It is that time of year when the NBA 2k ratings drop, and fan bases around the league furiously react to the attributes that their beloved stars have been awarded.
Debates are already raging due to the overall ratings handed to rookies entering the NBA for their first season, most notably for Philadelphia 76ers loyalists. V.J. Edgecombe (76 overall) -- the No.3 pick in the 2025 NBA draft -- has been scored lower than Ace Bailey (77 overall) -- the Charlotte Hornets' No.5 selection.
However, it will be the supporters of the Dallas Mavericks franchise who will be infuriated as one Philadelphia sophomore has blown their five-time All-Defensive Team center out of the water in one shocking area.
76ers sophomore Adem Bona's impressive defensive capabilities praised with latest 2k rating
The Sixers knew exactly what they were drafting when they selected Adem Bona with the 41st overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft from the UCLA Bruins -- an athletic, lengthy defender who can get across the floor quickly to venomously block his opposition's shot attempts. Nevertheless, the 22-year-old tends to show a hint of inexperience, making avoidable fouls with his overeagerness.
Yet, the NBA 2k developers have bought stock in the 2024 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year due to his rookie year antics, providing Bona with an impressive 91 blocking rating. This is four more than Anthony Davis (87) and equal to Daniel Gafford (91) and Derek Lively II (91).
Adem Bona has the 6th best shot block rating in NBA 2K26 pic.twitter.com/AmkeSB7sQf
ā Jš (@SixersJustin) August 13, 2025
Bona had to accept a small role in the rotation as his rookie year commenced. The veteran Andre Drummond and former fan-favourite, Guerschon Yabusele, were trusted to occupy the center role in the absence of superstar Joel Embiid.
Despite limited opportunities to shine in the early stages of the campaign, a lingering toe injury to Drummond provided the UCLA graduate a platform to showcase his defensive abilities. Bona averaged 2.3 blocks per game throughout April, where he started all seven matchups.
With a resounding silence surrounding the progress of Embiid's rehabilitation from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, Bona could be presented with more chances to cement himself as one of the NBA's greatest paint patrollers -- which, according to the 2k developers, he already is.