NBA 2K13's opening night rosters: the worst ever?

After combing through NBA 2K13's opening night roster, I have to say that I'm extremely disappointed in the efforts of "The 2K Insider", as this is the sloppiest roster 2K Sports have released in quite some time.

NBA 2K13 was released with an incomplete Dwight Howard trade, and now for the season opener we have an incomplete James Harden trade.

The Knicks are still missing four players, two of whom used to be in a 2K game (James White and Rasheed Wallace).  We can get Chris Douglas-Roberts re-added to the FA pool, but not guys who are actually on teams?

2K deserves to be ROASTED for this as there are no shortage of fan made rosters with better attention to detail.  It's one thing to have missing players due to legal reasons.  It's another to have players mish-mashed all over the place and to not pay attention to simple transaction details.  I have been doing this since NBA Live 95, and I assure you, IT IS NOT HARD.  This is not the pre-internet age. This is all readily and easily accessible information.  2K simply refuses to put any type of effort into this, and I think the cold hard reality is that they will NEVER "get it."  Which is disappointing, because EA Sports and NBA Live NEVER had these problems.  They won't be a train wreck forever, which is more than we can say for 2K Sports' rosters.

PLAYERS ON WRONG TEAMS
Jordan Williams (PF) - Hawks (should be Free Agent)
Quentin Richardson (SF) - Magic (should be Free Agent)
Donte Greene (SF) - Nets (should be Free Agent)
Shaun Livingston (SG) - Rockets (should be Free Agent)
Daequan Cook (SG) - Thunder (should be Rockets)
Lazar Hayward (SF) - Thunder (should be Free Agent)
Cole Aldrich (C) - Thunder (should be Rockets)
Shawne Williams (SF) - Trail Blazers (should be Free Agent)
E'Twaun Moore (SG) - Free Agent (should be Magic)
DeAndre Liggins (SG) - Free Agent (should be Thunder)
Sam Young (SF) - Free Agent (should be Pacers)
Dominic McGuire (SF) Free Agent (should be Raptors)
Damien Wilkins (SF) Free Agent (should be 76ers)
DeMarre Carroll (SF) Free Agent (should be Jazz)
Sasha Pavlovic (SF) Free Agent (should be Trail Blazers)
Jon Leuer (PF) Free Agent (should be Cavaliers)
Eddy Curry (C) - Free Agent (should be Mavericks)
Earl Barron (C) - Free Agent (should be Wizards)
TOTAL: 18

MISSING PLAYERS
Maalik Waayns (PG) - 76ers
Cory Higgins (PG) - Bobcats
Donald Sloan (PG) - Cavaliers
Terrel Harris (SG) - Heat
Brian Roberts (PG) - Hornets
Lance Thomas (SF) - Hornets
Pablo Prigioni (PG) - Knicks
James White (SF) - Knicks
Chris Copeland (PF) - Knicks
Rasheed Wallace (C) - Knicks
Darius Johnson-Odom (SG) - Lakers
Robert Sacre (C) - Lakers
DeQuan Jones (SG) - Magic
Mirza Teletovic (PF) - Nets
Julyan Stone (PG) - Nuggets
Ben Hansbrough (SG) - Pacers
Kyle Singler (SF) - Pistons
Slava Kravstov (C) - Pistons
Alan Anderson (SF) - Raptors
Scott Machado (PG) - Rockets
Greg Smith (C) - Rockets
Nando De Colo (SG) - Spurs
Diante Garrett (SG) - Suns
P.J. Tucker (SF) - Suns
Luke Zeller (C) - Suns
Will Conroy (PG) - Timberwolves
Alexey Shved (SG) - Timberwolves
Victor Claver (SF) - Trail Blazers
Joel Freeland (PF) - Trail Blazers
Kent Bazemore (SG) - Warriors
TOTAL: 30

OVERRATED PLAYERS
78 - Evan Turner (SF) - 76ers
77 - Ben Gordon (SG) - Bobcats
86 - Monta Ellis (SG) - Bucks
66 - Luke Waltson (SF) - Cavaliers
70 - DeShawn Stevenson (SG) - Hawks
68 - Roger Mason (SG) - Hornets
78 - Mo Williams (PG) - Jazz
71 - Raja Bell (SG) - Jazz
78 - Aaron Brooks (PG) - Kings
72 - John Salmons (SF) - Kings
80 - Jason Kidd (PG) - Knicks
89 - Carmelo Anthony (SF) - Knicks
83 - Amare Stoudemire (PF) - Knicks
93 - Kobe Bryant (SG) - Lakers
71 - Ishmael Smith (PG) - Magic
79 - Arron Affalo (SG) - Magic
70 - Quentin Richardson (SF) - Magic
80 - Vince Carter (SF) - Mavericks
70 - Keith Bogans (SG) - Nets
68 - Jerry Stackhouse (SG) - Nets
81 - Gerald Wallace (SF) - Nets
74 - Andray Blatche (PF) - Nets
80 - Brook Lopez (C) - Nets
72 - Toney Douglas (PG) - Rockets
73 - Kendrick Perkins (C) - Thunder
80 - Brandon Roy (SG) - Timberwolves
77 - Gilbert Arenas (PG) - Free Agent
76 - Terrence Williams (SF) - Free Agent
74 - Jonny Flynn (PG) - Free Agent
70 - Derek Fisher (PG) - Free Agent
73 - Michael Redd (SG) - Free Agent
71 - Kelenna Azubuike (SG) - Free Agent
65 - Charlie Bell (SG) - Free Agent
76 - Kenyon Martin (PF) - Free Agent
72 - Maurice Evans (SF) - Free Agent
70 - Damion James (SF) - Free Agent
70 - Joey Graham (SF) - Free Agent
69 - Mehmet Okur (C) - Free Agent

