It’s an off day for the Chicago Bulls and that means for Bulls Nation as well. So let’s have some fun. Here are how Lauri Markkanen’s rating on the video game NBA 2k compare to the 6 rookies drafted before him.
Lauri’s Overall Rating: 78
1. Markelle Fultz – 2k rating (not factoring in his injury): 77
Due to Fultz’s injury and lack of playing time before his injury, it’s hard to get a grasp on just how good he’ll be. His jumper has given people serious concerns as his shooting form in the practice gym looks horrendous.
So, even though Markelle Fultz hasn’t really given us anything to work with yet, it’s not bad that Lauri’s technically out-playing him, right?
Alright, fine, this one doesn’t really count.
2. Lonzo Ball – 2k rating (not factoring in his current injury): 76
Perhaps the rookie that deals with the most scrutiny of his game – Lonzo is under the public eye more than any rookie in recent memory. Some of that makes his game get dissected under a larger microscope than he deserves.
Lonzo is averaging a little over 10 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists per game. A near triple-double is pretty impressive for a rookie despite his horrendous shooting percentage and perception that he “isn’t living up to the hype.”
To me, Lonzo is actually having a pretty solid rookie year but the thing is… not as solid as Lauri (in my opinion), and clearly not in 2k’s opinion either. So far, Lauri is 2 for 2.
3. Jayson Tatum – 2k rating: 82
Here’s where Lauri has to take a step down. Jayson Tatum is having a phenomenal rookie season. He’s averaging roughly 14 points and 6 rebounds per game while shooting an incredible 45 percent from beyond the arc.
Not only is Tatum performing well as an individual, but he is playing a critical role on the East’s best team – that’s pretty impressive for a rookie.
Sorry, Lauri – Tatum has you beat by four rating points. But there’s plenty of season left.
4. Josh Jackson – 2k rating: 74
Jackson is having a little rougher transition into the NBA than I thought he would. He’s averaging roughly 10 points and 4 rebounds per game but his 3-point shooting is really struggling (as many predicted).
I still love Josh Jackson and think he has a bright future in the league, but for now, Lauri is looking better in my eyes and in the eyes of 2k.
5. De’Aaron Fox – 2k rating: 76
Fox is having himself a decent rookie campaign filled with some extreme flashes of potential. The Kings are struggling as a team, so his production is limited – but I like Fox.
De’Aaron is averaging roughly 11 points and 4 assists per game but like Jackson – his shooting is really struggling (and also like Jackson – this was expected).
While I like Fox and think he’s having a fairly nice rookie year, it hasn’t been as good as Lauri’s – and 2k has taken notice.
6. Jonathan Isaac – 2k rating (not factoring in his current injury): 76
Isaac has had a bit of a struggle transitioning into the NBA game but that doesn’t mean he’s having a bad season. To me, his numbers aren’t representative of the type of player he can be.
He’s averaging roughly 5 points and 4 rebounds per game but only playing a mere 19 minutes per game. I think once the Magic establish a direction for their franchise and a more clear plan of attack, Isaac will reap the benefits.
He has all the tools it takes to be a good pro, he just needs a little more time and opportunity to grow into his potential.
Sorry, Jonathan, it looks like Lauri has you beat as well.
So what does this all mean?
Well, really, it means nothing. After all, we’re comparing how a video game company views these players. But considering the NBA 2k franchise is extremely popular in today’s era, it’s fun to see how these players stack up against each other on the video game. Also, these ratings aren’t too far off from how I’m guessing many people would rate them.
Lauri has definitely been the second best rookie taken in the top seven (second to Jayson Tatum) and that’s extremely awesome for Bulls fans.
So take this with a grain of salt, but also have some fun with it. Lauri’s pretty good on the game.