Philadelphia 76ers: Predicting NBA 2K19 ratings for every Sixers player

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Joel Embiid: 92

With DeMarcus Cousins coming off an Achilles injury, Embiid is clearly the best center in the NBA coming into the season. Karl-Anthony Towns, albeit a big part of NBA 2K’s marketing campaign, is not quite on Embiid’s level. Since Towns is a 91, we’ll give Embiid a slight bump.

JoJo ended last season at a 90, soaring up the rankings after his first All-Star appearance. He was also the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, using his unmatched blend of size, strength and quickness to deter shots at the rim.

Trending. Expectations for Embiid next season. light

Outside of Rudy Gobert, Embiid is the most impactful defensive center in the league. That alone should rocket him over the likes of Towns, who has been a severe liability on that end. Last season, opponents’ offensive rating was 5.1 ticks higher when Embiid sat. That number jumped up to 9.9 in the playoffs.

Simply put, Embiid was the anchor for one of the best defensive teams in the league.

On the other end, Embiid has already proven himself as an elite individual scorer. His efficiency needs to improve, but he can score at all three levels, boasting footwork that is reminiscent of all-time greats. His size alone makes him an instant mismatch down low.

Currently going through his first healthy offseason, Embiid should be able to polish his shooting stroke and improve his all-around skill set. While the mantle of best player in the East currently belongs to Kawhi Leonard, Embiid has legitimately put himself in that conversation.