UNDERRATED PLAYERS
74 - Thaddeus Young (PF) - 76ers
60 - Kwame Brown (C) - 76ers
62 - Byron Mullens (C) - Bobcats
73 - Anderson Varejao (C) - Cavaliers
51 - Vladimir Radmanovic (PF) - Bulls
49 - Hamed Haddadi (C) - Grizzlies
63 - Kyle Korver (SG) - Hawks
60 - Anthony Tolliver (PF) - Hawks
63 - Zaza Pachulia (C) - Hawks
70 - Grevis Vasquez (PG) - Hornets
69 - Ryan Anderson (PF) - Hornets
65 - Hakim Warrick (PF) - Hornets
61 - Jason Smith (PF) - Hornets
65 - Robin Lopez (C) - Hornets
66 - Marvin Williams (SF) - Jazz
56 - Jeremy Evans (PF) - Jazz
75 - Isaiah Thomas (PG) - Kings
66 - James Johnson (SF) - Kings
70 - Jason Thompson (PF) - Kings
53 - Steve Novak (SF) - Knicks
77 - Tyson Chandler (C) - Knicks
61 - Nikola Vucevic (C) - Magic
75 - Kris Humphries (PF) - Nets
72 - Danilo Gallinari (SF) - Nuggets
57 - Kosta Koufos (C) - Nuggets
59 - Andre Drummond (C) - Pistons
63 - John Lucas (PG) - Raptors
64 - Linas Kleiza (SF) - Raptors
59 - Jonas Valanciunas (C) - Raptors
81 - James Harden (SG) - Rockets
59 - Terrence Jones (PF) - Rockets
77 - Goran Dragic (PG) - Suns
65 - Boris Diaw (PF) - Spurs
64 - Tiago Splitter (PF) - Spurs
51 - Matt Bonner (C) - Spurs
65 - Nick Collison (PF) - Thunder
59 - Luke Babbitt (SF) - Trail Blazers
59 - Meyers Leonard (C) - Trail Blazers
52 - Festus Ezeli (C) - Warriors
55 - A.J. Price (PG) - Wizards
67 - Trevor Booker (PF) - Wizards

INCORRECT POSITIONS
PG Royal Ivey (should be SG)
PF Bismack Biyombo (should be C)
C Byron Mullens (should be PF)
PF Drew Gooden (should be C)
PG Daniel Gibson (should be SG)
SF Luke Walton (should be PF)
PF Samardo Samuels (should be C)
PF Kevin Garnett (should be C)
SG DeShawn Stevenson (should be SF)
SG Kyle Korver (should be SF)
SF LeBron James (should be PF)
SF Rashard Lewis (should be PF)
PF Chris Bosh (should be C)
PG Austin Rivers (should be SG)
PF Jason Smith (should be C)
C Anthony Davis (should be PF)
SG Gordan Hayward (should be SF)
PF Chuck Hayes (should be C)
SF Earl Clark (should be PF)
PF Gustavo Ayon (should be C)
PF Brandan Wright (should be C)
SG Jerry Stackhouse (should be SF)
PF Andray Blatche (should be C)
SG Gerald Green (should be SF)
SG Landry Fields (should be SF)
PF Donatas Montiejunas (should be C)
PF Tiago Splitter (should be C)
C Matt Bonner (should be PF)
SG Wesley Johnson (should be SF)
SF Jared Dudley (should be SG)
SF Dante Cunningham (should be PF)
PF Lou Amundson (should be C)
PF J.J. Hickson (should be C)
PF Jared Jeffries (should be C)
PF Jeremy Tyler (should be C)
SF Jan Vesley (should be PF)
PF Kevin Seraphin (should be C)
C Nene (should be PF)

INCORRECT LINEUPS
Hornets: Vasquez-Gordon-Aminu-Anderson-Davis (should be Vasquez-Gordon-Aminu-Davis-Lopez)
Kings: Brooks-Thornton-Evans-Thompson-Cousins (should be Thomas-Evans-Johnson-Thompson-Cousins)
Knicks: Felton-Brewer-Novak-Anthony-Chandler (should be Felton-Brewer-Anthony-Thomas-Chandler)
Nuggets: Lawson-Iguodala-Gallinari-Faried-Mozgov (should be Lawson-Iguodala-Gallinari-Faried-Koufos)
Raptors: Lowry-DeRozan-Fields-Bargnani-Gray (should be Lowry-DeRozan-Fields-Bargnani-Valanciunas)
Wizards: Price-Crawford-Ariza-Nene-Okafor (should be Price-Beal-Ariza-Nene-Okafor)

Official NBA 2K13 Ratings

These are the default player ratings for all NBA players in NBA 2K13.  As usual, 2K has spent the summer not doing much of anything.

POINT GUARDS

94 - Chris Paul
93 - Russell Westbrook - Better than Derrick Rose. At what, exactly?

92 - Derrick Rose
90 - Deron Williams

90 - Rajon Rondo - A bit high for a guy who lead Pierce/KG/Allen to 4th worst offense)

