Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gay 2K rating: 75 (-1)
When looking at a role player like Gay’s rating, basic counting stats don’t hold the same weight. From that perspective, dropping Gay’s rating seems fair.
The scoring outbursts have become fewer and further between from the beginning of the season. His high mark since the All-Star break has been 18.
More significantly, lineups featuring him prominently in the absence of Bojan Bogdanovic and Danuel House Jr. have faltered. Maybe it’s unfair to judge the 35-year-old by that standard, but it’s the only standard we have.
If Gay’s unable to be effective as a starter, 75 feels like an appropriate rating.
Utah Jazz forward Royce O’Neale 2K rating: 74 (-2)
Of any protests we make in this article, this one will be the loudest. Royce O’Neale deserves better.
Throw statistics out the window: we know that’s not O’Neale’s bag. He’s a consummate glue guy. The effort, energy and high defensive IQ that he brings to the table on a nightly basis have not changed since 2K’s last ratings update.
His prior rating of 76 was fair, and if anything, he should be closer to a 77. Ronnie 2K, you’ll be hearing from our people on this one.
Utah Jazz guard Jared Butler 2K rating: 74 (+1)
Jared Butler was the only Jazzman to receive an improved rating in this batch of updates. We’re happy for the kid: he truly deserves it.
Of course, his statistics haven’t mind blowing. He still doesn’t necessarily get heavy spin in this Jazz rotation. The 21 points and 7 assists he hung on the Clippers probably helped his cause.
In assessing Butler, you’ve got to lean on the eye test. Any Utah Jazz fan will tell you that he looks the part of at least a 74 overall player.