NBA 2K27 Ratings Reveal Jayson Tatum Leads All Duke Alumni

Following the release of NBA 2K27, player ratings reveal that former Duke Blue Devils boast some of the largest representation in the league. Jayson Tatum leads all alumni at a 93 overall, while three 2026 draft picks join the professional ranks for the new season.

Jayson Tatum Leads the Pack and the Blue Devils’ Elite Tier

The release of NBA 2K27 has brought a fresh wave of player ratings, putting the spotlight firmly on the extensive talent pipeline flowing out of Duke University. Across the league, former Blue Devils command top-tier status in the simulation, headlined by Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics as the highest-rated alumnus at a 93 overall.

Directly behind the league’s established stars sits a cluster of high-impact talent sharing an identical 87 overall rating. That tier features Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks, Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic, and Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks. They are joined at 87 overall by rookie standout Cooper Flagg, also suiting up for the Dallas Mavericks.

Fresh Additions from the 2026 Draft Class

The current roster iteration reflects a massive influx of fresh talent from the most recent draft cycle. Three players selected in the 2026 NBA Draft officially enter the game’s database for the upcoming season, carrying forward the school’s tradition of producing top-tier draft selections.

Headlined by Jayson Tatum, Duke has produced plenty of top picks in recent years, most notable Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Cameron Boozer. Among those recent draft arrivals, Kon Knueppel enters the league with the Charlotte Hornets rated at an 84 overall, while Cameron Boozer joins the Memphis Grizzlies at a 79 overall. Other notable alumni across the league include Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans at 85 overall and Brandon Ingram of the Los Angeles Clippers at 84 overall. R.J. Barrett of the Toronto Raptors is rated at 82, Grayson Allen of the Charlotte Hornets stands at 80, and a group featuring Wendell Carter Jr. of the Orlando Magic, Tre Jones of the Chicago Bulls, and Dereck Lively II of the Dallas Mavericks all hold a 79 overall rating. Jared McCain of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mark Williams of the Phoenix Suns, and Kyle Filipowski of the Utah Jazz each sit at 78 overall.

Veterans, Free Agents, and International Standouts

Further down the ratings ladder, the game accounts for established role players, seasoned veterans, and players currently playing abroad. Marvin Bagley III of the Denver Nuggets is rated at 76, Luke Kennard of the Phoenix Suns comes in at 75, and Gary Trent Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks alongside Sion James of the Charlotte Hornets are rated at 74. Tyus Jones of the Denver Nuggets and Khaman Maluach of the Phoenix Suns both hold a 73 rating.

Mason Plumlee and Cam Reddish are both listed in the game as free agents, each checking in with a 72 overall rating. Tyrese Proctor plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers at 71 overall, Isaiah Evans represents the Minnesota Timberwolves at 70 overall, and Maliq Brown plays for the San Antonio Spurs at 69 overall. Rounding out the extensive alumni list are Trevor Keels at 37 overall and Seth Curry at 25 overall, both listed as free agents.

The comprehensive roster tracking also captures players operating overseas. Although competitors like Wendell Moore Jr. and Jahlil Okafor are under contract overseas, they are listed in the game as free agents, each holding a 70 overall rating.

Keep reading