87 - Steve Nash
86 - Tony Parker
83 - Kyrie Irving
83 - Kyle Lowry
83 - John Wall
82 - Stephen Curry
82 - Ty Lawson
82 - Chauncey Billups
82 - Jrue Holiday
80 - Jason Kidd
80 - Brandon Jennings
80 - Michael Conley
79 - Jarrett Jack
78 - Ricky Rubio
78 - Mo Williams
78 - Kemba Walker
77 - Jeremy Lin - LOLOLOLOL worse than KEMBA WALKER LOLOLOLOLOL
77 - Goran Dragic
77 - Darren Collison
77 - Nate Robinson
77 - Aaron Brooks
77 - Gilbert Arenas - He's a free agent for a reason, and the guns ain't it.
76 - Devin Harris
76 - Ramon Sessions
76 - Delonte West
75 - Isaiah Thomas - Worse than Aaron Brooks? Oh boy.
75 - Jeff Teague
75 - Mario Chalmers
75 - Jameer Nelson
75 - Jose Calderon
75 - Andre Miller
74 - D.J. Augustin
74 - Kirk Hinrich
74 - George Hill
74 - Raymond Felton
74 - Baron Davis
74 - Jonny Flynn - Signed w/ the Pistons, rated higher than Brandan Knight. Can't make this stuff up.
73 - Brandon Knight
72 - Luke Ridnour
72 - Rodrigue Beaubois
72 - Toney Douglas - Within 5 points of Jeremy Lin.  LOL.
70 - Damian Lillard - Rated lower than Toney Douglas.
70 - Jerryd Bayless
70 - Greivis Vasquez
70 - Will Bynum
70 - Ishmael Smith
69 - Chris Duhon - On the Magic roster... while Christian Eyenga is still on the Lakers.
69 - C.J. Watson
68 - Beno Udrih
68 - Keyon Dooling
68 - Jamaal Tinsley
68 - Steve Blake
68 - Patrick Mills
68 - J.J. Barea - Find me one man who thinks Barea's on the level of Steve Blake and co.
68 - Eric Maynor
67 - Reggie Jackson
67 - Norris Cole
67 - Austin Rivers
67 - Sebastian Telfair
67 - Nolan Smith
66 - Eric Bledsoe
66 - Earl Watson
66 - Darius Morris - I can't.
65 - Jimmer Fredette
65 - Kendall Marshall
65 - Ronnie Price
64 - John Lucas
64 - Shelvin Mack
62 - Tony Wroten
62 - Andrew Goudelock
62 - Cory Joseph
62 - Charles Jenkins
60 - Daniel Gibson - Worse than Goudelock and Joseph who aspire to be the next Gibson.
60 - Jeremy Pargo
59 - Josh Selby
54 - Royal Ivey
54 - A.J. Price - How many years has it been? 2K still doesn't know he can play?

SHOOTING GUARDS

93 - Dwyane Wade
93 - Kobe Bryant - Maybe three years ago. Tied w/ Wade? LOL.
87 - Manu Ginobili

86 - Monta Ellis - 0x All-Star & All-NBA, stat padder on awful high-tempo teams, yet top 25 in NBA?
85 - Joe Johnson

85 - Eric Gordon
81 - James Harden - 5 points lower than Monta Ellis?  Sad.
81 - Kevin Martin
81 - Tyreke Evans
80 - Rodney Stuckey
80 - Iman Shumpert - This is just awkward.
80 - Brandon Roy - See above.
79 - Ray Allen
79 - Louis Williams
79 - Arron Afflalo
79 - Avery Bradley
79 - Vince Carter
78 - Paul George
78 - Jamal Crawford
77 - Jason Terry - Worse than Vince Carter? Tell that to Mavs fans.
77 - Wesley Matthews
77 - O.J. Mayo
77 - Shannon Brown - As good as Jason Terry? Tell that to Suns fans.
75 - Marcus Thornton
75 - DeMar DeRozan
75 - J.R. Smith
75 - Ben Gordon - I guess 2K are the only ones that don't know Ben Gordon sucks now.
75 - Leandro Barbosa
75 - Jordan Crawford
75 - Bradley Beal
75 - Evan Turner
74 - Jason Richardson
74 - Tony Allen
74 - Ronnie Brewer
73 - Marshon Brooks
73 - Richard Hamilton
73 - Dahntay Jones
72 - Courtney Lee
72 - Nick Young
72 - Gerald Henderson
72 - Klay Thompson
71 - Brandon Rush

71 - Dion Waiters
71 - Raja Bell
71 - Alec Burks
71 - Randy Foye
71 - Jeremy Lamb
71 - Terrence Ross
71 - Landry Fields
71 - Daniel Green
70 - J.J. Redick
70 - Wesley Johnson
70 - DeShawn Stevenson - LMAO this is why I'm still around after 11 years.
70 - Keith Bogans - See above.
69 - Thabo Sefolosha - See above.
68 - Gordon Hayward - Starts at SF, listed at SG where he is behind 3 other players. Makes sense.
68 - Willie Green
68 - Jodie Meeks
68 - Corey Brewer

67 - Roger Mason
67 - Xavier Henry
67 - Jerry Stackhouse - LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
66 - Anthony Morrow
66 - Marco Belinelli
66 - Jared Cunningham
65 - Malcolm Lee
65 - Elliot Williams
65 - Mike Dunleavy - You think 2K would figure out his position after how many years?
64 - Wayne Ellington
63 - Travis Leslie

63 - Kyle Korver - Pathetic.
62 - Daequan Cook
61 - John Jenkins
61 - Dominique Jones
58 - Evan Fournier
58 - Lance Stephenson

58 - Matt Carroll

SMALL FORWARDS
98 - LeBron James

94 - Kevin Durant

92 - Carmelo Anthony - Ludicrous that he continues to be rated this high.

87 - Andre Iguodala
87 - Rudy Gay

84 - Danny Granger
83 - Luol Deng - Better than Paul Pierce? LOL
82 - Paul Pierce
81 - Gerald Wallace
81 - Caron Butler - One point behind Paul Pierce?  Butler was AWFUL last year.
80 - Wilson Chandler
79 - Shawn Marion
79 - Nicolas Batum
79 - Michael Beasley
78 - Stephen Jackson
78 - Jeff Green

77 - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

77 - Grant Hill
76 - Trevor Ariza
76 - Kawhi Leonard - Worse than Stephen Jackson? 2K wit dat name recognition.
76 - Terrence Williams - Wow.
75 - Tayshaun Prince

