Best Builds For NBA 2K21 (Complete Builds Breakdown)

best build in 2k21

In NBA 2K21, one of the most interesting and fun things to do is to create your own player for different game modes. It’s popular among all the players because building a player according to your own preferences gives you complete control over the way the player should play. It’s as if you are told to make your dream player; nobody would miss that chance, right?

If you want to create your very own player build but are having troubles going through all the charts and stats configuration, then I’m here to help. In this article, I am going to list the best builds for NBA 2K21 in numerous different positions and explain them in detail.

All of these builds will help you in creating a solid player portfolio with the opportunity of earning a fortune from Hall of Fame Badges. These builds will provide a solid base to start from and make you stand out from others in the particular position you choose to play in. So without further ado, let’s get started:

How To Build The Best NBA 2K21 Player On PS5 And PS4 In All Positions?

Before you dive into the best NBA 2K21 player builds, you need to have an idea about all the player positions. If you have already played NBA 2K games before or have prior basketball knowledge, then you can skip this section. In total, there are 5 player positions, namely Center, Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard:

All NBA Positions
  • When we talk about the Center position, the two words that come to our mind are strength and height because these are the physical aspects in which a center excels. This position is known for taking advantage of opponents by exploiting its height, strength, and agility. In the attacking aspect of the game, this player makes offensive plays for his teammates and defensively covers the team from counterattacks and rebounds.
  • In terms of physicality and other traits, the Power Forward is similar to the Center; however, it has an extra edge over the center in terms of pace and agility. To put it simply, the power forward is more mobile in attacking plays and is more resourceful as it can take up pseudo positions of a lot of players.
  • The Small Forward may be underestimated sometimes due to its lack of height in comparison to the Power Forward; however, there is no doubt that he is one of the best shot takers of the team. What makes the Small Forward even more useful is its ability of line breaking passes and close ball control.
  • The Shooting Guard is one of the paciest players on the squad. The player is commonly known for his ball progression skills and is the brain of the team’s attacks; and also tries for a couple of shots in the basket every now and then.
  • The Point Guard might not be the tallest player in the team but performs a vital role by initiating attack plays, controlling the structure of the team, and giving crucial assists to his teammates.

1- You Need To Pick A Skill Breakdown

You will need to choose between a lot of options from the Skill Analysis Breakdown pie chart/graph before you can start customizing your player; this chart will have an impact on your player’s both max and beginning stats.

NBA 2k21 Skill Breakdown Chart

These charts have 4 distinct categories, namely: Shooting, Finishing, Defense/Rebound, and Playmaking. They are rather self-illustrative; however, I will explain them in detail below:

  • Shooting impacts your offensive productivity when you are outside of the paint territory, for example, when trying a three-pointer or taking a shot from free throws.
  • Finishing refers to your offensive influence when you are in the key. Aspects like Tight Shooting, Driving, and Standing Dunk plays an important role here as they help you to become more agile and clinical.
  • Defense / Rebound stats relate to your power to box out the opposing party in Interior Defense and Perimeter Defense. It also impacts how successful you are at Stealing, and your capacity to perform Offensive and Defensive Rebounds.
  • Playmaking tells about your capability to carry the ball appropriately and pass to your fellows constructively. High ratings to Passing Accuracy and Ball Handling will make certain you are skilled to dribble rigidly and can help others in the game.

2- You Need To Choose A Physical Profile

Physical Profile functions just like the Skill Analysis, as you are once more required to choose from a diagram affecting the following physical characteristics:

Image of physical profile in NBA 2k21
  • Agility always refers to your character’s sprint Velocity and, likewise, the duration to reach their peak speed.
  • Strength refers to your character’s ability to duel with other opponents, standing your ground, and fighting for placements in closed spaces of the court.
  • The Vertical Profile is possibly less clear for the players; regardless, it directs to the rate at which you can successfully reach the peak of your leaps. So, If you want to create a player who is good at both offensive and defensive counters/rebounds, then a suitable Vertical rating is essential.

Just like the skill analysis/breakdown, you will need to select your Physical Profile in such a way that it complements the type of basketball player you want to create.

3- Set Your Potential

One of the most important things is to set your potential; you can approach this in a wide variety of ways; however, I look to spend points equally throughout all the attributes with both low and excessive ceiling caps.

