The NBA 2K League’s remote play system has brought the league plenty of excitement in its first two weeks, with some teams taking to the system quickly and others struggling in their first matchups. The hot takes have started to fly, so you know what that means: power rankings. In an attempt to make everyone angry sort through what should be a competitive season, we’ll be ranking each team based on a number of factors: results, quality of play, strength of schedule and so on. Results aren’t everything, otherwise we’d just copy and paste the league standings into here.
23. Lakers Gaming (0-7)
Last Week: 21
The fourth quarter has been a nightmare for Lakers Gaming. Los Angeles went 0-4 in the final quarter of their games against Pistons GT and Grizz Gaming, and finished with a -51 point differential.
22. 76ers Gaming (0-6)
Last Week: 22
Philadelphia has an opportunity to spin the narrative and come out of the bye week a different team. Wins against Hawks Talon GC and Magic Gaming could have analysts referring them as the “Pre-Bye” and “Post-Bye” 76ers
21. Grizz Gaming (1-4)
Last Week: 20
In last week’s power rankings, we guessed that Goofy would step up his game, and he did just that, averaging a triple double against Lakers Gaming. Grizz Gaming have a pair of winnable games next in week five.
20. Heat Check Gaming (1-4)
Last Week: 19
Miami caught fire when it last played, but a postponed game temporarily stopped their momentum in week four. A win against an inexperienced Nets GC should boost Miami’s confidence, considering Brooklyn was fairly competitive against Mavs Gaming.
19. Pistons GT (1-3)
Last Week: 18
A breathtaking rally resulted in Detroit’s first win of the season, but that success was short lived after the team dropped two straight games to Pacers Gaming. The Pistons need better production from their backcourt, especially against stronger defensive teams.
18. Nets GC (0-1)
Last Week: N/A
The Nets made their season three debut with a team consisting of rookies, an undrafted free agent, players playing out of position, and little practice time. Nonetheless, however, they held their own against a top ranked team.
17. Magic Gaming (1-3)
Last Week: 11
Things did not go well for Orlando last week, dropping a winnable game against inconsistent Cavs Legion for their third consecutive loss. With DT leaving, for the time being, for personal reasons, the Magic will now also have to figure out how to replace his valuable contributions.
16. CLTX Gaming (0-2)
Last Week: 17
While the Celtics are slowly putting it together, it wasn’t enough to overcome a red-hot Washington team. Fab had an improved shooting night, but unless Boston can find consistent scoring elsewhere, he will once again need to further elevate his game.
15. Pacers Gaming (3-3)
Last Week: 16
Pacers Gaming now have convincing wins over a group of lower ranked teams (combined wins: 2) but have yet to secure a quality series victory against teams above .500. It will be interesting to see if they continue to use double locks after their bye week.
14. Cavs Legion (2-4)
Last Week: 15
Cavs Legion found a solution for their point guard woes in Strainer. Meanwhile, oLarry is off to a great start to season three at the center position. When All Hail Trey gets hot, Cleveland is scary. There’s time to figure it out, but for the moment, they continue to treadmill.
13. Bucks Gaming (2-4)
Last Week: 12
It was a rough week for Bucks Gaming and its reputation within the 2K community. Milwaukee fought valiantly in games two and three against the Blazer5, but was roundly panned for its controversial decision to hold the ball during Mama’s record-setting game one.
12. Knicks Gaming (3-4)
Last Week: 14
After being swept by Hornets Venom GT, the Knicks had and impressive showing against Portland and secured a confidence-boosting win over Cavs Legion. If this team can get over its game one struggles and Malik continues his hot shooting, then New York could take the next step.
11. Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai (3-3)
Last Week: 13
Despite dropping its series against T-Wolves Gaming, Gen.G taking the reigning champions to overtime could prove to be a defining moment in its first season. With Gen emerging as an offensive threat, he and fellow rookie ShiftyKaii—himself second in the league in scoring—form a dangerous duo.
10. Jazz Gaming (2-1)
Last Week: 10
What exactly should anyone expect from Jazz Gaming? Are they the team that scored 7 points in a half? Or the team that confidently knocked off Blazer5 Gaming? Splashy has been fearless as a rookie and is the perfect point guard next to former No. 1 pick Ria.
9. Kings Guard Gaming (4-2)
Last Week: 9
After a pair of dramatic wins, Kings Guard has captivated viewers over the last two weeks. They ranked elite defensively according to our fourth quarter stat, but this time it was on full display in the opening frame, not surrendering a field goal until just 10 seconds remained.
8. Hornets Venom GT (4-2)
Last Week: 7
It is easy to dismiss what Charlotte has accomplished after its first six games, but its list of accomplishments is impressive, let alone for an expansion team. They’ll take a week off to enjoy their 4-2 record before taking on Celtics Crossover in week six.
7. Mavs Gaming (5-2)
Last Week: 5
After a perfect start to the season, Dallas has slowed down over its last few games. While they are still one of the few teams that truly distribute its shot attempts, the Mavs offense has sputtered at pivotal moments.
6. Hawks Talon GC (3-2)
Last Week: 4
Coach Wes Acuff declared that the team needed to work on maintaining their high level of play through four quarters after dropping a close series to the Raptors. Coming off a bye week, a win against 76ers GC and Warriors Gaming would catapult them up everyone’s rankings.
5. Blazer5 Gaming (4-1)
Last Week: 6
Portland finally matched up with a team in ranked in our top ten and was subsequently handed its first loss on the season. We can’t deny Blazer5’s historical success, but that hasn’t meant much this season for teams like 76ers GC. It doesn’t get any easier this week with Kings Guard and Warriors Gaming Squad.
4. T-Wolves Gaming (5-1)
Last Week: 8
Despite being pushed by Gen.G, the defending champions enter their bye week winners of five in a row. Big Saint, selected No. 22 in the 2020 draft, has fit perfectly within the team’s system. Minnesota will return from the bye to take on Grizz Gaming and Pacers Gaming.
3. Wizards District Gaming (5-1)
Last Week: 6
While it may be a while before the Wizards may get another crack at Toronto, Washington has reeled off five straight convincing wins. JBM and Dayfri pair up as a top duo, but one of Just Awkward, ReeseDaGod, and Newdini is also prone to pop off at any given moment.
2. Warriors Gaming Squad (5-0)
Last Week: 2
As one of two undefeated teams remaining, Warriors Gaming Squad has quietly kept pace with the Raptors. If Golden State remains perfect after week five opponents Hawks Talon and Blazer5, we may have to begin questioning if they’ll lose again.
1. Raptors Uprising GC (6-0)
Last Week: 1
For a week, the league was spared from having to deal with the boys up North. The Raptors are dangerous at every position, and Kenny will look to pick up where he left off as the early MVP favorite. Up next is a matchup against an inexperienced but gritty Nets GC.