75 - Jared Dudley
75 - Shane Battier
75 - Gerald Green

75 - Harrison Barnes
74 - Andrei Kirilenko
74 - Chandler Parsons
74 - Corey Maggette
74 - Richard Jefferson
73 - Hedo Turkoglu
73 - Matt Barnes
73 - John Salmons
72 - Dorell Wright
71 - Danilo Gallinari - Another terrible 2K rating.  Who takes Gerald Green over Gallo?
71 - Metta World Peace
71 - Al-Farouq Aminu
70 - Chase Budinger
69 - C.J. Miles
69 - Rashard Lewis
69 - Mike Miller
69 - Quentin Richardson
69 - Martell Webster
69 - Chris Singleton
68 - Luc Mbah a Moute
68 - Francisco Garcia
68 - Carlos Delfino
67 - Gary Forbes
67 - Travis Outlaw
67 - Jimmy Butler
67 - Tobias Harris
67 - Cartier Martin - Seriously.
66 - Maurice Harkless
66 - Reggie Williams
66 - Luke Walton - You've gotta be kidding me.
65 - Marvin Williams - Worse than Luke Walton. You heard it here first folks.
65 - Jeff Taylor
65 - Tyler Honeycutt
65 - James Johnson - Will probably start, yet 4th on the depth chart.
65 - Devin Ebanks
65 - Jordan Hamilton
64 - Omri Casspi - Behind Walton on the depth chart? Only in 2K's universe.
63 - Linas Kleiza - Just won't let the Walton comps die.
63 - Austin Daye
63 - Donte Greene
60 - Quincy Pondexter
60 - Lazar Hayward
60 - Jan Vesely
59 - Dante Cunningham
59 - Luke Babbitt
59 - Shawne Williams
58 - James Jones
57 - Christian Eyenga
53 - Steve Novak - Kill yourselves, 2K Sports.

POWER FORWARDS

89 - Kevin Love
87 - Pau Gasol
87 - Josh Smith

86 - Blake Griffin
86 - LaMarcus Aldridge
85 - Dirk Nowitzki
84 - Kevin Garnett
84 - Zach Randolph

84 - Amare Stoudemire
83 - Paul Millsap
82 - Chris Bosh
82 - David Lee
80 - Serge Ibaka
79 - Luis Scola

78 - Carlos Boozer - Worse than Scola? LOL?
77 - Elton Brand
77 - Taj Gibson
77 - Antawn Jamison
76 - Kenneth Faried
76 - Kenyon Martin - Top 20 PF? That explains why he has a contract! Oh wait.
75 - Ersan Ilyasova - Worse than Antawn Jamison?
75 - Andrea Bargnani - See above.
75 - David West - See above.
75 - Thaddeus Young

75 - Thomas Robinson
75 - Carl Landry
74 - Kris Humphries - Double/double machine worse than rookie Thomas Robinson?
74 - Derrick Favors
74 - J.J. Hickson
73 - Patrick Patterson
73 - Chuck Hayes
72 - Tyrus Thomas
72 - DaJuan Blair
71 - Brandon Bass
71 - Lamar Odom
71 - Al Harrington
71 - Anthony Randolph
71 - Tyler Hansbrough
71 - Jason Maxiell
70 - Mareese Speights
70 - Darrell Arthur
70 - Udonis Haslem
70 - Jason Thompson
70 - JaJuan Johnson
70 - Epke Udoh - Better than Drew Gooden?  Gooden started all of last year!
69 - Drew Gooden
69 - Ryan Anderson - Good to see 2K still has no idea how to rate power forwards!
69 - Jared Sullinger
69 - Andrew Nicholson
69 - Derrick Williams
69 - Markieff Morris
68 - Ivan Johnson
68 - Tristan Thompson
68 - Charlie Villanueva
68 - Royce White
67 - Ed Davis
67 - Trevor Booker
67 - Channing Frye - Worse than his backup, Markieff Morris.
66 - Jonas Jerebko
66 - Chris Wilcox
66 - Boris Diaw
65 - Tiago Splitter
65 - Hakim Warrick
65 - Larry Sanders
65 - Nick Collison
64 - Gustavo Ayon
64 - Josh McRoberts
63 - Reggie Evans
63 - Marcus Morris
62 - Bismack Biyombo
62 - Lavoy Allen
62 - John Henson
62 - Samardo Samuels
62 - Trey Thompkins
61 - Arnett Moultrie
61 - Jason Smith
61 - Jeff Pendergraph
61 - Jeremy Tyler
60 - Perry Jones
59 - Terrence Jones
58 - Donatas Motiejunas
58 - Jordan Williams
56 - Jeremy Evans
54 - Luke Harangody
53 - Justin Harper
53 - Jon Brockman
51 - Vladimir Radmanovic

CENTERS
96 - Dwight Howard
87 - Tim Duncan - Finally listed at center where he belongs.

86 - Andrew Bynum
84 - Al Jefferson
83 - Marc Gasol
83 - Joakim Noah
82 - Al Horford
82 - DeMarcus Cousins
80 - Brook Lopez
80 - Greg Monroe
80 - Marcin Gortat
79 - Roy Hibbert
79 - Andrew Bogut
79 - Anthony Davis
79 - Nene
78 - Emeka Okafor
77 - Tyson Chandler - This rating is unspeakably bad. Shumpert and Kidd w/ 80s for christ's sake.
76 - Nikola Pekovic
76 - Chris Kaman
74 - Javale McGee
74 - Samuel Dalembert
73 - Anderson Varejao
73 - DeAndre Jordan
73 - Marcus Camby
72 - Kendrick Perkins
71 - Ian Mahinmi
70 - Spencer Hawes
70 - Jordan Hill
70 - Jermaine O'Neal
69 - Amir Johnson
67 - Brendan Haywood
67 - Omer Asik
66 - Tyler Zeller
65 - Enes Kanter
64 - Robin Lopez
64 - Kurt Thomas
63 - Zaza Pachulia
63 - Ronny Turiaf
62 - Byron Mullens
62 - Timofey Mozgov
61 - Joel Przybilla
61 - Nazr Mohammed
61 - Andris Biedrins
60 - Nikola Pekovic
60 - Kwame Brown - Shafted once again. He is decent.
60 - Greg Stiemsma
59 - Andre Drummond
59 - Jonas Valanciunas
59 - Meyers Leonard
59 - Cole Aldrich
58 - Aaron Gray
58 - Joel Anthony
58 - Daniel Orton
57 - Kosta Koufos
57 - Dan Gadzuric
55 - Miles Plumlee
54 - Jordan Petro
54 - Ryan Hollins
54 - Hasheem Thabeet
53 - Dexter Pittman
52 - Festus Ezeli
51 - Matt Bonner - 2K finally listsw Duncan at center, naturally leaves Bonner there (Splitter's the backup)
51 - Fab Melo
49 - Jason Collins
49 - Hamed Haddadi

