NBA 2K20 Opening Night Roster Fun Facts

NBA 2K20 released an updated roster in time for opening night of the 2019-20 season. Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about how NBA 2K emulated the best basketball players in the world!

I also did this exercise for NBA 2K19’s Opening Night roster last year. Be sure to check that out as well to compare and contrast these figures.

HIGHS & LOWS

There are 497 players across all 30 NBA rosters.

LeBron James (SF, Lakers, 97), Kawhi Leonard (SF, Clippers, 97), James Harden (SG, Rockets, 96), Stephen Curry (PG, Warriors, 95), Anthony Davis (C, Lakers, 94), and Blake Griffin (PF, Pistons, 88) are the highest-rated players at their respective positions.

Naz Mitrou-Long (PG, Pacers, 66), Kobi Simmons (PG, Hornets, 66), Antonius Cleveland (SG, Mavericks, 67), P.J. Dozier (SG, Nuggets, 67), Devon Hall (SG, Thunder, 67), Caleb Martin (SG, Hornets, 67), Garrison Matthews (SG, Wizards, 67), Josh Reaves (SG, Mavericks, 67), Marial Shayok (SG, 76ers, 67), Zylan Cheatham (SF, Pelicans, 67), Kelan Martin (SF, Timberwolves, 67), Duncan Robinson (SF, Heat, 67), Jarrell Brantley (PF, Jazz, 67), Oshae Brissett (PF, Raptors, 67), Robert Franks (PF, Hornets, 67), Chris Silva (PF, Heat, 67), and Moses Brown (C, Trail Blazers, 67) are the lowest-rated players at their respective positions. All but two of them — Caleb Martin and Duncan Robinson — are on two-way contracts.

Lou Williams (SG, Clippers, 84) is the highest-rated Sixth Man. Isaac Bonga (PG, Wizards, 68) is the lowest-rated starter, but with a caveat. The 6’8″ German is slotted as Washington’s starting small forward, his secondary position. If 2K chose to make the 3 his primary position, he would have a 73 overall rating. Under those circumstances, Terrance Ferguson (SG, Thunder, 71) would become the lowest-rated starter. Terance Mann (SG, Clippers, 69) and Elie Okobo (PG, Suns, 69) would be the lowest-rated rotation players.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (SF, Bucks, 96; Greece) is the highest-rated international player. Naz Mitrou-Long (PG, Pacers, 66; Canada) is the lowest-rated international player.

SCANNED AND UNSCANNED

Of the 497 rostered players, 52 of them (10.5 percent) do not have their face scanned into the game. 36 of those 52 are on two-way contracts. The Toronto Raptors have league-high five unscanned players, the New Orleans Pelicans follow up with four. The New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Brooklyn Nets have none.

Nicolo Melli (PF, Pelicans, 73), Vincent Poirier (C, Celtics, 73), and Brad Wanamaker (PG, Celtics, 73) are the highest-rated unscanned players. Naz Mitrou-Long (PG, Pacers, 66) and Kobi Simmons (PG, Hornets, 66) are the lowest-rated players with facescans.

ROOKIE REPORT

55 of the 60 prospects selected in the 2019 NBA Draft made an Opening Night roster. Chuma Okeke (16th overall pick), Marcos Louzada Silva (35th), Deividas Sirvydis (37th), Jaylen Hands (56th), Vanja Marinkovic (60th) are the five men to miss the cut. All 55 prospects have their faces scanned into the game, which is highly commendable on NBA 2K’s part. They normally miss a few each season.

Zion Williamson (PF, Pelicans, 81; 1st overall pick) is the highest-rated draftee on a roster. Jarrell Brantley (PF, Jazz, 67; 50th), Justin Wright-Foreman (PG, Jazz, 67; 53rd), and Marial Shayok (SG, 76ers, 67, 54th) are the lowest-rated draftees.

MISCELLANEOUS

The NBA 2K20 Opening Night roster shipped with 30 injured players. However, the Washington Wizards — a franchise slated to have five players out for their season opener at the Dallas Mavericks — are fully healthy. In fairness, the Wizards’ rotation is set up with the longest-term injuries in mind: Troy Brown Jr. (SF, 73), Ian Mahimni (C, 72), and John Wall (PG, 86) are all placed in the reserves.