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The Five Most Underrated Players in NBA 2K16


I have not had as much time with NBA 2K16 as I would like.

From the short amount of time I've played it, though, I've come across many things. The gameplay is different, the mechanics are more refined and it's much easier to track players that exceed expectations.

There are guys who you expect to be role players, then explode for 25-30 points in a crucial, must-win game. We've come across this many times in real life. 2K16 is no different.

So, here are the top five most underrated players in this year's installment. So if you're thinking of doing a fantasy draft in MyGM, this is the list for you.

Chandler Parsons, Dallas Mavericks (78 overall)

Chandler Parsons' jump shot in NBA 2K is a phenomenon that can't be explained.

No matter if the timing is slightly off, whether late or early, Parsons' jump shots happen to fall about seven times out of 10. Get him behind the 3-point line, and the 81 standing shot three rating is money.

Parsons is also a reliable point-forward option, should you choose to go that route with the Mavs. His passing accuracy is a 64 and passing IQ is only a 68. While not great, they're also significantly better than the position average (58 accuracy, 62 IQ).

And when he has the ball in his hands, always remember that 77 driving dunk and 66 draw foul rating. He's a perfect complement to Dirk Nowitzki when he's on the elbow, or Wes Matthews camping behind the 3-point line and preparing to fire his arrows.

Parsons' rating was about the same last year, but it was the same situation. His jumper, for some reason, is money almost every time. Parsons is definitely underrated in the game and should be utilized more.

Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers (77 overall)

When Kyrie Irving eventually returns to the lineup, having a point guard like Mo Williams come off the bench is going to a nice weapon when playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Williams has always been a good shooter, and that's definitely the case this year. But when looking at his ratings, he can't be avoided.

His mid-range game (92) is 14 points better than the point guard average in 2K. He also possesses an 83 3-point rating, which is five points better than the average. Williams is also good at shooting the ball while moving, possessing a 90 mid-range rating while moving.

And this is supposed to be the backup point guard. He's already decent with Irving out of the lineup. Just imagine using Williams on a second unit with Richard Jefferson, J.R. Smith and Anderson Varejao. OK, maybe that sounds like death by fire, but in video game land it sounds heavenly.

Dennis Schroder, Atlanta Hawks (76 overall)

At some point in this lifetime, Dennis Schroder will be a starting point guard in the NBA.

If you're looking for a point guard replacement in your MyGM or MyLeague, Schroder might be the best option. He's 22 years old, already has a few years of experience and continues to improve his outside shooting.

Schroder's 3-point rating has moved up to a 77, which is one shy of the position average. His ball control is only two off the average, while his passing vision (79) is one more than the average at 78.

He's the kind of point guard that can be groomed to be great for your team, should you choose to trade for him. The Hawks have been known to ask for a lot in return in years past, but as his ratings continue to increase, that's a good sign for those who use the Hawks or those who want to trade with the Hawks.

Schroder shouldn't be playing in front of Jeff Teague in Atlanta, but the thought of using both in the same backcourt could provide a lot of intriguing gameplay possibilities.

Did I forget to mention he's only 22?

Nicolas Batum, Charlotte Hornets (80 overall)

Normally, this list would be comprised of players who haven't already established themselves in the NBA, and/or aren't that great ratings wise.

But when it comes to Nic Batum, he's a guy that's not only reliable and is set on what he can do with the basketball, but he's also a great complement for a guy like Kemba Walker.

Batum is known for making threes, playing defense and attacking the rim. His 3-point rating of 86 is far and away one of the best at the small forward position. His defensive consistency (75) is 12 points better than the average at small forward.

Not to mention, he's 6-foot-8 and long, which explains his pass perception rating of 80. Batum is the kind of guy that fits Charlotte's system, and is also a reliable offensive and defensive option in NBA 2K.

His consistency isn't great, but everything else is manageable. Batum's ratings are good enough to where he can be even better than what his 80 overall would indicate.

Gerald Green, Miami Heat (74 overall)

Gerald Green never misses. This has been true in NBA 2K for many, many years.

His limitations are the halfcourt line and the opposite end of the court. If Green gets a ball in his hands, he's either pulling up for three and making it or attacking the rim with reckless abandon and hurting the rim's feelings.

His 3-point rating has taken a dip this year (down to 75 standing shot three), but personal experience shows he's not really a 75. The best guess is to add 10 more on to that.

But that's not important. What is important to know is that Gerald Green's driving dunk is a 94. That's 33 points better than the average rating at shooting guard.

He's the ultimate glitch, and his presence in NBA 2K is unfair for those who dare to face him. I would know, having once given up 40 points in an online ranked match in which Green could not miss.

It's the perfect, affordable combination of scoring and athleticism. Gerald Green has that.


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Member Comments
# 1 Hustle Westbrook @ 12/14/15 11:10 AM
Porzingis should be on there, especially after his shooting increase in the latest roster update. Dude is dominant on both ends.
 
# 2 The 24th Letter @ 12/14/15 11:21 AM
This list is on point, especially my dude Batum....he's an absolute beast for me online
 
# 3 2kNerd @ 12/14/15 12:15 PM
Nice list....Schroeder is tough. The Hawks are one of my favorite teams to use online and I like to use the Teague-Schroder tandem in the backcourt...gives people fits.
 
# 4 wimp14 @ 12/14/15 12:16 PM
Guys like Green, JR Smith or anyone who is athletic and can shoot the three. Tend to be a lot better in video games then real life.
 