TEAM RATINGS
83 76ers (87 Def, 79 Off)
68 Bobcats (66 Def, 60 Off)
76 Bucks (78 Def, 60 Off)
88 Bulls (93 Def, 80 Off)
70 Cavaliers (73 Def, 61 Off)
86 Celtics (90 Def, 85 Off)
85 Clippers (80 Def, 86 Off)
85 Grizzlies (73 Def, 84 Off)
80 Hawks (71 Def, 93 Off)
89 Heat (98 Def, 88 Off)
75 Hornets (76 Def, 66 Off)
77 Jazz (64 Def, 80 Off)
77 Kings (65 Def, 75 Off)
84 Knicks (90 Def, 76 Off)
90 Lakers (88 Def, 99 Off)
68 Magic (65 Def, 70 Off)
86 Mavericks (85 Def, 85 Off)
83 Nets (85 Def, 65 Off)
84 Nuggets (68 Def, 99 Off)
85 Pacers (89 Def, 81 Off)
76 Pistons (60 Def, 89 Off)
72 Raptors (72 Def, 60 Off)
73 Rockets (68 Def, 67 Off)
86 Spurs (82 Def, 99 Off)
81 Suns (69 Def, 93 Off)
88 Thunder (90 Def, 90 Off)
81 Timberwolves (68 Def, 95 Off)
75 Trail Blazers (72 Def, 68 Off)
83 Warriors (71 Def, 96 Off)
75 Wizards (66 Def, 60 Off)

97 Celeb Team (99 Def, 99 Off)
99 Dream Team (99 Def, 99 Off)
99 Team USA (99 Def, 99 Off)
93 Celtics [64-65] (98 Def, 86 Off)
85 Lakers [64-65] (82 Def, 84 Off)
77 Bucks [70-71] (77 Def, 72 Off)
86 Lakers [70-71] (83 Def, 88 Off)
79 Hawks [70-71] (75 Def, 79 Off)
86 Lakers [71-72] (82 Def, 90 Off)
86 Knicks [71-72] (83 Def, 85 Off)
84 76ers [76-77] (81 Def, 84 Off)
75 76ers [84-85] (78 Def, 70 Off)
82 Bucks [84-85] (83 Def, 82 Off)
75 Bulls [85-86] (74 Def, 73 Off)
90 Celtics [85-86] (84 Def, 86 Off)
77 Hawks [85-86] (78 Def, 71 Off)
84 Lakers [86-87] (82 Def, 82 Off)
87 Pistons [88-89] (84 Def, 92 Off)
83 Bulls [88-89] (79 Def, 86 Off)
82 Cavaliers [89-90] (77 Def, 88 Off)
86 Bulls [90-91] (83 Def, 87 Off)
86 Lakers [90-91] (83 Def, 87 Off)
84 Trail Blazers [90-91] (80 Def, 88 Off)
82 Warriors [90-91] (81 Def, 82 Off)
85 Bulls [92-93] (83 Def, 84 Off)
83 Hornets [92-93] (80 Def, 86 Off)
85 Rockets [93-94] (83 Def, 87 Off)
80 Nuggets [93-94] (80 Def, 77 Off)
85 Knicks [94-95] (83 Def, 86 Off)
86 Magic [94-95] (83 Def, 86 Off)
87 Bulls [95-96] (88 Def, 86 Off)
83 Supersonics [95-96] (87 Def, 79 Off)
86 Bulls [97-98] (87 Def, 86 Off)
76 Jazz [97-98] (75 Def, 74 Off)
83 Lakers [97-98] (84 Def, 82 Off)
83 Spurs [97-98] (82 Def, 84 Off)
75 76ers (78 Def, 68 Off)
81 Kings [01-02] (79 Def, 79 Off)

NBA 2K12 Point Guard Ratings (Final)

These are my final 2K12 ratings for all 78 NBA point guards currently in the league.  They can be found in my XBox 360 roster file found on 2K Share (search via Gamer Tag "Real 2K Insider")

If a player is not listed, it's because I have them listed at shooting guard (or they are a free agent).  Free agents will be added as they sign (I am only expecting 1-2 more based on available roster spots in the NBA).

If you weren't aware, all my ratings are compiled using stats/video/scouting reports predominantly from Basketball-Reference, MySynergySports, 82games, and DraftExpress.

The average starting PG = 77 Overall

Rating Flaws

As I've covered in the past, 2K's formula's for overall rating are far from perfect and here's the list of flaws I've got

Defensive Awareness counts way too heavily into a PG's rating.  There are very few PGs who have a high level of defensive impact. In the case of a player like Kyrie Irving who posted better offensive numbers than some of the players rated higher, his defense measures extremely poor.

Athleticism ratings, specificially Speed and Quickness increase a player too much.  Super athletes like Nate Robinson, Will Bynum, etc will rate well compared to slow-footed players like Jason Kidd and Andre Miller who can't guard quick PGs, but have the strength required to guard SGs.  2K's formula doesn't factor in that kind of versatility.

Mediocre 3pt shooters end up penalized, while at the same time 3pt Specialists like Steve Blake, Daniel Gibson, Derek Fisher, etc end up getting penalized even harder for their lack of passing ability.

Bear in mind that all ratings will change as the 2012-13 season progresses.  Young players generally improve, older players generally regress, players gain/lose opportunities due to injuries, while the added variable of the post-lockout improvement for a number of players who weren't ready for the shortened 2012 season may end up being a factor (Knicks fans and Raymond Felton can only hope).

