NBA 2K21 is set to be one of the premier video games on the next-generation consoles both Xbox and PlayStation are releasing in 2020. The game’s MyTeam mode is super popular as it allows people to build their dream NBA rosters.
It consists of current fan favorites and superstars as well as calling back to some of the best players to get on the court in the NBA’s extensive history. The mode has cards of varying rarities and overalls, but which are the best in each category? It’s time to look at and examine the 10 best ruby cards in MyTeam and rank them.
10 Bill Walton ‘86 (89)
Two things that aren’t easy to do in the NBA are average a double-double for your career and be remembered as a great on one of the more storied franchises. Bill Walton, the UCLA product, managed to do both of those things and even went on to have a successful career as an NBA broadcaster.
Players who want a lockdown rebounder who has a solid paint scoring game and is a good rim defender should look at acquiring Walton’s 89 overall ruby card, which is part of the Playoff Stoppers set theme.
9 Mike Bibby ‘02 (89)
If it wasn’t for Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, the Sacramento Kings could have had their own dynasty in the early 2000s. Mike Bibby was the point guard for that roster and his immaculate ball-handling skills and ability to get his teammates open shots helped the Kings win plenty of games.
For those who love the athleticism of point guards like Russell Westbrook, they may not like Bibby. He kept his feet on the ground and never showed the willingness or physical ability to play at the rim.
8 Kenny Smith ‘97 (89)
Kenny “The Jet” Smith is known these days as being one of the four members of TNT’s wildly popular Inside the NBA, which is the premier NBA analysis show currently running. Not only has he made his mark as an Emmy award-winning broadcaster, but he also contributed heavily to two championship teams.
Smith was an average defender but was sneaky good when it came to outside scoring and playmaking ability. His 89 overall ruby card is a walking sniper rifle as it comes with a 90 rating from behind the 3-point line.
7 Eric Gordon (89)
The Houston Rockets over the last 3 seasons have been quite the experiment to witness. They have tried some unconventional roster builds and it hasn’t resulted in much outside of a playoff series win or two.
James Harden and Russell Westbrook were the focus of the media, but Eric Gordon has been a solid third scorer for the majority of his career. Though he averages only 16.6 points per game for his career, he has the ability to explode on any given night for anywhere between 30 to 50 points.
6 Brian Scalabrine ‘08 (89)
Now, if someone is unfamiliar with Brian Scalabrine, they should understand his popularity is based more on jokes than his actual skill. Scalabrine was not terrible, but he was never anything more than a deep bench role player who could come in and nail a 3-point shot or two when called upon.
Scalabrine earned the nickname “White Mamba” as a joke in regards to him being the white version of Kobe Bryant. His ruby card is the developers paying homage to the reputation he built as an inside joke among NBA fans.
5 Damian Lillard (89)
Depending on who is asked, Damian Lillard is considered one of the NBA’s best point guards, and some would argue he is the best. His range is incredible as he’s shown that he can nail buckets from anywhere on the court and has proven it in pivotal game-winning situations.
Lillard is a passable defender who really makes his impact on the offensive side of the court. Though his ruby card is an 89 overall, it should arguably be higher as Lillard has lived his entire career being overlooked and underappreciated.
4 Richard Hamilton ‘04 (89)
The Detroit Pistons of the 2000s are in stark contrast to the ineptitude that has encompassed the franchise for the last decade. That roster had some outstanding players in its starting rotation, with one of the more underrated members being shooting guard Richard “Rip” Hamilton.
Known for his iconic facemask he had to wear to protect a prior face injury, Hamilton was silky smooth on the court. Hamilton was a solid scorer who provided consistency at the position, which is reflected in his 89 overall ruby card.
3 Andrea Bargnani ‘07 (89)
Andrea Bargnani was a solid Italian NBA player who happened to have three incredible years as a member of the Toronto Raptors. His best season as a professional basketball player came in 2010 when he averaged 21.4 points per game, alongside 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.
In Italy, Bargnani will likely be celebrated as one of the best NBA players the country has ever produced. Snag his 89 overall ruby card to show love for the power forward out of Rome, Italy.
2 Bill Laimbeer ‘94 (89)
Bill Laimbeer was one of the bad boys associated with the Detroit Pistons of the ’80s and early ’90s. His team’s physical defensive play made it hard on the likes of Larry Bird and Michael Jordan to make it to the NBA Finals.
Laimbeer was a 4x NBA All-Star, led the league in rebounds in 1986, and won back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. As his career went on, Laimbeer evolved from a rebounder and rim-protector to a big man with an outside shot. His ruby card reflects that evolution as it embraces his final year as an NBA player, 1994.
1 Luka Doncic (89)
Luka Doncic is quickly emerging as the next great superstar in the NBA. For a team like the Dallas Mavericks, it’s a stroke of luck they have transitioned from the European phenom known as Dirk Nowitzki to another European standout in Doncic.
Doncic is an all-around offensive playmaker who can create his own shot and score from anywhere on the court while also being able to get his teammates involved. His ruby card in NBA 2K21’s MyTeam is just the beginning of what this guy will be rewarded with as he continues to blossom into greatness.
NEXT: NBA 2K21: The 10 Best Point Guards In MyTeam, Ranked
