Did NBA 2K26 drop the ball with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ player ratings? After a stunning 64-win season, many fans believe stars like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen got snubbed. We’re breaking down the controversy and why these Cavs deserve more respect. Do you agree with the ratings, or are they 100% wrong?
Anticipation is at an all-time high as NBA 2K26 prepares for its official launch, but early insights into player ratings have already sparked considerable debate, particularly concerning the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite a stellar regular season performance, there’s a growing sentiment among fans and analysts that key Cavaliers players have been unfairly overlooked, leading to ratings that seemingly contradict their on-court impact.
The Cavaliers enjoyed an exceptional NBA season last year, defying many expectations by clinching an impressive 64 regular season victories. This dominant body of work across an entire campaign, which firmly established them as a top-tier contender, should, by all logical measures, translate into respectable and accurate player ratings within the highly influential NBA 2K gaming franchise.
While it is true that the Cleveland Cavaliers experienced a challenging postseason run, which ended prematurely, it would be a disservice to penalize their overall player ratings solely based on those playoff struggles. Many argue that the team was not at 100 percent health during this critical period, and their regular season consistency ought to take precedence in determining their virtual prowess.
Historically, NBA 2K has faced criticism for its rating discrepancies, and it appears NBA 2K26 may continue this trend. Although the full roster ratings remain unconfirmed, the recent reveal of the game’s top 100 players, featuring stars like Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the pinnacle, has shed light on some perplexing choices that have directly impacted the Cavaliers’ top talent.
Donovan Mitchell, as the Cavaliers’ highest-rated player at a 93 overall, secured the 11th spot just outside the top 10, a rating that many consider fair given his explosive offensive capabilities. However, the true point of contention arises with the rating assigned to Evan Mobley, who, despite his undeniable emergence as a pivotal two-way star, finds himself rated at an 89 overall, narrowly missing the coveted 90 club.
This slight oversight for Evan Mobley is particularly perplexing when considering his instrumental role in the Cavaliers’ 64-win season. His inclusion on the All-NBA Second Team last year, coupled with his reputation as one of the most talented and versatile big men in the association, makes a strong case for a rating of at least 90 or 91, accurately reflecting his elite defensive impact and growing offensive repertoire in NBA 2K26.
Further scrutiny falls upon Jarrett Allen’s rating. While an 84 overall might seem superficially acceptable, the subjective nature of these ratings comes into question when comparing him to peers. Many analysts and fans struggle to comprehend why Allen, a dominant presence in the paint and a crucial defensive anchor for the Cavaliers, is positioned below players like Jaylen Brown, Trae Young, or Ja Morant, whose roles and skill sets differ significantly.
Ultimately, the perceived inaccuracies in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ player ratings within NBA 2K26 raise important questions about the methodology and impact of these numerical valuations. For a team that showcased such remarkable regular season success, a more precise and appreciative representation of their key players, particularly Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, is essential for a truly authentic gaming experience that mirrors their real-world contributions.