INJ = Injured, w/ estimated return date.

NGC = Non-Guaranteed Contract (could be cut during training camp)

R = Rookie

SUPERSTARS

94 - Chris Paul

92 - Derrick Rose (INJ - ETA March 2013)

PERENNIAL ALL-STARS

86 - Russell Westbrook

86 - Rajon Rondo

ALL-STAR CALIBER

84 - Steve Nash

83 - Deron Williams

82 - Tony Parker

82 - Brandon Jennings

81 - Jeremy Lin

81 - Ty Lawson

80 - Louis Williams

QUALITY STARTERS & ELITE SIXTH MEN

79 - Kyrie Irving

79 - Kyle Lowry

78 - Stephen Curry

78 - Michael Conley

77 - Isaiah Thomas

77 - Goran Dragic

77 - John Wall

77 - Jrue Holiday

76 - Nate Robinson

76 - Jarrett Jack

STARTING CALIBER & QUALITY RESERVE

74 - Jerryd Bayless

74 - George Hill

74 - Darren Collison

73 - Ramon Sessions

73 - Jeff Teague

73 - Kemba Walker

73 - Greivis Vasquez

73 - Raymond Felton

72 - Jose Calderon

72 - Devin Harris

72 - Delonte West

72 - Ricky Rubio

72 - John Lucas

71 - Rodrigue Beaubois

71 - J.J. Barea

71 - Mario Chalmers

71 - D.J. Augustin

71 - Aaron Brooks

71 - Jason Kidd

70 - Andre Miller

70 - Jameer Nelson

70 - Mo Williams

70 - Sebastian Telfair

70 - Eric Bledsoe

70 - Will Bynum

SECOND STRING & QUALITY THIRD STRING 

69 - Luke Ridnour

69 - Beno Udrih

69 - Brandon Knight

68 - C.J. Watson

68 - Damian Lillard (R)

67 - Kirk Hinrich

67 - Eric Maynor

66 - Shelvin Mack

65 - Jimmer Fredette

65 - A.J. Price

65 - Chris Duhon

THIRD STRING

64 - Charles Jenkins

64 - Earl Watson

64 - Jamaal Tinsley

64 - Daniel Gibson (NGC)

64 - Norris Cole

64 - Reggie Jackson

64 - Kendall Marshall (R)

64 - Tyshawn Taylor (R)

63 - Toney Douglas

63 - Pablo Prigioni (R)

63 - Marquis Teague (R)

62 - Nolan Smith

62 - Julyan Stone (NGC)

61 - Jerome Dyson (NGC)

61 - Jeremy Pargo

NBA FRINGE

59 - Courtney Fortson (NGC)

59 - Steve Blake

59 - Darius Morris

58 - Donald Sloan (NGC)

57 - Cory Joseph

57 - Josh Selby

I might consider adding player "Styles" to this post to dress it up a bit and make it a bit more comprehensive.  All-Around, Scoring, Pass First, 3pt Specialist, Defensive, and Athletic are the styles a PG can be given.  TBQH "Pass First" shouldn't even be a style and should really be titled "Floor General". It's an out-dated term that is more derogatory than complimentary nowadays. Chris Paul and Kendall Marshall are both "pass first" players but CP3 averages 20 points because he can actually get his shot off AND make it whereas Marshall or Chris Duhon cannot.  But I digress.

I have not decided which position will be the next I finish off, nor when that release will be.  It primarily depends on the free agent market, as there are still a bunch of players at each position that are unsigned.  The center market is probably the next-closest to being dried up, so don't be surprised to see that next.

NBA 2K12 Contested Shot Tendencies

I was recently asked (by someone important) to dissect Contested Shot Tendencies (herefore known as CS) for a roster.  This is generally a tendency that I leave alone, but it is at least worth finding out whether that's the right thing to do or not.

"Contested Shot" Tendency is the tendency that determines whether a player will "contest" a shot (i.e. attempt a block).  The direct gameplay effect is how aggressive the CPU's defense will be on attempted shots (which has both positive and negative repercussions).

The highest CS tendencies belong to
99: Tyrus Thomas, Larry Sanders, Epke Udoh, Tristan Thompson, JaVale McGee, Serge Ibaka, Hasheem Thabeet
98: Taj Gibson, Derrick Favors, Tim Duncan, Chris Andersen, Darko Milicic, D.J. Mbenga
97: DeAndre Jordan, Andrew Bynum, Andrew Bogut, Jeremy Tyler, Lou Amundson, Dominic McGuire, Hamady N'Diaye
96: Bismack Biyombo, Dwyane Wade, Joel Anthony, Francisco Garcia, Patrick Patterson, Ronny Turiaf
95: Jordan Hill, Dwight Howard, Roy Hibbert, Amir Johnson, Hamed Haddadi, Derrick Caracter
94: Jeremy Evans
93: Samuel Dalembert, Josh Smith, Al Jefferson, Marcus Camby, Amare Stoudemire, Jermaine O'Neal
92: Wilson Chandler
91:
90: DeSagana Diop, Travis Leslie, Tony Allen, Chris Kaman, Kevin Seraphin, Ben Wallace

Only a select few players were not centers or power forwards.  There are no point guards who crack the list.  The SG/SF who do crack the list are known for their shot blocking.  I fully expected this.

Most of these tendencies pass the eye test.  I am not going to nitpick whether Samuel Dalembert deserves 93 when Amir Johnson has 95.  That is just a waste of time to me.  Instead, let's look for players whose tendencies stand out as "bad".

Patrick Patterson (96) and Jordan Hill (95) were the first ones that caught my eye.  Last year, both players were part of the 2011 Houston Rockets that lost center Yao Ming. Patterson posted a respectable 3.0 BLK% as a rookie, while Hill posted 3.2% in his sophomore season.  Neither player's block rating is all that spectacular.  Instead, the tendency signifies their role as weak-side shot blocker with 6'6" Chuck Hayes manning the middle (a role they were not exactly suited for, given their abilities (ratings).

