Former Kentucky Wildcat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has steadily risen from a promising college guard to one of the most dominant superstars in the NBA, and his latest recognition in the virtual basketball world is proof of his meteoric ascent. NBA 2K26 will officially list him as the second highest-rated player in the game with an astonishing 98 overall rating, a figure that not only cements his place among the league’s elite but also represents the respect he has earned from fans, analysts, and fellow players. This rating is not just a number; it is a reflection of years of consistent growth, extraordinary performances, and leadership that has placed him among the rarest talents in the modern NBA. For someone who entered the league as a mid-lottery pick out of Kentucky, the journey has been one of discipline, focus, and relentless self-improvement, and now the basketball world sees him as one of the faces of the game itself.
When Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018 before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on draft night, few predicted he would one day rival the likes of LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić in terms of impact and recognition. In his rookie year, he flashed potential as a versatile playmaker with long arms, crafty footwork, and a high basketball IQ, but it was when he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder that his path to superstardom truly began. The Thunder, who had entered a rebuilding phase following the departure of Russell Westbrook and Paul George, found in Shai not just a young piece but a foundational cornerstone. Year after year, he took massive leaps forward, expanding his scoring arsenal, improving his efficiency, and proving he could be a franchise leader. That steady climb has now reached a peak where NBA 2K26 acknowledges him as the second-best player in its highly anticipated ratings, only trailing one other superstar.
The 98 overall rating is historic for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander because it puts him in a class of players who rarely receive such recognition. Traditionally, ratings of 97 and above are reserved for MVPs, Finals legends, or players who are widely recognized as generational. For Shai to be rated at 98 in 2K26 reflects the respect he has garnered after back-to-back All-NBA level seasons where he has consistently averaged elite scoring numbers while maintaining efficiency and demonstrating two-way dominance. In recent years, he has become one of the league’s most unstoppable offensive players, capable of breaking down any defense with his mid-range precision, smooth driving ability, and uncanny knack for drawing fouls. His style is unique—he does not rely purely on athletic explosiveness like some guards, but instead combines pace control, length, deceptive hesitation moves, and elite finishing ability to dismantle defenders. This artistry has made him nearly impossible to guard, and it explains why his numbers and reputation keep climbing.
Beyond the scoring, what sets Shai apart is his leadership. The Oklahoma City Thunder have become one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA, and Shai is the heartbeat of the franchise. Surrounded by emerging talents like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, he has embraced the role of mentor and leader while still maintaining his superstar production. His ability to carry his team while elevating those around him has been one of the driving forces behind OKC’s resurgence, and that intangible impact is also something that the NBA 2K developers factored into his massive rating. A 98 overall is not just about scoring points; it reflects his all-around contributions, from defense to playmaking to leadership presence. Few guards in the NBA today combine offensive efficiency with defensive commitment the way he does, and that balance makes him both a player coaches dream of and a fan favorite.
Shai’s recognition as the second highest-rated player in 2K26 also speaks volumes about how the basketball community views his place in the current generation of stars. For years, names like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard dominated the top tier of ratings, but the NBA has entered a new era where young players are seizing control of the narrative. Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Victor Wembanyama represent the league’s future, but among all of them, it is Shai who has stood out as the most consistently dominant. His 98 rating means he has officially crossed into the territory of being considered one of the top two players in the world, a position that historically leads to MVP awards, deep playoff runs, and international recognition. This is validation for his years of hard work and proof that he has ascended to the absolute peak of the sport.
Fans of Kentucky basketball, where Shai first made his name in the NCAA, are especially proud of this moment. At Kentucky, he was not initially the biggest star in his class, but he emerged as the team’s most reliable guard with a calm demeanor and a maturity beyond his years. John Calipari often praises him for being one of the most coachable players he has ever worked with, and those early lessons in humility and work ethic have clearly carried into his professional career. Wildcats fans, who have watched alumni like Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Devin Booker thrive in the NBA, now have another superstar to claim as one of their own, and Shai’s 2K26 rating is another chapter in Kentucky’s legacy of producing elite talent.
For the NBA 2K franchise itself, the decision to give Shai such a high rating is significant because these numbers carry weight among players and fans. Every year, debates rage on social media about who is overrated or underrated in the game, and ratings often serve as a barometer for how players are perceived across the league. By making Shai the second highest-rated player, the developers are essentially declaring him one of the very best in the world, which will fuel conversations not only in gaming communities but also in basketball discourse more broadly. For young fans who pick up the controller, playing as Shai will feel like controlling a cheat code—an almost unstoppable force who can dominate in every aspect of the game.
