The latest edition of the NBA’s marquee video game – NBA 2K23 – will be released on Friday. Leading up to the release, the 2K developers have been sharing the player ratings from the game this week.

To star the season, the Celtics team overall in the game, with an 84 rating (calculated by averaging the overall ratings of the top eight players on the team). They’re just ahead of the Warriors, Bucks, Sixers, and Suns, who all received 83 ratings.

That team rating is impressive, but how about the individual players? Let’s start with Jayson Tatum, whose rating puts him among the best players in the game…

Jayson Tatum: 93 overall

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Miami Heat during the second quarter in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

In last year’s game, Tatum had a 90 overall and was the 14th-best player in the game. This year, he gets the bump up to a 93. That ties him with Ja Morant of the Grizzlies and Jimmy Butler of the Heat for the ninth-best rating in the game. He’s just behind Kawhi Leonard (94) and ahead of Devin Booker (91).

According to the game, Tatum’s best skills include his offensive consistency, hands, and stamina, which are all rated at a 95. His best overall skill set according to the game is his outside shooting, which is collectively rated as an 85. He has a 96 potential.

Jaylen Brown: 87 overall

Jan 15, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) controls the ball while Chicago Bulls forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Despite his performance last season, Brown only saw his rating increase by a single point, from 86 in last year’s game to 87 this year. Brown is tied with Zion Williamson of the Pelicans, LaMelo Ball of the Hornets, Bam Adebayo of the Heat, and Darius Garland of the Cavaliers as the 24th-best players in the game. He’s just behind a group that includes Paul George, Zach LaVine, and Donovan Mitchell, and ahead of Anthony Edwards, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday.

Brown’s best individual traits are his stamina and hustle, which are rated at a 95. His layup, mid-range shot, and offensive consistency all received 90 ratings. His best overall skill sets are his outside scoring and athleticism, which both scored an 83.

Robert Williams: 85 overall

Robert Williams got a similar bump to Jayson Tatum, going from an 82 rating to an 85. He’s tied with Jarrett Allen of the Cavaliers as the eighth-best center in the game.

Williams’ best trait is his 95 close shot rating, followed by a 91 block rating. A handful of his traits rate right at 90 including shot IQ, standing dunk, offensive rebounding, and hustle.

Other key players

Dec 4, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) steals the ball away from Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) during the first half at Moda Center. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Malcolm Brogdon: 83
Al Horford: 82
Marcus Smart: 82

These three players give the Celtics six with a rating in the 80s or better. Brogdon received the same rating he did last year, while Horford saw his rating increase by two points and Smart got a three point bump.

So far, these six players are the only ones to have their ratings revealed this season. Younger players like Payton Pritchard (77 last year) and Grant Williams (75) will have their rating revealed when the game drops on Friday. As for players on other teams who have already had their ratings released, you can find those here.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.