When NBA 2K9 is released this upcoming fall, there will most definitely be debates ranging from Boston fans whining about Glen Davis’ rating to Lakers haters disputing Los Angeles’ almost assuredly high team rating. Nobody knows the method that 2K Sports uses to rate players, but we can safely conclude these five guys certainly won’t be complaining.

5. Brandon Roy
Portland Trailblazers
Original NBA 2K8 rating: 82
Projected NBA 2K9 rating: 88

In his second year out of Washington, Brandon Roy has developed into a true scorer, a floor leader, and a great young combo guard in the mold of Gilbert Arenas. Roy splits point guard duties with Steve Blake, but that hasn’t stopped Roy from averaging 19 points and almost six assists a game this season.

Roy guided the third youngest team in NBA history to a respectable season along with power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. With Greg Oden returning from injury next season and their lottery pick this year; the Blazers will continue to improve with the leadership of Brandon Roy on the court.

4. Rudy Gay
Memphis Grizzlies
Original NBA 2K8 rating: 82
Projected NBA 2K8 rating: 89

After the Grizzlies jettisoned Pau Gasol to Los Angeles, Memphis needed someone to take over. Rudy Gay, drafted 8th overall in 2006 out of Connecticut, is the exact guy they were looking for. Gay more than doubled his points output, jumping up to 20 in the 2007-2008 season. He emerged as a star on a Grizzlies squad which was in desperate need of one.

Although Memphis has floundered during Gay’s tenure, the future is bright in Graceland. The emergence of Rudy Gay will only help the Grizzlies crawl from the depths of the Western Conference.
    

3. Hedo Turkoglu
Orlando Magic
Original NBA 2K8 rating: 77
Projected NBA 2K9 rating: 87

 After being drafted in 2000, Hedo Turkoglu, finally found his niche with Orlando. Turkoglu averaged almost 20 points a game, up from 14 a year earlier with five assists and almost six rebounds a game. The addition of Rashard Lewis and the rise of Dwight Howard would make you think that his production would drop.

Turkoglu, along with Lewis and Howard took the Magic from a fringe playoff team in 2007, to a legitimate contender in the East this season. Although the team lost in five games to Detroit in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, the play of Turkoglu has Magic fans looking forward to next season.

2. LaMarcus Aldridge
Portland Trailblazers
Original NBA 2K8 rating: 75
Projected NBA 2K9 rating: 89

Like Al Jefferson of a year ago, LaMarcus Aldridge is the next big thing in power forwards. The 2nd pick in 2006 out of Texas, Aldridge averaged nine points and five rebounds in his rookie year playing behind Zach Randolph. Randolph was traded to New York which allowed Aldridge picked up where Randolph left off, scoring 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds a game.

With Brandon Roy, the Blazers were able to make their mark in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. They won nine more games than the year before, even without their first pick Greg Oden. If the Blazers hope to capitalize on a successful season, it will be on the back of LaMarcus Aldridge.

1. Chris Paul
New Orleans Hornets
Original NBA 2K8 rating: 91
Projected NBA 2K9 rating: 98

Chris Paul graced the cover of NBA 2K8, but many felt it should have went to a more deserving player. In 2006-2007, the Hornets finished four games under five hundred and three games behind the Warriors for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

In 2008, Paul put any doubters to rest. No matter how the Hornets' season turns out, in his third year Chris Paul has transformed himself from a great young point guard into the best point guard in the NBA bar-none. He bumped up his averages in points, assists, and steals. His performance throughout the season brought the Hornets to the 2nd best record in the West. He also finished 2nd in MVP voting behind Kobe Bryant.

His all-around game has analysts ready to peg him as the best point guard since Magic Johnson. There is no saying who will be on the cover of NBA 2K9, but if it is Chris Paul it is most definitely deserved this time around.

Are there any players I missed? Are they in the wrong order? Be sure to let me know what you think!