Predicting the NBA 2K19 ratings for Houston Rockets players

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Clint Capela – 87

Clint Capela had a career season last year, and the Rockets rewarded him to the tune of a five-year $90 million contract extension. With Capela and Paul back in the stable, the Rockets will have a good chance at making the Western Conference Finals where they’ll attempt to dethrone you-know-who.

Last season, Capela averaged career highs in points (13.9), rebounds (10.8), blocks (1.9) and field goal percentage (65.2 percent). Capela started off the season with a 79 rating in 2K18. His rating climbed to a peak of 87 before resting at 86 overall. With all of Capela’s improvements and the fact that he won’t turn 25 until the 2019 playoffs, NBA 2K should boost Capela to a 87 rating.

Carmelo Anthony – 79

After over a year of efforts, the Rockets finally got their man. On Tuesday, Carmelo Anthony verbally committed to sign with the Rockets, according to Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania. Anthony struggled to fit in with the Thunder last season, averaging a career-low 16.2 points per game.

Anthony has never appeared in an NBA Finals before and now that his game is declining, he has faced a lot of criticism in recent years. However, Anthony is 34 years old, so we can’t expect him to be the same athlete that he was when he was 24. Anthony can still score buckets in a hurry and getting him for the veteran’s minimum is a steal for Houston.

Anthony started off with a rating of 84 in NBA 2K18, but his rating dropped to 80 in NBA 2K19. The Rockets are already one of the elite offensive teams in the NBA, so they won’t have to lean heavily on Anthony’s scoring. Also, if the Rockets pull off a trade for another defensive forward like James Johnson or Kent Bazemore, they will eat into some of Anthony’s minutes. Anthony’s shot attempts and playing time will likely decrease, so NBA 2K will likely give him a 79 rating.

OAKLAND, CA – MAY 22: PJ Tucker #4 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 20, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

P.J. Tucker – 75

Besides Chris Paul, P.J. Tucker was probably Houston’s best addition last year. He helped the Rockets become a top 10 defense and he brings so much toughness and grit to the team. It doesn’t matter if Tucker is coming off of the bench or starting, or if he’s on fire or ice-cold, he’s always going to bring a lot of hustle.

Tucker’s rating fluctuated between 75 and 76 last season. Tucker is 33 years old now, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see his defense decline a bit if his lateral quickness slows down. Tucker ended the season with a 75 overall rating, which is where it will likely be in 2K19.

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