Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has once again solidified his place among the NBA’s elite, earning a 94 overall rating in the highly anticipated NBA 2K26 video game, set to release today, September 5, 2025. Tied with legends LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and rising star Victor Wembanyama, Tatum’s rating places him as the eighth-highest-rated player in the game, a testament to his stellar performance both on and off the virtual court.
Tatum’s 94 overall rating in NBA 2K26 comes on the heels of a remarkable 2024-25 NBA season, where he led the Celtics with an average of 30.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. His standout performances, including guiding Boston to an NBA championship in 2024, earned him recognition as a cover athlete for NBA 2K25 and further cemented his reputation as one of the league’s premier talents. Despite a challenging Achilles injury that will sideline him for much of the 2025-26 season, Tatum’s virtual counterpart remains a dominant force, with NBA 2K26 showcasing his elite skills through a 90 Close Shot Rating and an 85 Three-Point Shot Rating, making him a lethal scoring threat from all ranges.
The NBA 2K franchise, known for its realistic gameplay and detailed player ratings, utilizes ProPLAY technology to incorporate real NBA footage, ensuring Tatum’s in-game movements mirror his signature style. According to Visual Concepts, this year’s game features over 9,000 new animations, including 1,500 dribbling animations and 1,100 signature shot animations, enhancing Tatum’s on-court authenticity. Fans can expect his “2-Way 3-Level Shot Creator” build to shine, complete with 25 badges that highlight his versatility, though notably, he lacks rebounding badges, reflecting his real-life focus on scoring and playmaking over crashing the boards.
Tatum’s rating history in the NBA 2K series reflects his meteoric rise. From an 85 overall in NBA 2K20 to a 94 in NBA 2K26, the Duke product has consistently climbed the ranks, peaking at a 95 in NBA 2K24 and NBA 2K25. His 94 rating in NBA 2K26 places him just behind top stars like Nikola Jokić (98), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (98), Giannis Antetokounmpo (97), Luka Dončić (95), and Anthony Edwards (95), but ahead of Kevin Durant (93), a notable achievement for the 27-year-old.
Social media buzzed with reactions to Tatum’s rating, with fans and analysts debating his placement. Some praised the rating as fair, citing his championship pedigree and consistent All-Star appearances, while others argued he deserves to be closer to the 96 or 97 range given his impact. One user on X remarked, “Tatum at 94 is solid, but tied with LeBron and Curry? He’s outplaying them in real life!” Others pointed to the NBA 2K25 controversy, where Tatum was listed as the eighth-highest-rated player despite tying with James and Curry at 95, sparking debates about perceived slights.
Despite the virtual accolades, Tatum’s focus remains on recovery and returning to the court. His $54.1 million salary for the 2025-26 season underscores his value to the Celtics, and fans eagerly await his real-life comeback. For now, gamers can dominate with Tatum in NBA 2K26, available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, as they recreate his signature step-back threes and acrobatic finishes.
As NBA 2K26 hits shelves, Tatum’s 94 rating serves as a reminder of his enduring impact on the game—both in the NBA and in the virtual world. Whether he’s leading the Celtics to another title or lighting up scoreboards in 2K, Jayson Tatum continues to prove he’s a force to be reckoned with.
