There’s no denying the exceptional talent that’s been oozing out of this year’s draft class, with the entire first round filled with players with legitimate ‘All-NBA’ potential. Regardless, rookies are investments in NBA 2K22, which is why it’s so pivotal to understand which rookies carry the best upside, and have the most potential to excel at the next level.
With the 2021 class of NBA rookies set to take to the floor for the first time in the upcoming weeks, it’s time to break down the top eight rated rookies in NBA 2K22.
The best rookies in NBA 2K22
The best rookies in NBA 2K22 are:
- Cade Cunningham
- Jalen Green
- Evan Mobley
- Jalen Suggs
- Scottie Barnes
- Davion Mitchell
- Josh Giddey
- Jonathan Kuminga
Cade Cunningham
- Rating: 80
- Team: Detroit Pistons
- Position: Point Guard, Shooting Guard
- Specialty: Offensive Initiator
Selected 1st overall to the Detroit Pistons, Cade Cunningham should shock nobody as NBA 2K22’s best top-rated rookie. He carries undeniable playmaking and three-point shooting ability and should slide in as the Pistons’ go-to scorer for the upcoming season.
It’s also worth noting that Cunningham’s 80 Overall Rating is better than any rookie rating from NBA 2K21, which included LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and James Wiseman. Plus, we saw Lamelo’s rating jump up to an 86 following his remarkable Rookie of the Year campaign, so we could see the same level of improvement (or better) with Cade Cunningham.
Jalen Green
- Rating: 79
- Team: Houston Rockets
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Specialty: Well-Rounded Guard
After spending the last season with the G-League Ignite team, Jalen Green could be the most ‘NBA-ready’ player from this year’s draft. He carries phenomenal offensive attributes, and the Rockets don’t really have much else in the way of scoring.
The 19-year-old is an extremely balanced player who has more than enough athleticism and talent to become a serious threat on both ends of the court. Expect Green to have an explosive year in 2021-22, which should raise his 2k stock even more as the season progresses.
Evan Mobley
- Rating: 78
- Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
- Position: Power Forward, Center
- Specialty: Glass Cleaner
Mobley was without a doubt the best big man from this year’s draft, so to say that Cavs’ fans were excited when they snagged the USC-product 3rd overall, would be an understatement.
Not only should he blend in masterfully alongside the team’s young backcourt of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. But he’s already an established rebounder, and carries solid inside scoring and athleticism ratings in the game. Expect Mobley to be a problem around the rim in NBA 2K22.
Jalen Suggs
- Rating: 77
- Team: Orlando Magic
- Position: Point Guard, Shooting Guard
- Specialty: Playmaker
Many dubbed Suggs as a top-3 pick in this year’s draft, which is why the Magic were over the moon when Suggs fell directly into their lap at #5. He’s easily one of the most dynamic and well-rounded playmaking point guards among all rookies, and is arguably the best player on the team already.
Not only does he carry a high playmaking (82) and athleticism (83) rating, he’s also more than reliable with his shooting. He carries a 77 three-point rating and an 81 close shot rating, meaning he could easily take offense if the Magic gives him enough of a leash. Suggs also has the second-most number of badges in NBA 2K22 with 12, behind only the number one overall pick, Cade Cunningham’s 17.
Scottie Barnes
- Rating: 76
- Team: Toronto Raptors
- Position: Small Forward, Power Forward
- Specialty: Well-Rounded Four
Scottie Barnes walked away from the 2021 NBA Draft as one of the biggest surprises of the night. Even though scouts viewed him as a ‘potential’ lottery pick, few pinned him as a top-five selection. So, when the Raptors skipped over Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs to snag Barnes, it’s safe to say the NBA world erupted (specifically north of the border).
Regardless, Barnes potentially presents the most upside of any player on our best rookies in NBA 2K22 list and is already an above-average defender (interior and exterior). He also shows flashes of brilliance with his uncanny ball-handling ability and remarkably athletic style of play.
Davion Mitchell
- Rating: 76
- Team: Sacramento Kings
- Position: Point Guard
- Specialty: Two-Way Playmaker
Much like other rookies on this list, Mitchell is somewhat underdeveloped on the offensive end. But he more than makes up for it with his prowess on the defensive side of the floor.
He carries tremendous defensive consistency and lateral quickness to keep up with some of the game’s finest. While still carrying the athleticism and playmaking ability to be a threat on offense. Long story short, Davion Mitchell should turn out to be a well-rounded NBA player.
Josh Giddey
- Rating: 75
- Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Position: Shooting Guard, Point Guard
- Specialty: Pass-First Guard
Selected 6th Overall by the OKC Thunder, Giddey presents tremendous upside as a 6’8” point guard with excellent playmaking ability, and unique court awareness. While he will have to improve his shooting, he’s got the physical profile and basketball IQ to evolve into a premier playmaker in the NBA. He should slide in perfectly alongside the rest of OKC’s young core of players, forming a solid trio of Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luguentz Dort coming into the 2021-22 season.
Jonathan Kuminga
- Rating: 75
- Team: Golden State Warriors
- Position: Small Forward, Power Forward
- Specialty: Multi-Position Defender
Jonathan Kuminga is yet another G-League product set to take over at the next level. Before being selected 7th overall by Golden State, he was dominating with the G-League’s Ignite team. Seeing as how the Warriors still have Curry and Draymond and are expecting Klay back in the near future, Kuminga will benefit from not needing to perform right away.
However, he should thrive in an offense that needs a legitimate two-way athletic forward to play alongside their star backcourt. With Wiggins’ status currently up in the air, Kuminga could be beautifully positioned to make an impact in ‘The Bay’.
That concludes our list of the best rookies in NBA 2K22. For more related guides and content, you can check out our NBA 2K22 section. Remember to bookmark our NBA 2K22 Locker Codes page so you never miss a giveaway.
