Shooting Guards
If any doubt still remained, last year’s playoffs cemented CJ McCollum as one of the best and most dependable shooting guards in the league. McCollum had ice in his veins throughout the course of the postseason and repeatedly picked Lillard back up when the star point guard was struggling.
There’s no reason McCollum shouldn’t be mentioned in the same conversation as players like DeMar DeRozan, Donovan Mitchell and Luka Doncic (all who were rated as 87 overall last season). You could make an argument that McCollum is better and has proven more than each of them. NBA talking heads have long viewed the duo of Lillard and McCollum as one of the NBA’s best back courts and it’s time their 2K ratings reflect that sentiment.
Projected Rating: 87 (+2)
Rodney Hood experienced a career renaissance in Portland last year, finally tapping into that potential many teams saw in him over the years. He even took a large discount to the Blazers on the Mid-Level Exception to remain in a comfortable environment. Hopefully he feels even more comfortable feasting on opposing team’s benches, because the Blazers are going to need him to.
It makes much more sense to start a defensive small forward next to the high-powered duo of guards, and allow Hood to come off the bench as an offensive spark. He proved last year’s playoffs that he can play a large role when called upon and hit clutch shots. Ideally he’d become the Portland version of Manu Ginobli, and could make a strong case for Sixth Man of the Year this season.
Projected Rating: 78 (+3)
Gary Trent Jr. is one of those players you whip out in the midst of a blowout win just to continue raining threes down on a frustrated opponent. While he’ll by no means be a star player, he could become an extremely fun option on 2K with his combination of a large frame, great athleticism and shooting ability. Hopefully 2K does Trent Jr. justice by bumping up his 3-point rating after a season of hard work and an incredible performance in the Summer League.