explosive forward, kicks off the list at number 30 with an 88 overall rating. After struggling with injuries in previous seasons, Zion had a bounce-back year in 2023-24, staying healthy for a significant portion of the season and reminding everyone why he was the number one pick in 2019.
His combination of size, strength, and athleticism remains unmatched, and when he’s on the court, Zion is a game-changer. His rating reflects his impact, though the Pelicans’ overall team success likely kept him from ranking higher.
Domantas Sabonis, the centerpiece of the Sacramento Kings , comes in at 29 with an 88 rating. Sabonis has established himself as one of the most versatile big men in the league, known for his rebounding, playmaking, and scoring ability. His partnership with De’Aaron Fox has made the Kings a formidable team in the Western Conference, and his rating reflects his all-around game. However, his exclusion from the top 20 indicates that while he’s respected, he’s still seen as just below the league’s elite tier.
De’Aaron Fox , Sabonis’s backcourt mate, follows closely at 28 with the same 88 rating. Fox’s speed and ability to penetrate defenses make him one of the most exciting guards in the league. His improved shooting and leadership have propelled the Kings to new heights, and this rating is a testament to his growing influence.
The dynamic duo of Fox and Sabonis signals a bright future for Sacramento, but Fox’s placement outside the top 20 suggests he still has some ground to cover to be considered among the very best.
Bam Adebayo’s consistent excellence for the Miami Heat earns him the 27th spot with an 88 rating. Adebayo has been the Heat’s defensive anchor and a reliable contributor on offense, particularly during a season where Miami struggled with injuries to key players like Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro .
His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor makes him one of the most valuable big men in the league, but the Heat’s overall struggles likely kept him from a higher ranking.
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Tyrese Maxey’s breakout season with the Philadelphia 76ers is rewarded with a substantial boost, landing him at 26 with an 89 rating. Maxey’s speed, scoring ability, and improved playmaking made him one of the most exciting young players in the league. His performances earned him a massive $204 million contract and an All-Star selection solidifying his place as one of the league’s rising stars. His leap in the rankings reflects his potential to become the face of the 76ers moving forward.
Trae Young continues to demonstrate why he’s one of the league’s premier guards, earning an 89 rating and the 25th spot. Young’s ability to score and facilitate at a high level was once again on display, with another season of averaging over 25 points and 10 assists per game. While his individual stats are impressive, the Atlanta Hawk s’ inconsistent team success likely played a role in keeping him outside the top 20.
Paul George’s placement at 24 with an 89 rating might come as a surprise to some, given his status as one of the league’s elite two-way players. However, while George had a solid season with the Los Angeles Clippers , it wasn’t particularly eye-popping. The Clippers' loaded roster and their first-round playoff exit likely contributed to George’s slide in the rankings. Nonetheless, he remains one of the game’s best all-around players and will have a chance to prove it with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Paolo Banchero’s rise has been meteoric, as he claims the 23rd spot with an 89 rating after just two seasons in the NBA. The Orlando Magic forward has quickly become the team’s star, showcasing his scoring ability, versatility, and leadership. His rapid development and the Magic’s improvement as a team highlight why Banchero is viewed as a future face of the league.
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Jimmy Butler’s ranking at 22 with an 89 rating reflects a season marred by injuries. Butler missed a significant portion of the regular season and was unable to lead the Heat past the first round of the playoffs. Despite this, his reputation as one of the league’s fiercest competitors and clutch performers keeps him just outside the top 20. If he can stay healthy, Butler is likely to reclaim his spot among the elite.
Rounding out the list is Damian Lillard at 21 with an 89 rating. Lillard’s season was filled with challenges, including a blockbuster trade to the Milwaukee Bucks and subsequent adjustments to a new team. Although he continued to put up strong individual numbers, injuries to both Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo led to a disappointing first-round playoff exit for the Bucks. Lillard’s ranking reflects his talent, but the upheaval and lack of team success impacted his position.
In summary, the latest NBA 2K25 player rankings reveal a mix of rising stars and established veterans who, for various reasons, find themselves just outside the top 20.
The inclusion of players like Chet Holmgren in higher positions raises questions about how the game evaluates potential versus proven success, while the placement of Butler, George, and Lillard highlights the impact of injuries and team performance on individual ratings. As the season progresses, these rankings will undoubtedly continue to evolve, sparking further debate among fans and analysts alike.
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