Set your potential in NBA

As a playmaker, for example, I need to be a passing superstar; such Accuracy will need a lot of focus; however, at the same time, I need strong Perimeter Defense, even though it may have a decrease point cap.

So finding the proper balance there and spreading points equally is challenging but, in the long run, key to constructing a well-rounded superstar.

4- Choose Your Body Shape

Your Body Shape has clearly no influence on your player’s in-game performance; however, you should prefer a shape that satisfies you the most.

best body shape in NBA 2k21

Altogether there will be 4 options to choose from; Burly, Built, Compact and Slight. I would prefer the Built Body as it makes the player look more imposing.

5- Set Your Height

Unlike your physique, this figure has an impact on your performance. You will be limited to some size boundaries pivoting on the type/position of player you are creating.

Best height option in NBA 2k21

Each size player brings something unique to the table, for instance, a short heightened player will be quicker between the lines and will have a better dribbling ability, whereas a tall player will show his expertise in the rebound and strength regions of the game.

6- Adjust Your Weight

Like Height, the mass of your player will influence his stats. A player with less weight will certainly have more pace, he will have the ability to pass the ball more swiftly, and will most likely have increased Vertical qualities.

Best weight settings in NBA 2k21

On the other hand, a bulkier player will provide you with more strength and will not lose his footing so easily, therefore proving more effective in physically testing encounters

7- Adjust Your Wingspan

The wingspan is not too complicated to understand, it refers to your player’s arm length when they are outstretched and wide open.

Setting up the wingspan

If you want to be good at counters and rebounds, then you will want to have a larger wingspan; however, for this, you will have to sacrifice your shooting and power abilities. So just remember to select a wingspan that balances both your power and dunking abilities.

8- Choose Your Takeover

The momentarily boost that your player gets while playing well is what makes the Takeover one of the most important mechanics in the game.

You will be able to see a gauge on the screen, and its rating will increase in accordance with your on-field performance, so the better you perform, the faster it increases.

Spot up shooter is great in NBA 2k21

When the meter is full, then you can use this feature by pressing the R3 button; however, you should be aware that if your performance starts to decline, then the takeover will also go down with it.

Choosing the right takeover can make your player better than others and vice versa, so be sure to pick a Takeover that suits your style.

9- The Badges

Badges are just little boosts that make your player go to greater heights. They tend to be sedentary enhancements and are separated into 4 types: Shooting, Finishing, Reb/Def, and Playmaking.

Badges in NBA 2k21

Counting on how you place the potential of your build, you will be capable of unlocking a handful of Badges to polish your player.

It’ll rely upon what sort of player you are looking to make, for instance; a Center that prioritizes recovering rebounds and counters will need to boost their Hall Of Fame Badge of Rebound Chaser, whereas a player in the Shooting Guard position would concentrate additionally on their linking up and Playmaking skills which will make certain they’re capable of circulating across the direction fast and rigorously.

As far as the Takeover is concerned, you should always opt for build-enhancing badges so that over the span of time, your build becomes the best.

NBA 2K21: PS5 vs PS4 MyPlayer Builder

2K Games has made huge modifications to the MyPlayer Builder on the Playstation 5, which means that this web page will now consist of units of Best Builds for MyPlayer and MyCareer, for both the PS5 and PS4 versions of the game.

This game simplifies the MyPlayer Builder, without dropping any of its profundity. In this manner, you will no longer need to choose a Physical Profile pie chart or Skill Breakdown. There is also a change in the Badges section, with the inclusion of a few newbies and the disposal of some oldies.

However, there is one bad news for all the NBA 2K21 fanatics out there; 2K Games has stated: “your MyPLAYER Inventory and progress will not transfer from PS4 to PS5, as the experience will be different for NBA 2K21 on next-generation consoles.” So any players who got their hands on the newly released PS5 will have to start their player careers all over again.

Related articles:

Best 2k21 Builds

Let’s dive in and have a look at the 8 best 2K21 builds for PS4, and PS5 explained in detail. There were a lot of builds to choose from, and I have shortlisted the best ones for you:

Best Point Guard Build (PS5)

This point guard build is a speedy controller and playmaker with unbeatable dunking capability, and it has fifty-eight Badges, which includes 10 badges for finishing, 22 for playmaking, 15 for shooting, and 11 for Rebounds.

