Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball earn high player ratings in 'NBA 2K18' despite rookie status

Fans of the 76ers and Lakers are extremely excited for their top draft picks — and for good reason if the ratings in "NBA 2K18" are to be believed. Both Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball will start their careers with an Overall rating of 80, an indication that the developers behind the game view the two as the most pro-ready, potential-laden prospects in years.

Fultz and Ball are the highest-rated rookies to enter the "NBA 2K" series since 2010. That year, John Wall was drafted No. 1 by the Wizards and received an Overall rating of 81 in "NBA 2K11." Even the likes of Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns began with ratings below 80 since then.

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With a rating of 80, the two guards land in a range that considers them to be similar to many established players in the league. There are only 16 point guards rated above 80, so they land right in the middle of the pack among starters.

"NBA 2K18" will let you play through a story as a general manager, joining its other story-based mode which is centered on being a player. The game will release on Sept. 15 to those who pre-order. Shaquille O'Neal is featured on the two pricey special editions of the game, which will be sold for $150 and $100, and Kyrie Irving is on the cover of the standard edition.

Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the "Press Row Podcast" and can be reached on Twitter@Pastapadre.