The 2021 rookie class has the potential to be an all-time great draft class. Throughout the first round, several players with all-NBA upside and many more that project as excellent role players on playoff teams, which means it’s time to take a look at what that means for NBA 2K22.
Here are the best rookies heading into NBA 2K22, in ascending order. These players might be new, but they are on the rise as the best and brightest up-and-comers.
2021 First Rounders’ NBA 2K22 Ratings
Overalls and number of badges for the first round are listed below:
| Rank | Rookies | Teams | Ratings | Badges |
| 1 | Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons | 80 overall | 17 badges |
| 2 | Jalen Green | Houston Rockets | 79 overall | 11 badges |
| 3 | Evan Mobley | Cleveland Cavaliers | 78 overall | 9 badges |
| 4 | Scottie Barnes | Toronto Raptors | 76 overall | 4 badges |
| 5 | Jalen Suggs | Orlando Magic | 77 overall | 12 badges |
| 6 | Josh Giddey | Oklahoma City Thunder | 75 overall | 3 badges |
| 7 | Jonathan Kuminga | Golden State Warriors | 75 overall | 4 badges |
| 8 | Franz Wagner | Orlando Magic | 74 overall | 4 badges |
| 9 | Davion Mitchell | Sacramento Kings | 76 overall | 10 badges |
| 10 | Ziaire Williams | Memphis Grizzlies | 72 overall | 3 badges |
| 11 | James Bouknight | Charlotte Hornets | 74 overall | 2 badges |
| 12 | Joshua Primo | San Antonio Spurs | 71 overall | 8 badges |
| 13 | Chris Duarte | Indiana Pacers | 73 overall | 3 badges |
| 14 | Moses Moody | Golden State Warriors | 73 overall | 2 badges |
| 15 | Corey Kispert | Washington Wizards | 74 overall | 6 badges |
| 16 | Alperen Sengun | Houston Rockets | 73 overall | 2 badges |
| 17 | Trey Murphy | New Orleans Pelicans | 72 overall | 0 badges |
| 18 | Tre Mann | Oklahoma City Thunder | 72 overall | 3 badges |
| 19 | Kai Jones | Charlotte Hornets | 72 overall | 3 badges |
| 20 | Jalen Johnson | Atlanta Hawks | 73 overall | 1 badge |
| 21 | Keon Johnson | Los Angeles Clippers | 73 overall | 2 badges |
| 22 | Isaiah Jackson | Indiana Pacers | 72 overall | 2 badges |
| 23 | Usman Garuba | Houston Rockets | 72 overall | 2 badges |
| 24 | Josh Christopher | Houston Rockets | 70 overall | 2 badges |
| 25 | Quentin Grimes | New York Knicks | 71 overall | 1 badge |
| 26 | Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland | Denver Nuggets | 71 overall | 1 badge |
| 27 | Cameron Thomas | Brooklyn Nets | 71 overall | 1 badge |
| 28 | Jaden Springer | Philadelphia 76ers | 71 overall | 1 badge |
| 29 | Day’Ron Sharpe | Brooklyn Nets | 71 overall | 1 badge |
| 30 | Santi Aldama | Memphis Grizzlies | 70 overall | 1 badge |
NBA 2K22: Top 3 Rookies
1). Cade Cunningham
It comes as no surprise that the #1 overall pick, Cade Cunningham, slots in as the highest-rated rookie. At 80 overall and only 20 years old, he is a great value pick to start an NBA 2K22 fantasy draft.
The 6’7″ point guard is capable in all aspects of the game. Beyond just his stat-stuffing numbers, he’s got a clutch ability to land the big shots when the team needs someone to step up.
Badges are king, so Cunningham starting with a whopping 17 of them is impressive for a rookie. While none of his badges are defensive, he still has more than respectable perimeter defense and lateral quickness ratings. This should allow the Pistons’ new franchise player to guard most guards and wings with no trouble. You can use him in MyTeam by buying mt 2k22 for the most competitive price and fastest time at u4gm.com.
2). Jalen Green
New Houston Rocket guard Jalen Green has a 79 overall rating and a Well-Rounded Guard build. Green opted out of college to play in the NBA’s G-league, so he’s already got experience playing against near-NBA talent. He’s a reliable shooter and is very athletic, so he can spot up from 3 or take it to the hole.
The pure shooting guard will bring excitement at the position for the Rockets, not felt since Harden went to Brooklyn. He’s got a gift to haul in rebounds in addition to the expected point and assist totals.
3). Evan Mobley
Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley is another rookie shining both on the court and in NBA 2K22. The 20-year-old 7-footer has a well-rounded 78-overall skillset to go with great athleticism, making him a ton of fun to have on a team in the game.
Silver Lob City Finisher is one of his 3 finishing badges in NBA 2K22, so he’s a perfect candidate to test out the new alley-oop meter with.
2021 2nd Rounders’ NBA 2K22 Ratings
There are also a select few 2nd rounds picks that are making an impact for their team early in the NBA 2K22 season:
• 32nd pick Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Oklahoma City Thunder – 70 overall, 0 badges
• 35th pick Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans – 70 overall, 0 badges
• 38th pick Ayo Dosunmo, Chicago Bulls – 70 overall, 0 badges
• 46th pick Dalano Banton, Toronto Raptors – 69 overall, 0 badges
All rookies are available for use in NBA 2K22, and try them now! For more NBA 2k22 guides, tips, and updates, please continue to visit here.
NBA 2K23 Guides 