In 2012, the team added Samuel Dalembert, a bonafide shot blocking center.  Patterson's BLK% dropped to 1.8% while Hill's rose to 3.6%.  Patterson got most of his minutes next to the shot blocker, while Hill spent most of his minutes backing up Dalembert (and thus, continuing to act as a rim defender while in the lineup).  It would seem that the prudent thing to do would be to reduce Patterson's CS tendency because his defensive role changed, and isn't nearly as aggressive contesting shots.

As an aside, I would like to reiterate that a high block rate =/= good defense.  Serge Ibaka lead the league in blocks by a large margin, but is one of the league's most overrated defensive players.  Ibaka gets bullied one on one, off the dribble or in the post, which puts him in league with many other "blocks specialists", namely JaVale McGee, Chris "Birdman" Andersen, Darko Milicic, etc.  I.E. all the players who have these absurdly high CS tendencies.

Tyson Chandler on the other hand was Defensive Player of the Year (was runner up in 2011) and only has 60 CST.  Tyson is a great defensive player because he is extremely agile making rotations, a quality post defender, and doesn't just try to block every single shot (consequently, not picking up a ton of fouls either).  Not coincidentally, Tyson Chandler is also an excellent rebounder.  Players who go for lots of blocks have a tendency to not be great rebounders, partly because they are taking themselves out of rebound position when they leap for blocks.

Serge Ibaka
2010: 5.5 BLK%, 21.9 DRB%
2011: 6.5 BLK%, 20.8 DRB%
2012: 9.8 BLK%, 18.2 DRB%

Ibaka's rebound percentage has dropped as his blocks have continued to rise.  Conversely on the other side of the extreme, players like David Lee and Kevin Love are fantastic rebounders who rarely block shots (or even attempt to do so).  It's the players like Dwight Howard who can do BOTH that are truly special (obviously).

With this in mind, I've noticed that NBA 2K12 has a problem with rebounding.  It is too easy to get defensive boards, as offensive players are usually taken out of the play via animation (whereas in real life, it is not uncommon for a player to grab his own miss at the rim).  I often give up offensive boards to the CPU however, because I frequently contest shots (and I imagine most users are like me).

I would like to theorize that raising CS across the board would increase the number of offensive rebound opportunities as the CPU will be out of position more frequently. I also theorize that a CS increase would lead to more foul calls for the CPU, as the CPU for the most part is only getting called for fouls in the act of shooting.  More contests SHOULD lead to more fouling opportunities.

In my roster the average CS tendency by position is
PG: 25
SG: 32
SF: 46
PF: 50
C: 74

There is a huge gap between PF and C, as well as the gap between SG and SF.  Obviously there are more shot blockers as we go up the line, but are some players simply rated too low?

The lowest CS tendencies belong to
0: Avery Bradley, Sasha Pavlovic, Jeremy Pargo, Ishmael Smith, Sundiata Gaines, Kenneth Faried, Raymond Felton, Renaldo Balkman, Sherron Collins, Carlos Arroyo, Willie Warren, Pape Sy
1:
2:
3: Stephen Graham
4: D.J. Augustin, Isaiah Thomas, Jameer Nelson, A.J. Price, Tony Parker, Patrick Mills, J.J. Barea
5: Reggie Williams, John Lucas, Jordan Hamilton, Daequan Cook, Terrico White, Antonio Daniels, Marcus Banks, Andy Rautins
6: Jodie Meeks, Chris Paul, Mike Miller
7: Kemba Walker, Jimmer Fredette, Toney Douglas, Steve Blake, J.J. Redick, Ty Lawson, Gary Neal, Steve Nash
8: Richard Hamilton, Keyon Dooling, Joe Johnson, Iman Shumpert, Wayne Ellington
9: Corey Maggette, Jon Brockman, Chris Duhon

Predictably most of the players on this list are guards.  Kenneth Faried's presence on this list is one hell of a doozy though, considering his 3.6 BLK%.  That's a major oversight by 2K and probably a typo that was made when they were coming up with tendencies last summer (there's simply no other way to explain it).

It's also a bit telling that no players have 1-3 CS (Edit: only Stephen Graham in the free agent pool has 3).  If that's the case, no player should have 0 either.  Avery Bradley posted 0.0 BLK% in scant playing time as a rookie, but bumped that up to a very respectable 0.7 BLK% (for a guard), and he is a highly regarded defender.  Something tells me he didn't get that rep by not contesting shots!

Raymond Felton (0.4 BLK%) is likewise regarded as a solid defensive player, so what is it that's separating him from PGs like D.J. Augustin, Isaiah Thomas, J.J. Barea, John Lucas, Ty Lawson, guys who are all under 6 feet?

------------------------------------

My first instinct, using all of this information, would be to change a few player's CS tendencies, rather than making sweeping changes to the system 2K has in place.  Aside from a few examples here and there, most everything has checked out.  However I'd like to hear other's thoughts on the matter, as I don't want to gloss over something that I shouldn't be.

NBA 2K12 simulation of the NBA 2012-13 season

Simulation run under the following specs
My roster as of 7-21-12 (all player ratings edited, most player tendencies edited)
All teams were human controlled to avoid CPU trades, signings, extensions, or any other tom-foolery.
No injuries, team chemistry, player roles, or progressive fatigue.
CPU re-does rotations upon season start and readjusts throughout the season without me asking for it. Hence, I didn't waste my time adjusting the rotations at any point.

