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.