Projecting the Detroit Pistons’ NBA 2K17 player ratings
By Duncan Smith
The newcomers
The Pistons have a few new faces on their bench this season. We’ll take a look at the new guys.
Ish Smith
Opening 2K16 Rating: 73
Closing 2K16 Rating: 76
Net Rating Change: +3
Projected 2K17 Rating: 75
Ish Smith was the hero of the Philadelphia 76ers when he came to town. The Sixers were 1-30 when he arrived and then won four of their next 12, finishing the season 9-42 under his leadership. That’s awful, but it’s pretty reasonable for such a terrible team. With some weapons on the floor beside him, Smith should have an even better season in Detroit.
That said, he’s not going to be a one-man army this season, so his rating may dip as he isn’t required to carry his team on his shoulders.
Ray McCallum
Opening 2K16 Rating: 71
Closing 2K16 Rating: 71
Net Rating Change: NC
Projected 2K17 Rating: 69
Ray McCallum didn’t really turn heads at 2K headquarters at the start of last season, and nothing changed over the course of the year. Averaging just 3.3 points in 11.6 minutes over 41 games, it’s easy to see why.
McCallum will be battling with Lorenzo Brown and rookie Michael Gbinije for the third point guard position, so even if he makes the team he’s not going to get much time on the floor. It’s reasonable to project that his rating dips to start 2016-17.
Jon Leuer
Opening 2K16 Rating: 72
Closing 2K16 Rating: 75
Net Rating Change: +3
Projected 2K17 Rating: 77
Jon Leuer closed the season with a rating of 75, tied with such players as David Lee, Brandon Bass, Nikola Mirotic and Boris Diaw. It’s a big coup for the Pistons to have such a player as their first big off the bench.
He should have the opportunity to thrive as the primary four in big lineups and in relief of Tobias Harris off the bench. There will be no shortage of chances for him to stretch the floor for the Pistons with his perimeter shooting, and his rating may reflect his increased production as a result.
Boban Marjanovic
Opening 2K16 Rating: 69
Closing 2K16 Rating: 76
Net Rating Change: +7
Projected 2K17 Rating: 80
Just like every eye test and metric out there, 2K loved Boban Marjanovic. After starting the season rated just like any other relatively unknown international rookie, he exploded over the course of the season. By the end of the year he was rated higher than guys like Festus Ezeli, Ian Mahimi, Nerlens Noel and Myles Turner.
It’s unknown how much time he’ll get on the floor in the center rotation, but he’s probably going to end up getting more time than anybody expects at this point. Boban is simply undeniable.
Next: The rookies