Body Settings:

  • 180 pounds: Weight
  • 6’8-6’9: Wingspan

Attributes:

Shooting

  • 94-95: Three-Point Shot
  • 70-72: Free Throw
  • 79-81: Mid-Range Shot

Finishing

  • 94-96: Driving Dunk
  • 63-65: Post Control
  • 88-90: Driving Layup

Defense/Rebounding

  • 74-76: Offensive Rebound
  • 94-96: Steal
  • 80-82: Defensive Rebound

Physicals

  • 94:96: Acceleration
  • 94-95: Stamina
  • 94-96: Speed
  • 76-78: Vertical

Playmaking

  • 94-95: Speed With Ball
  • 91-93: Ball Handle
  • 76-78: Pass Accuracy

Takeover

  • Secondary: Anklebreaking Bursts
  • Primary: Limited Range Takeover

NBA 2K21: Best PS4 Point Guard Build

This PS4 point guard build is a fantastic playmaker with great shooting skills, and it has 55 Badges, including 16 Finishing Badges, 12 Shooting Badges, 22 Playmaking Badges, and 5 Def / Rebound Badges.

Body Settings:

  • 180 pounds: Weight
  • 6’8-6’9: Wingspan

Attributes:

Shooting

  • 66-68: Three-Point Shot
  • 81-83: Free Throw
  • 71-73: Post Fade Shot
  • 74-76: Mid-Range Shot

Finishing

  • 81-83: Driving Dunk
  • 55-56: Post Control
  • 82-84: Close Shot
  • 88-91: Driving Layup

Defense/Rebounding

  • 74-76: Steal
  • 75-77: Parameter Defense
  • 64-66: Defensive Rebound
  • Sidewards Quickness: 73-75

Physicals

  • 94:96: Acceleration
  • 94-95: Stamina
  • 94-96: Speed
  • 76-78: Vertical

Playmaking

  • 94-95: Speed With Ball
  • 91-93: Ball Handle
  • 76-78: Pass Accuracy

Takeover

  • Shot Creator
  • Slasher

Best Center Build (PS5)

The following center formation is an indisputable champion in the court, with 70 badges in total, including 24, 19, and 27 badges for finishing, shooting, and Def/Reb, respectively.

Physical/Body Configuration

  • 230-233 pounds: Mass
  • 7″ 7″ -7’8″: Wingspan
  • 6’9’- 6’10″: Height

Attributes:

Shooting

  • 77-79: Three-Point Shot
  • 89-92: Free Throw
  • 79-81: Mid-Range Shot

Finishing

  • 94-96: Driving Dunk
  • 88-90: Post Control
  • 88-90: Driving Layup

Defense/Rebounding

  • 94-95: Offensive Rebound
  • 94-96: Steal
  • 93-95: Block
  • 94-95: Defensive Rebound

Physicals

  • 68-70: Acceleration
  • 94-95: Stamina
  • 71-73: Speed
  • 76-78: Vertical

Playmaking

  • 94-95: Speed With Ball
  • 91-93: Ball Handle
  • 76-78: Pass Accuracy

Takeover

  • Primary: Paint of Intimidation

Best Center Build (PS4)

The following player will be extremely skilled at rebounds and taking shots; it will have around 50-51 badges, including 11 for finishing, 19 for shooting, 1 for playmaking, and 20 for Def / Reb.

Physical/Body Configuration

  • 230-235 pounds: Mass
  • 88.0″: Wingspan
  • 6’9’- 6’10″: Height

Attributes:

Shooting

  • 62-63: Three-Point Shot
  • 81-83: Free Throw
  • 70-72: Mid-Range Shot

Finishing

  • 56-58: Driving Dunk
  • 66-68: Post Control
  • 83-85: Close Shot

Defense/Rebounding

  • 94-95: Offensive Rebound
  • 94-96: Steal
  • 93-95: Block
  • 94-95: Defensive Rebound

Physicals

  • 68-70: Acceleration
  • 94-95: Stamina
  • 71-73: Speed
  • 76-78: Vertical

Playmaking

  • Same as PS5

Takeover

  • Cleaner of Glass

Best Power Forward (PS5)

The following power forward construct is a fine fit and should be especially influential in the key at both sides of the field, with a possible 60+ Badges, including 24-25 Badges for finishing, 6 for the shooting department, 4 for Playmaking, and 27 for Def/Reb.

