Minnesota Timberwolves: Predicting NBA 2K22 player ratings
It’s that time of the year again; the NBA season is right around the corner and NBA 2K22 is slowly releasing some of the player ratings. Karl-Anthony Towns is the only player on the Minnesota Timberwolves with an official rating released.
The game is scheduled to release on Sept. 10, despite some of the rumors saying it might be delayed.
Side note: Jordan McLaughlin and Jarred Vanderbilt are not on the Wolves roster at the moment, and therefore not mentioned.
Karl-Anthony Towns:
I think it’s pretty safe to say that Towns will be the highest-rated player on the Wolves. He’s easily the best player, and he enjoyed another monstrous season. The 25-year-old averaged 24.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Despite all that, 2K rated him an 87, which is disrespectful to the game’s best offensive big man. Until Towns’ performance on the court leads to wins, it’s likely that rating won’t get any higher.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 88
Official NBA 2K22 Rating: 87
Anthony Edwards:
The Wolves No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft had a tremendous rookie season – one deserving of the Rookie Of the Year accolade. Nonetheless, Anthony Edwards played a lot better under Chris Finch, and it’ll be intriguing to see his development during his sophomore season.
Edwards was snubbed from making 2Ks top dunkers, even though he threw down some insane dunks.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 82
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 82
D’Angelo Russell:
Since joining Minnesota, D’Angelo Russell has been inconsistent. He looked good in 12 games in 2019-20, and even had a game-saving block on former Timberwolf, Jimmy Butler. Last season, he didn’t play well under Ryan Saunders but seemed to look a lot better with Finch.
When Russell came back from his injury, he was coming off the bench and fit his role well. Eventually, he was moved back into the starting lineup and finished the season strong.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 83
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 81
Malik Beasley:
Malik Beasley is a tough player to evaluate because he missed 12 games with a suspension and then another 23 with a hamstring injury. Beasley only played in four games under Finch, and it’ll be interesting to see how he utilizes him.
When he did play, he was excellent and looked like the only player who gave a crap at times. Beasley is an energy player who gets 3s up in a hurry and efficiently – shooting 39.9 percent on 8.7 attempts.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 80
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 79
Patrick Beverley:
Patrick Beverley has never missed the playoffs in his career, and it’ll be the ultimate test if he can do so with Minnesota. Regardless, he brings intensity and defense – two things Minnesota needs. Beverley was unplayable for the Los Angeles Clippers in the Dallas Mavericks series but played well against Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns.
The former Razorback shot 39.7 percent from 3 last season and will be a well-welcomed addition on the roster.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 78
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 79
Naz Reid:
Naz Reid is starting to garnish some attention from around the league. After averaging 11.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists, the former LSU standout was chosen to be on the USA Olympic Select Team.
If he didn’t get injured, he may have earned some playing time in Japan on a roster that was short of big men.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 77
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 78
Jaden McDaniels:
Jaden McDaniels deserves more love. Before the season started, it was expected he’d spend most of his time in the G League and develop. That wasn’t the case, as he played in 63 of the 72 games, and averaged 6.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 blocks.
The former first-round pick was dominant in the NBA Summer League and will have a major impact on the Wolves this year.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 74
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 77
Jaylen Nowell:
Jaylen Nowell is another player who had a nice Summer League run. This will be a make-or-break year for the former Washington Husky, as he’s entering year three, and it’s unclear what his role is on the team.
Will he be a part of the second unit off the bench? Or will he only play if there’s foul trouble or in need of a spark? Though he did enjoy a nice sophomore season and hopefully an even better third year.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 76
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 75
Taurean Prince:
Taurean Prince will be an energy player off the bench for Minnesota. This is a contract year for him, and it’s easy to assume he will be playing with an edge this season. He should also help the Wolves from outside the arc, shooting 41.5 percent on 4.1 attempts last season.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 74
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 75
Josh Okogie:
Much like Nowell, Josh Okogie will be entering a make-or-break year. We already know what he brings on the defensive end, but can he take the next step offensively? Opposing teams would double Minnesota’s best player on the floor and leave Okogie wide open from 3. Not a bad idea when he shot 26.9 percent from 3.
It’ll be interesting to see what his next contract looks like and if Minnesota extends the qualifying offer after this season.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 74
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 75
Jake Layman:
Jake Layman is the best cutter on the team, but what else does he bring to the table? There were too many stretches last season where he was unplayable. He also shot 29.5 percent from 3, which isn’t good. He can make 3s at a more efficient clip, and it’ll be important for him to take that next step.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 73
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 72
Nathan Knight:
Nathan Knight is an intriguing player to get excited about, especially after watching his performance in the Summer League. Knight does the bulk of his work in the pick and roll and plays with energy and athleticism.
He’s on a two-way contract, but he should carve out some playing time if Towns falls into foul trouble or Minnesota needs a spark.
NBA 2K21 Rating: 73
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 71
McKinley Wright IV:
McKinley Wright IV will be returning home after playing for four years at the University of Colorado Boulder. His main strength will be on offense, but it’s going to be important for him to improve his 3-point shooting. He was a career 32.8 percent shooter from beyond the arc but also averaged 14.2 points.
More than likely, we won’t see much of him this season, unless it’s in garbage time or because of an injury.
NBA 2K21 Rating: N/A
NBA 2K22 Prediction: 68
