NBA: Who the 10 best players in NBA 2K17 should be

Mar 19, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) signals after hitting a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) signals after hitting a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

7th place – Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis could easily climb a few spots up this list as the 2016-17 season gets underway. Despite being without Jrue Holiday for the start of the season as he takes a leave of absence to care for his wife after her approaching brain surgery, the New Orleans Pelicans make some solid additions this summer. Langston Galloway adds depth at point, while E’Twaun Moore and Solomon Hill both provide improved defense, athleticism, versatility and upside.

With that potential to improve in mind, Davis garnering some more attention as the team’s leader should only help his rating in NBA 2K17. That and, obviously, the fact that he’s a special basketball player.

After being shut down in March to undergo surgery on his left knee and a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Davis was held to less than 70 games for the fourth straight time. It likely hurt his standing in 2K17 as he barely scraped the top 10 at 10th, but his two-way ability is exceptional.

Averaging 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals and two blocks per game, Davis was a force yet again. Not taking a leap to be MVP as many expected aside, he continued to show off his elite rim protection and expand his offensive game.

He eased out beyond the three-point line with 35 makes at a 32.4 percent rate for the season. Limiting those attempts and being selective will be key, but add on his career-high 43.4 percent shot from 16 feet to the arc, and it’s clear Davis’ jumper is increasingly smooth and reliable.

Athleticism, rebounding, rim protection, floor running and shooting all combine to make Davis an easy choice for a top-7 player when translating those attributes into his 2K17 rating.

Rather than Klay Thompson at 7th place, someone who will capitalize from brilliant shooting with various virtual ratings a great deal (he’s an underrated defender, too, but still), Davis taking his spot shouldn’t be considered as much of a hot take.