EAST STANDINGS
1. Heat (65-17)
2. Hawks (56-26)
3. Celtics (55-27)
4. Pacers (46-36) - Would rank 6th except they won Central Division
5. Raptors (54-28)
6. Sixers (48-34)
7. Bulls (44-38) - Game automatically moves Rose back to lineup, IRL out until Feb/Mar
8. Knicks (43-39)
9. Nets (42-40)
10. Bucks (38-44)
11. Magic (33-49)
12. Cavaliers (30-52)
13. Pistons (29-52)
14. Wizards (24-58)
15. Bobcats (15-67)

Hawks should be a surprise team (lost Horford for much of 2012), but IDK about better than the Celtics.
Raptors went through the roof with Kyle Lowry unleashed.  Valanciunas also an upgrade over Aaron Gray.  Don't like this, result but they should be playoff contenders.
Even with a healthy Rose, the Bulls have downgraded their bench to this point.  I should note I still have Omer Asik as a Bull, rather than a Rocket.

WEST STANDINGS
1. Thunder (62-20)
2. Lakers (51-31)
3. Mavericks (48-34)
4. Clippers (44-38)
5. Spurs (44-38)
6. Warriors (44-38)
7. Timberwolves (42-40)
8. Grizzlies (42-40)
9. Jazz (38-44)
10. Hornets (37-45)
11. Suns (34-48)
12. Nuggets (32-50)
13. Kings (32-50)
14. Trail Blazers (29-53)
15. Rockets (29-53)

Warriors surely a surprise to some, but shouldn't be if Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry stay healthy.
2K's sim engine hates the Nuggets, who have incredible depth but lack stars.
Wolves record is surely contingent on Brandon Roy being able to carry a heavy load, which the CPU auto-plugs him into.

Aside from 3 teams per conference, everything meeting expectations.

EAST ALL-STARS
C: Dwight Howard, Greg Monroe
PF: Nene
SF: LeBron James, Josh Smith, Andre Iguodala
SG: Dwyane Wade, Monta Ellis
PG: Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Kyle Lowry, John Wall

WEST ALL-STARS
C: Tim Duncan, Al Jefferson
PF: Kevin Love, Kenneth Faried
SF: Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay
SG: Kobe Bryant
PG: Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Ty Lawson, Stephen Curry

In what is very telling about the direction of the league, 9 PGs were named all-stars against 3 SGs.
Tough to believe Faried (14/10) was selected over Dirk and Aldridge (both 19/7) .  Someone tell the 2K sim engine that points matter more than rebounds?

AWARDS
MVP: LeBron James
RoY: Anthony Davis
SMY: Jeff Teague - CPU moves higher-rated Lou Williams into starting lineup (Lou's my pick IRL)
DPY: Dwight Howard
MIP: Greivis Vasquez - Logical pick as he's set for huge PT increase w/ Jarrett Jack out of way.
CoY: Erik Spoelstra

ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM
Russell Westbrook (G), Dwyane Wade (G), LeBron James (F), Kevin Durant (F), Dwight Howard (C)

ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM
Chris Paul (G), Derrick Rose (G), Josh Smith (F), Andre Iguodala (F), Tim Duncan (C)

ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM
Kyle Lowry (G), Deron Williams (G), Paul Pierce (F), Carmelo Anthony (F), Kevin Garnett (C)

ALL-DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM
Dwyane Wade (G), Paul George (G), LeBron James (F), Josh Smith (F), Dwight Howard (C)

ALL-DEFENSIVE SECOND TEAM
Kyle Lowry (G), Chris Paul (G), Kenneth Faried (F), Paul Millsap (F), Anthony Davis (C)

ALL-ROOKIE FIRST TEAM
Anthony Davis (C), Damian Lillard (G), Dion Waiters (G), Bradley Beal (G), Thomas Robinson (F)

Davis: 11.4 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.9 bpg
Lillard: 15.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.6 spg, 0.0 bpg
Waiters: 14.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.1 bpg
Beal: 15.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.2 bpg
Robinson: 9.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.5 bpg

ALL-ROOKIE SECOND TEAM
Meyers Leonard (C), Harrison Barnes (F), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (F), Royce White (F), Jeremy Lamb (G)

Leonard: 7.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.3 spg, 1.1 bpg
Barnes: 13.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.2 bpg
Kidd-Gilchrist: 9.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 0.8 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.5 bpg
White: 6.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.2 bpg
Lamb: 11.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.2 bpg

FIRST ROUND
4-0 Thunder (1) Grizzlies (8)
4-3 Clippers (4) Spurs (5)
1-4 Mavericks (3) Warriors (6)
2-4 Lakers (2) Wolves (7)
4-3 Heat (1) Knicks (8)
4-1 Pacers (4) Raptors (5)
2-4 Celtics (3) Sixers (6)
2-4 Hawks (2) Bulls (7)

SECOND ROUND
4-3 Thunder (1) Clippers (4)
4-3 Warriors (6) Wolves (7)
4-1 Heat (1) Pacers (4)
4-3 Sixers (6) Bulls (7)

CONFERENCE FINALS
4-1 Thunder (1) Warriors (6)
4-0 Heat (1) Sixers (6)

NBA FINALS
4-2 Heat (1) Thunder (1)

FINALS MVP
LeBron James: 24.9 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.0 spg, 0.5 bpg

RETIREMENTS
Grant Hill*
Jamaal Tinsley
Marcus Camby*
#Jason Kidd*
Kurt Thomas
#Steve Nash*
Vince Carter*
Jerry Stackhouse

*Denotes player under multi-year deal who would NEVER retire in real-life without an injury.
#Denotes player inducted into Hall of Fame

2013 KEY FREE AGENT CLASS (Ratings Post-Progression)
PG: Chris Paul (94), Ty Lawson (84), Stephen Curry (83), Brandon Jennings (83), Darren Collison (78), Jrue Holiday (78), Jarrett Jack (77)
SG: James Harden (86), Manu Ginobili (82), Tyreke Evans (80), DeMar DeRozan (76)
SF: Chase Budinger (73)
PF: Paul Millsap (84), Serge Ibaka (81), David West (77), Elton Brand (77)
C: Marcin Gortat (84), Nikola Pekovic (79)