DeMarcus Cousins is the highest rated center in NBA 2K18

NBA 2K18 will be released in just three weeks and if today is any indication we will get an idea on how the most important Pelicans are rated shortly.

First up, DeMarcus Cousins leads all centers with a 92 overall rating, just edging out fellow Kentucky big man Karl-Anthony Towns. I expect Anthony Davis to lead all power forwards as well, creating a dominant front court in the virtual world.

Cousins is not the first Pelican to have his rating released. E'Twaun Moore comes in at 74, and Quincy Pondexter a rather impressive 73 considering he hasn't played in the NBA since April 2015. Anthony Davis should rate in the low to mid-90's, joining fellow superstars LeBron James (97), Kevin Durant (96), Kawhi Leonard (95), and Stephen Curry (94).

Beyond that, the Pelicans roster will likely be as unimpressive on NBA 2K18 as it is in the minds of national pundits. Jrue Holiday was rated a 79 in 2K17, with the remainder of the roster stuck in the 70's. Rajon Rondo was rated 81 to begin last year and his continuing reputation may keep him out of the 70's, but I'm leaning toward a 78 or 79 from the 2K crew.

The prevailing opinion of the Pelicans, a roster with two legitimate stars and a heap of mismatched role players, will be reinforced by these ratings. It will be up to the team to prove that assessment incorrect.