Physical/Body Configuration

  • 205-215 pounds: Mass
  • 7″ 4″ -7’6″: Wingspan
  • 6’8’- 6’10″: Height

Attributes:

Shooting

  • 76-79: Three-Point Shot
  • 79-81: Mid-Range Shot

Finishing

  • 94-96: Driving Dunk
  • 93-96: Standing Dunk
  • 90-93: Driving Layup

Defense/Rebounding

  • 94-95: Offensive Rebound
  • 94-96: Steal
  • 93-95: Block
  • 94-95: Defensive Rebound

Physicals

  • 75-77: Acceleration
  • 92-93: Stamina
  • 77-80: Speed
  • 69-71: Vertical

Playmaking

  • 70-72: Ball Handle
  • 76-78: Pass Accuracy

Takeover

  • Primary: Window To The Future

Best Power Forward Build (PS4)

This player will undoubtedly control the game and can achieve a total of 53 badges.

Physical/Body Configuration

  • 205-215 pounds: Mass
  • 7″ 4″ -7’6″: Wingspan
  • 6’8’- 6’10″: Height

Attributes:

Shooting

  • 76-79: Three-Point Shot
  • 79-81: Mid-Range Shot

Finishing

  • 94-96: Driving Dunk
  • 93-96: Standing Dunk
  • 90-93: Driving Layup

Defense/Rebounding

  • 94-95: Offensive Rebound
  • 94-96: Steal
  • 93-95: Block
  • 94-95: Defensive Rebound

Physicals

  • 75-77: Acceleration
  • 92-93: Stamina
  • 77-80: Speed
  • 69-71: Vertical

Playmaking

  • 70-72: Ball Handle
  • 76-78: Pass Accuracy

Takeover

  • Primary: Cleaner Of Glass

Small Forward Build (PS5)

Thie the following figure is going to be an aggressive player with multiple roles in the team, it will give you an opportunity to earn 54 Badges, which include 13, 10, 14, and 17 badges for finishing, shooting, playmaking, and Def/reb respectively.

Physical/Body Configuration

  • 225-230 pounds: Mass
  • 6’10” -6’11”: Wingspan
  • 6’6’- 6’8″: Height

Attributes:

Shooting

  • 89-91: Three-Point Shot
  • 94-96: Mid-Range Shot

Finishing

  • 93-95: Driving Dunk
  • 68-70: Standing Dunk
  • 87-89: Driving Layup

Defense/Rebounding

  • 94-95: Offensive Rebound
  • 94-96: Steal
  • 63-65: Block
  • 79-81: Defensive Rebound

Physicals

  • 79-81: Acceleration
  • 82-84: Stamina
  • 82-84: Speed
  • 69-71: Vertical

Playmaking

  • 83-85: Ball Handle
  • 76-78: Pass Accuracy

Takeover

Primary: Finishing Moves

Best Small Forward Build (PS4)

The following forward is once again an aggressive player, which can earn you 61 Badges in total, namely 15 badges for finishing, 12 for shooting, 30 for playmaking, and 4 for Def/Reb.

Attributes

Shooting

  • 76-79: Three-Point Shot
  • 79-81: Mid-Range Shot

Finishing

  • 82-84: Driving Dunk
  • 93-96: Standing Dunk
  • 83-85: Driving Layup

Defense/Rebounding

  • 71-72: Offensive Rebound
  • 69-71: Steal
  • 66: Block
  • 68-70: Defensive Rebound

Physicals

  • 6’5′-6’7′: Height
  • 225-230 pounds: Mass
  • 87.0: Wingspan

Playmaking

  • 70-72: Ball Handle
  • 82-84: Pass Accuracy

Takeover

  • Slasher

Best Shooting Guard Build (PS5)

This shooting guard construct is an extraordinary long-range player, having a total of 47 Badges to its name, namely: 9 Finishing honors, 21 for shooting, 15 for playmaking, and 2 for Def / Reb

Physical/Body Configuration

  • 170-180 pounds: Mass
  • 6″ 3″ -6’5″: Wingspan
  • 6’8’- 6’10″: Height

Attributes:

