If you’ve ever played a game of NBA 2K and felt like the numbers on the screen didn’t match the guy running around the court, you’re probably looking at Josh Hart. It’s a weird phenomenon. On paper, a Josh Hart 2k rating of 83—his current standing in NBA 2K26—seems like a solid, middle-of-the-road "good role player" score. But if you ask anyone in the Madison Square Garden bleachers, that number is a flat-out lie.
Numbers are tricky. They don't always capture the guy who plays 48 minutes because he simply refuses to sit down.
In the latest roster updates for 2K26, Hart has seen some interesting movement. He actually started the season a bit lower, hovering around an 80 or 81, which sparked the usual firestorm on Knicks Twitter. Honestly, it's a yearly tradition at this point. 2K drops the ratings, Hart looks at his three-point or speed stats, and then he goes on the "Roommates Show" podcast with Jalen Brunson to complain about how the devs clearly don't watch the games.
Breaking Down the Josh Hart 2k Rating in 2K26
Let’s look at what actually makes up that 83 overall. 2K Sports classifies him as a 2-Way Skilled Stretch Cleaner. It’s a mouthful, but it basically means he can defend, hit an open shot, and vacuum up rebounds like a 7-footer trapped in a 6'4" frame.
The most realistic part of his build? The 99 Stamina and 99 Hustle.
In NBA 2K25, Hart made headlines for being one of the few players—alongside legends like Dennis Rodman and Bill Russell—to ever receive a perfect 99 hustle rating. That has carried over. If you're playing with him, he will not get tired. You can leave him on the floor for the entire game, and his energy bar barely flinches. It’s the most "Josh Hart" thing about the game.
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But then you get to the scoring. His three-point shot usually sits around an 82, which is respectable but won't make him a "Splash Brother" in the corners. His driving dunk? A meager 70. This is a constant point of contention for Hart himself, who often jokes that the game makes him look like he has "no bounce."
The Evolution of the Rating
To understand why people get so worked up about his current 83, you have to see where he came from:
- NBA 2K20: 75 (The New Orleans days)
- NBA 2K22: 80 (Finding his rhythm)
- NBA 2K24: 80 (The first full year in NY)
- NBA 2K25: 82 (The post-playoff surge)
- NBA 2K26: 83 (The current "Elite Role Player" peak)
It's a slow climb. Most stars jump five points after one good month. Hart has had to fight for every single digit.
Why 2K Struggles to Grade the "Knicks Effect"
The real problem is that 2K's algorithm is built on box score stats. Points, rebounds, assists. Hart gets those, sure—he’s a triple-double threat every other night—but how do you code "vibes"? How do you give a rating to a guy who dives into the front row for a loose ball when the team is up by 15 in the fourth quarter?
Basically, you can't.
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That’s why his Intangibles rating is usually sky-high, often sitting in the 80s or 90s. It’s the "glue guy" tax. On the defensive end, he’s got 21 badges in the current game, including Gold Challenger and Gold Immovable Enforcer. He’s a nightmare for opposing guards because he doesn't just play defense; he annoys them into mistakes.
The Controversy: Is 83 Too Low?
If you compare him to other players in the 83-85 range, things get spicy. In the most recent December 2025 update, Hart jumped to an 83 after averaging nearly 16 points and 10 rebounds over a two-week stretch. At that same time, players like Austin Reaves or Zach LaVine often sit just a point or two ahead of him.
Fans argue that Hart impacts winning more than those "stat-heavy" players. If you're building a championship team in MyLeague, do you want the guy who scores 20 but gives up 20, or the guy who scores 12, grabs 12 boards, and locks down the opponent's best player?
Most competitive 2K players actually prefer Hart's card over higher-rated players because of the badges. His Rebound Chaser and Boxout Beast badges are essentially "glitched" for a shooting guard. He out-jumps centers. It’s frustrating to play against, but it’s exactly how he plays in real life.
What to expect next
If the Knicks keep rolling, we might see Hart sniff an 84 or 85 by the end of the 2025-26 season. That would put him in the "All-Star adjacent" tier, which is rare air for a player who isn't a primary scoring option.
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If you're looking to maximize him in the game right now, don't try to use him as a primary ball-handler. He’s best used as a transition threat. Grab the board with him, sprint the floor, and use his 99 Stamina to outrun everyone else. He’s also surprisingly effective in the "dunker's spot" despite the low dunk rating because his Physical Finisher badge helps him absorb contact.
Actionable Insights for NBA 2K Players:
- In MyTeam: Look for the "Grit and Grind" or "Defensive Anchor" versions of Hart; they usually have boosted lateral quickness that makes him a perimeter lockdown.
- In MyCareer: If you're making a build based on him, prioritize the Small Forward position with a high Strength and Defensive Rebound attribute to trigger those unique animations.
- In Play Now: Don't sub him out. His 99 stamina means you can use those extra minutes to let your stars like Jalen Brunson rest while Hart keeps the defense intense.
The Josh Hart 2k rating will probably never satisfy everyone. It’s the fate of a player whose best work happens in the gaps of the box score. But for those who actually watch the tape, an 83 is just a number; the 99 hustle is the truth.
Next Steps for Your Knicks Roster:
To see how Hart compares to the rest of the squad, check out the updated New York Knicks 2K26 Team Ratings where Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby are currently battling for the highest defensive stats on the team. Check the "Roster Update" menu in-game to ensure you have the latest attribute tweaks from the December patch.