The 2017 NBA Draft class is shaping up to be an impressive one, particularly through the lens of a star-laden trio. Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell were locked in a memorable Rookie of the Year race, while Jayson Tatum performed at a remarkably high level for a playoff-bound team in Boston. With that in mind, it will be (very) interesting to monitor these three youngsters moving forward and, this week, the good folks at NBA 2K19 did their best to evaluate each of them through the lens of their preseason ratings.
First, Tatum’s number, just the second to become public in the entire league, was revealed at 87.
https://twitter.com/NBA2K/status/1019250516667191297
Then, on Thursday, Mitchell was given an identical mark.
https://twitter.com/NBA2K/status/1019928238208897024
And for good measure, NBA 2K19 hedged its bets by handing out the same mark for Simmons.
https://twitter.com/NBA2K/status/1020096424925585408
Obviously, this is a way to appease the masses while also building up all three players and the drama between them. However, Simmons seemingly wasn’t thrilled with his preseason mark.
Our Australian cover athlete @BenSimmons25 wasn't thrilled with his 87 rating in #NBA2K19 Watch his reaction to finding out 😂 pic.twitter.com/cORpPP5yOp
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 20, 2018
There isn’t a “sophomore of the year” award in the NBA but, if there was, these would be the three leading contenders. Each is in a different situation but, considering their age and collective talent, it is a safe bet to assume that all three will be rated quite highly when the 2019-2020 campaign arrives.