# 5 JazzMan @ 12/14/15 01:16 PM
Derrick Favors is a beast that nobody really seems to use. His midrange jumper is money. He is a brute and can finish inside. He gets offensive boards and put backs. He can throw it down. He can hit the post hook, fade, and drop step. And he comes down on the other end and blocks shots and plays tough defense.

Not sure what his rating is anymore (83?) but nobody really seems to give him much attention despite the fact that he's a slightly poor man's version of LaMarcus Aldridge on 2k.
 
# 6 jeremym480 @ 12/14/15 02:40 PM
The name I'd throw into the hat for a really good underrated player is Atlanta's PF Mike Scott. In my Memphis MyLeague I missed out on my first two FA targets in Joe Johnson and Donatas Motiejunas, so I set my sights on some second tier guys. I brought Scott in to be a Stretch 4 off the bench and so far through 7 games he's been my third leading scorer and best 3 point shooter.

http://www.2khead.com/16/players/compare/5114
 
# 7 hear me now @ 12/14/15 02:58 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hustle Westbrook
Porzingis should be on there, especially after his shooting increase in the latest roster update. Dude is dominant on both ends.
Is it just me, or Porzingis really can't dunk alleys in this game? If he actually manages to even catch the ball, he does a lay up.
 
# 8 iTofu @ 12/14/15 04:14 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hustle Westbrook
Porzingis should be on there, especially after his shooting increase in the latest roster update. Dude is dominant on both ends.
Agree about that. 7'3" with stellar quickness and shooting. He's incredible in 2K.

Three guys I found to be worth more than their rating are:
  1. Willie Cauley-Stein: 7'1" with 81 lateral quickness and 85 speed. Shuts people down with his athleticism! Generally doesn't get caught from behind on the break, which is weird looking. Rebounding is low, but in MyTeam if you upgrade the badges he's fine.
  2. Rick Fox: Not a current player, but he's good. Athleticism is decent. 88 lateral quickness helps him shut people down. 84 standing three has him hitting shots. In MyTeam people always go at him, don't think people realize he is pretty lockdown. He has low help defense IQ though, gotta be careful about that, occasionally sags away from people he shouldn't off ball. Overall, perfect 3&D guy.
  3. Chris Bosh: With a smooth stroke from mid range and even three, Bosh is a Pick'n'Pop all-star. Love running him at center (helps hide his 49 lateral quickness too) and really stretching the defense out. The rebounding boost has made him more well rounded.
 
# 9 CujoMatty @ 12/14/15 07:28 PM
I don't know if I just click with timing his jumpshot but I don't miss with nik stauskus.
 
# 10 BluFu @ 12/14/15 07:41 PM
Welp, the secret is out. Batum is a beast... crazy to think his passing is underrated too.
 
# 11 rbfn04 @ 12/14/15 09:03 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hustle Westbrook
Porzingis should be on there, especially after his shooting increase in the latest roster update. Dude is dominant on both ends.
get that ball to KP at the top of the key and it's all good
 
# 12 Jershy88 @ 12/15/15 06:10 PM
shabazz muhammad and zach lavine are both really easy to play with
 
# 13 kokaine @ 12/15/15 06:22 PM
It's so strange how Gerald Green plays way above his rating in 2k for years. Like, I think I remember signing him from Free Angency in 2k10-11 as a roster filler. And ended up playing with him one time he was an absolute beast, and has been ever since.
 
# 14 frank_sea @ 12/26/15 05:29 PM
I play a lot of myteam and whenever I see the opposing team's PF it's always Aldridge 9/10 times with Dirk being the other 1/10. But man Paul Millsap I'd say is probably just as good. Great midrange and 3 point shot (better than Aldridge's) a lot of people sleep on him on myteam
 
# 15 Zer0san @ 01/16/16 03:34 PM
I'm shocked there's no mention of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Any fantasy draft I do I try to pick him up. He can play 1-3, he's got good defensive instincts, he can shoot the 3, and finish at the rim. There really isn't a glaring weakness to his game, he just isn't a superstar level player. It's almost like playing with rookie Kobe but a little worse attribute-wise.
 
# 16 KingMansaMusa @ 01/16/16 04:55 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by wimp14
Guys like Green, JR Smith or anyone who is athletic and can shoot the three. Tend to be a lot better in video games then real life.
Yeah I agree. I find saying anyone is underrated or overrated in a video game is weird because for the most part guys play their part in the video game because it's scripted. Idk lol maybe I'm just looking at it different and also having the NBA pass really shows you who guys really are without the media filter ala ESPN.
 
# 17 TMAG1C @ 01/16/16 05:15 PM
I've always been really good with Austin Rivers, somehow someway. I think it's just cause I have his shot timing down to a T. I like his midrange game a lot.
 
# 18 atown88 @ 02/02/16 01:02 PM
T. Ross is also pretty fun and easy to use. As someone mentioned above, any 3pt/dunker is going to be legit in 2k.
 
# 19 SpeedyClaxton @ 02/02/16 01:13 PM
Underrated players: every above average athletic player who can shoot to a degree. LaVine, Gerald Green (3-4 years in a row), Terrence Ross, Trevor Ariza, J.R. Smith (absolute winner), Eric Bledsoe, Austin Rivers (when he dunks) and many more..but the guy who every year outplays his rating is J.R. Smith absolute beast haha.
 
# 20 NARFALICIOUS @ 02/02/16 02:07 PM
As a teammate, aaron afflalo.
 

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