Nikola Jokić, the reigning face of consistency and dominance in the NBA, has officially claimed the top-rated spot in NBA 2K26 with a jaw-dropping 98 overall rating. It’s a well-deserved crown for the Denver Nuggets superstar, who continues to redefine what it means to be an elite big man in today’s fast-paced, perimeter-focused league.

Without flashy dunks or viral step-backs, Jokić has climbed his way to the summit of the NBA 2K26 ratings chart with what he does best—masterful court vision, unguardable efficiency, and unmatched basketball IQ.

A Historic Rating for a Historic Player

The 98 overall rating is not only the highest in NBA 2K26—it’s one of the highest ratings awarded in the past decade. For Jokić, it’s a career-best in the 2K series and a clear message from the developers: this is the era of The Joker.

Having led the Nuggets to a championship in 2023 and continuing to post MVP-level stats, Jokić has become the gold standard for all-around excellence. From triple-doubles as a center to his low-post creativity, no other big man in recent memory has blended skill and dominance the way he has.

image_68899ff0a39fd NBA 2K26 Crowns “The Joker” with 98 OVR: Is Nikola Jokić Truly Number One?

Breaking Down Jokić’s 2K26 Ratings

Inside Scoring: 97

Playmaking: 96

Rebounding: 95

Basketball IQ: 99

Post Moves: 98

Passing Vision (for a Center): 99

Defense: 85

Speed: 72

Jokić’s court awareness, passing out of double teams, and uncanny ability to control the tempo have all been given elite-level attributes. While not known for flashy athleticism, his sheer efficiency is nearly impossible to replicate in the digital world—making him the most versatile and effective big man to control in NBA 2K26.

Surpassing the Stars: Who Did He Beat Out?

With the highest overall rating, Jokić edges out some of the game’s biggest names:

Giannis Antetokounmpo – 97 OVR

Luka Dončić – 96 OVR

Joel Embiid – 95 OVR

Stephen Curry – 95 OVR

Jayson Tatum – 94 OVR

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 94 OVR

Giannis and Dončić remain dominant forces in both real life and the 2K universe, but Jokić’s combination of size, finesse, and intelligence gave him the edge this year.

What Makes Jokić a 2K Cheat Code

Fans who’ve played NBA 2K in recent years already know the secret: Jokić is a walking mismatch. At 7 feet tall, he can stretch the floor, back down smaller defenders, and whip cross-court assists with pinpoint accuracy. In MyTeam, MyCareer, and Online Matches, users have found Jokić to be one of the most frustrating players to guard—and now his 2K26 rating reflects that reality.

His signature one-legged fadeaways, no-look passes, and fake hand-offs are all captured in-game with near-perfect animations, giving him a lifelike presence on screen.

image_68899ff148964 NBA 2K26 Crowns “The Joker” with 98 OVR: Is Nikola Jokić Truly Number One?

The Fans React: Applause and Some Debate

The fanbase response was immediate and divided—though mostly positive. Jokić supporters praised the recognition:

“Finally! The most skilled player in the league gets the highest rating. No debate.”
—@denverdiehard (Twitter)

Others, especially fans of Giannis or Embiid, called for a more balanced scale:

“Jokić deserves his flowers, but Giannis is the better two-way player. He should be tied at least.”
—@bball_truths

Still, most agree that Jokić’s 98 is not just a nod to stats but a statement of impact, value, and winning basketball.

NBA 2K Developers Explain the Decision

In a statement from 2K Sports, one of the lead gameplay producers shared insight into why Jokić leads the pack this year:

“Nikola’s impact goes beyond the box score. His presence changes how every team defends and how his teammates perform. That’s what we tried to reflect in NBA 2K26—he makes everyone better and does everything well.”

A Perfect Year for Jokić

The timing of this rating could not be more perfect. Coming off another MVP-caliber season, Jokić has shown no signs of slowing down. His partnership with Jamal Murray remains one of the most efficient in the league, and his leadership has only matured.

He may not be posting sneaker commercials or headlining endorsement campaigns, but Jokić has done what few can: earn respect without theatrics, and now earn the top 2K spot without question.

What This Means for the Game

For players building their teams in MyTeam or franchise mode, Nikola Jokić is now the ultimate building block. With his ability to run the offense from the post or the top of the key, users can now structure playstyles around his unique skillset.

Jokić being rated 98 also signals a shift in the meta. In past years, the focus may have been on flashy guards or high-flying dunkers. But now, skill, vision, and versatility reign supreme.

Will Anyone Catch Jokić by NBA 2K27?

The only real question left is: can anyone dethrone him? Dončić, Giannis, and Embiid will undoubtedly continue pushing. And young stars like Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards are climbing fast.

But for now, NBA 2K26 belongs to Nikola Jokić.

“The Joker” sits on the throne—and the game has never felt more balanced.