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Ronnie 2K arrives at 2022 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson Of The Year Awards at The Regency Ballroom on December 08, 2022 in San Francisco, California.
For New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby, NBA 2K isn’t just a video game — it’s a matter of pride.
Anunoby recently confronted NBA 2K’s public face, Ronnie Singh — better known as Ronnie2K — over his 85 overall rating in the newly released NBA 2K26. Singh recalled the exchange during the House of 2K launch in New York City, saying Anunoby was adamant he deserved a significantly higher score.
Getty OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks speaks to a referee following a call.
“I always have this fun story every single year,” Singh told Heavy Sports in an exclusive interview. “This year, it was OG of the Knicks. [Anunoby] found me in Vegas. He was so prepared. He was like, ‘I want to be a 92 because XYZ,’ and a lot of his logic made sense. I’m sure he’s pretty frustrated that he’s 85 this year. But it’s amazing. These guys who play it all the time, they want to look good in the eyes of us and the people that play our game.”
Where Anunoby Ranks in NBA 2K26
Anunoby’s 85 rating places him in the fifth tier of NBA 2K26’s Top 100. He sits just below a cluster of players rated 86 overall — including former Knicks teammate Julius Randle, Tyler Herro, Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, and Franz Wagner — and two points behind top-tier players like Domantas Sabonis, LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland, Zion Williamson, Derrick White, Jimmy Butler, and Amen Thompson, who all have a rating of 87.
Among Knicks players, he ranks third-highest behind Jalen Brunson (93) and Karl-Anthony Towns (92), with Mikal Bridges (84) and Josh Hart (81) rounding out the top five.
Released globally on Sept. 5, NBA2K26 introduces the ProPLAY and Dynamic Motion Engine for more realistic player movement, alongside new Adrenaline Boosts, improved Quick Protect controls, and enhanced MyTEAM with NBA/WNBA co-op play. The game also features more detailed MyPLAYER builds, a new Scouting Report, a more immersive City experience, and refined online matchmaking.
“Everybody on the internet is talking about it, the game is playing faster, it’s smoother,” Singh told Heavy Sports. “Small details like catch-and-shoot animations are refined, pick-and-rolls look beautiful, and the MyCareer mode shows just how far you can go. Players love the City and Park games in a consolidated area. It’s the best of all worlds for modes, and we’re very excited about it.”
Real-Life Performance
Anunoby’s push for a higher rating follows one of his best NBA seasons.
The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 47.6% from the field and 37.2% from three.
Defensively, he remained elite, recording 2.4 combined steals and blocks per game. He is also the Knicks’ second-highest-paid player, set to earn $39.6 million in the second year of his five-year, $212.5 million contract.
Ratings Formula, Not Just One Man’s Decision
Getty NBA2K guru Ronnie 2K challenges fans to a hoops competition in Los Angeles during NBA All-Star festivities on February 16, 2018.
While Singh often takes the heat as the franchise’s most visible representative, he emphasized that ratings are not his decision alone.
“Our team does a great job,” Singh told Heavy Sports. “There are 30-plus mini attributes based on real-life performance that get put into a formula and spit out a number. That number has obviously been polarizing with me at the center point a lot of times. But, amazingly, these guys care so much about it.”
His message to players like Anunoby: perform better on the court, and the rating will rise.
“So ratings are very important to them and but it is based on performance, so if they want to do something about it, they just have to go out and play better on the
court,” Singh said.
Ratings as Part of NBA Culture
For many NBA players, video-game ratings have become part of the broader conversation around reputation, much like MVP voting or All-Star selections.
“These guys really care,” Singh said. “It doesn’t determine their financial compensation, but they care about their status, both in the ratings and how they’re matched up against their peers. It’s a massive thing for them. How cool is it that this video game has a place in culture that affects the hearts and minds of these players everywhere?”
Embracing the Debate
Singh said he welcomes the debate, even the criticism.
“It’s a source of pride,” he said. “It’s amazing that this game means so much to them when they’re professional athletes, playing at the highest level, getting paid to do so — that this rating, this game, means so much. We’re honored it’s taken such a central part of their lives. The backlash, I don’t let it bother us. I think it’s actually kind of fun to get into those conversations. That’s what basketball is about. It’s competitive. You want to be able to discuss. That’s what sports is all about.”
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo