The NBA 2K23 player ratings have been released and Kevin Durant is already fuming

It's that time of the year again.

For us fans, we simply cannot wait to see which NBA stars got an upgrade (or downgrade for that matter) for their overall rating in the new NBA 2K video game.

But for the players themselves, they must absolutely dread it – unless you're Giannis Antetokounmpo, of course.

Despite falling short in his quest for back-to-back chips, the 'Greek Freak' is now officially the highest-rated player in the new NBA 2K23 video game with an overall rating of 97.

He's closely followed by LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid and - of course - recently-crowned NBA champ Steph Curry.

But it seems the ratings are already sparking debate among people online – including the players themselves.

Kevin Durant has wasted no time in sharing his frustrations.

He tweeted: "Aye @Ronnie2K I’m gonna need an explanation on why I’m not a 99? This has become laughable."

Aye @Ronnie2K I’m gonna need an explanation on why I’m not a 99? This has become laughable https://t.co/oySQUtcDP2

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) September 6, 2022

The NBA 2K23 player ratings for Australia and New Zealand's top stars have also been released.

Ben Simmons - who didn't play a single game last season for the Brooklyn Nets - only lost a single point, handed a rating of 83 by 2K – the highest of all the Aussies and Kiwis.

After his stellar rookie season, Josh Giddey was awarded an 82 overall, which is a huge improvement from his 75 last year.

Steven Adams was also granted an 82 – a jump up from his 79.

That duo is closely followed by Matisse Thybulle (77) Joe Ingles (76), Josh Green (73) and first round draft pick Dyson Daniels (73).

Incredibly, Aussie legend Patty Mills was only given a 72 overall.

NBA 2K23 is set to be released on September 9 in Australia and New Zealand.