The Numbers Do Not Lie
NBA 2K27 just dropped its first wave of player ratings, and the Atlanta Hawks got a serious boost. Jalen Johnson sits at a 96 for driving dunks, ranking second in the entire league. Rookie Kingston Flemings landed the tenth spot for speed with the ball with a 90 rating. Dyson Daniels secured the fourth-best mark for perimeter defense. These numbers come straight from the official attribute reveal by NBA 2K. The game launches on September 4, with early access starting August 26.
It’s a reflection of real work on the court.
The release of these ratings always happens at the right time in the offseason. There isn’t much else to talk about while teams rest, but 2K always delivers fresh content. The company has been sharing tidbits about new modes and face scans all month. Now the focus shifts to the players themselves. The list highlights specific attributes where Hawks players rank in the top ten. It proves the league sees the talent in Atlanta. Fans can finally see their team represented among the best in the virtual world.
Johnson and the Dunk Contest Hype
Jalen Johnson is a force when he gets moving toward the rim. He is hard to stop once he has a head full of steam. The rating of 96 for driving dunks feels perfect for his game. He trails only Anthony Edwards for the top spot in that category. Johnson has thrown down poster dunks in recent years that people won’t forget. The game creators clearly didn’t need a reminder of his ability. He is one of the high flyers who can change a game in a single play.
This rating might push Johnson to join the dunk contest this year. He has the tools to put on a show. The 2K numbers suggest he is ready for that spotlight. When he plays in the real season, he will show why the rating is so high. Fans expect him to throw the ball down with authority. The virtual world agrees with the live action. It’s a nice validation for a player who has worked hard to get here.
Rookie Speed and Defensive Grit
Kingston Flemings brings a new kind of energy to the roster. He ranks tenth in speed with the ball, which is huge for a rookie. Most players on that list are point guards, yet he fits right in. His speed was a major talking point when he entered the draft. He models his game after guards like Derrick Rose and Tyrese Maxey. Maxey sits at number two on the same speed list. Rose has always been known as one of the more athletic guards to play the game. Flemings has a 90 overall for this attribute. He will blow past defenders in real life and inside the game.
Dyson Daniels adds another layer to the Hawks’ identity. He holds the fourth spot for perimeter defense. This rating shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone watching the team. He has proved his worth over the past two seasons. The game recognizes his ability to stop opponents on the outside. It feels almost disrespectful that the number isn’t higher given his play. But being in the top five is still a massive honor. The virtual defense matches the real-life effort.
These ratings arrive just as the schedule for the 2026-27 season comes out. The NBA released the full 82-game slate last week. It allows fans to map out the year ahead. Home tipoffs return to 7pm Eastern Time for the first time since the 2015-16 season. The month of October starts with seven games. Three are at home while four are on the road. The average projected opponent win total sits at 42.5 wins. It looks like a competitive beginning for the Hawks.
The team faces tough tests right out of the gate. They play Orlando and Charlotte on the road in early games. Charlotte has a much-changed roster that won’t be led by LeMelo Ball. This creates a very different dynamic for that matchup. The home opener features a home-and-home series with the Houston Rockets. Flemings will return to Texas where he played in college. The opposition stays stiff with Miami and Cleveland. Then the team heads to New Orleans. Two back-to-backs and three games in four nights will test the squad. The ratings show the players have the skills to handle the load. The game sees the potential. The real season will prove it.
