The time for NBA 2K ratings to be revealed has come once again, one of the most anticipated periods for basketball fans across the world.
From league MVPs to back-up bench players, each and every player awaits their rating from the heavyweight basketball video game franchise, with many eager to complain that they were not rated high enough.
But in NBA 2K26, the two top Aussies are separated by just a single rating, something that face of the franchise Ronnie 2K hopes can spark a rivalry between the two close friends and Boomers stars.
Ronnie 2K hopes Dyson Daniels’ top NBA 2K26 rating inspires Josh Giddey
Dyson Daniels will enter NBA 2K26 as the highest rated Australia, with his mark of 83 making him the 64th overall ranked player in the game.
Climbing up the ranks of the #NBA2KTop100 ↗️
Drop your takes on these OVRs ✍️ pic.twitter.com/9zxt1384V5
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 17, 2025
His close friend and countryman Josh Giddey sits one behind him at 82, good for 69th on the game’s ranking, something that Ronnie 2K believes will create competition between the pair.
“I hope it [creates a rivalry]”, he told Sporting News Australia.
“You know those guys, especially when it’s between friends or similar position, they are always looking at each other’s ratings.
“I’m sure the banter between those two is going to be fun.”
Ronnie 2K also believes that Giddey will be inspired by watching his former Oklahoma City Thunder squad win the title after he departed the team.
“What’s interesting about Josh is, I wonder if he’s on a team that he feels like he’s going to be compelled to do [make a jump],” he said.
“There’s not a lot of eyeballs on [Chicago] right now. I’m just curious, is he one of those that’s going to rise to the occasion no matter what, or is he looking for a little bit more shine?
“Knowing him a little, I feel like he’ll have a chip on his shoulder after OKC has won the championship, and I think he’ll have a pretty good year.”
Ben Simmons rounds out the podium for the Aussies with a 77 rating, while Dante Exum and Matisse Thybulle finish off the top five with 75 each.
Aussie duo top steals ranking
After his incredible Most Improved Player-winning season, which also saw his debut All-Defensive team selection, Dyson Daniels comes into this season as one of the most fearsome defenders in the league.
Ball bandits 🏀
These are the best players at swiping possessions in #NBA2K26 pic.twitter.com/aRnf1H17j3
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 13, 2025
According to NBA 2K26, last season’s steals leader is tied for the top spot, with a different Boomers teammate sharing the spotlight: Matisse Thybulle, who alongside Daniels carries a 98 steals rating.
“I guess in Australia, they really work on taking the ball from the other players because obviously something’s going on there,” Ronnie 2K said.
“Both of those guys are remarkable in two different ways, actually. I think Dyson is such a good on the ball, and Thybulle is more like he deflects and gets in lanes and stuff.
“But both leading the league, top guys in steals and remarkable players in their own right.
“What a year Dyson had — I think he started last year as a 74, so for him to go from a 74 to an 83 in a year, obviously, one of the best defensive players, led the league in steals, I mean, that’s a remarkable jump.”
Daniels is also tied for the top mark in perimeter defence in the new game, joining OKC’s Lu Dort with a 94 rating.