Shooting

  • 94-96: Three-Point Shot
  • 92-94: Mid-Range Shot

Finishing

  • 90-96: Driving Dunk
  • 93-96: Standing Dunk
  • 90-93: Driving Layup

Defense/Rebounding

  • 34-36: Offensive Rebound
  • 63-65: Steal
  • 75: Block
  • 58-60: Defensive Rebound

Physicals

  • 79-80: Acceleration
  • 89-91: Stamina
  • 79-87: Speed
  • 69-71: Vertical

Playmaking

  • 89-91: Ball Handle
  • 90: Pass Accuracy

Takeover

  • Unlimited

Best Shooting Guard Build (PS4)

This player is an exceptional sharpshooter and ball runner, with a possibility of earning 55 honors, 1 for finishing, 25 for shooting, 22 for Playmaking, and 7 for Def / Reb

Attributes:

Shooting

  • 76-79: Three-Point Shot
  • 79-81: Mid-Range Shot

Finishing

  • 64-66: Driving Dunk
  • 68-70: Close Shot
  • 79-81: Driving Layup

Defense/Rebounding

  • 70: Offensive Rebound
  • 78-80: Steal
  • 80: Block
  • 66-70: Defensive Rebound

Physicals

  • 75-77: Acceleration
  • 92-93: Stamina
  • 77-80: Speed
  • 69-71: Vertical
  • 6’6: Height
  • 200 pounds: Mass

Playmaking

  • 83-85: Ball Handle
  • 85-90: Pass Accuracy
  • 55: Post Moves

Takeover

  • Primary: Playmaker/Shot Up Shoot

Best Jump Shot

The construct you choose is going to have the largest effect on your playstyle; however, every player will require a fair jump Shot in order to become a thriving and regular point scorer.

Consider yourself fortunate because you can create your personal jump shot. Using this feature, you will be able to combine different animations to devise the best move. I suggest testing this till you discover the proper ratio; here’s my recommendation for the finest jumps.

  • 1st discharge should be set to Kobe Bryant
  • Ground Leap Should be between 95 and 99
  • 2nd layoff should be set to Rudy Gay
  • Unleashing Pace should be 75% maximum
  • Animation Blending should be Kobe Bryant 65-70 percent and Rudy 30-35 percent

As I told you before, test these configurations till you discover a Leap that functions perfectly for you; however, you should remember that raising the Laying Off Pace presently minimizes the time duration needed to strike a perfect throw, so whilst you need to push it to be speedy enough to instantly strike your shots, you have to be careful of trying something big as it’ll require added accuracy.

Best Michael Jordan Build For NBA 2K21

Many of you will wonder, “A Prime Michael Jordan build in NBA 2K21? Is that even possible to make?”. The brief solution is yes, it is possible.

Image of Michael jordan in NBA 2k21

With my deep know-how of the person himself, having run multiple experiments, and now understanding what’s currently achievable in NBA 2K21, I will conveniently say that it is a truly fantastic build. So let’s begin.

Let’s start this Legendary build, first and foremost set the position to Small Forward.

Skill Breakdown

Starting off with our Skill Breakdown we have to go with the Half Green and Half Blue pie chart, why this chart you may ask? Because I have tested this build with some other pie charts but this one seems to fit perfectly with what we are about to create.

Physical Profile

For the Physical Profile go with the High Vertical pie chart because as I said, I’ve tested many other variations and also saw other people’s Black Cat builds I realized that this is the perfect combo, trust me you’ll love it.

Your Physicals Should Be:

  • 75: Speed
  • 56: Strength
  • 73: Acceleration
  • 82: Vertical

Potential Attributes

  • (Max out) Close Shot
  • (Max out) Driving Layup
  • (Max out) Driving Dunk
  • (Max out) Standing Dunk
  • 75: Mid-Range Shot
  • 75: Three-Point Shot
  • 60: Free Throw
  • (Max out the) Post Fade
  • 67: Pass Accuracy
  • (Max out) Ball Handle
  • (Max out) Post Moves
  • (Max out) Perimeter Defense
  • (Max out) Lateral Quickness
  • (Max out) Steal
  • (Add all the remaining points) Defense rebound

Height, Weight, And Wingspan

The body shape should be Defined or Built.

For the Height go with the 6 foot 5 inches this will give a buff in Speed, Acceleration, and Vertical making it fast and agile, Weight must be 210lbs or 212lbs don’t take it to higher than that these numbers are perfect for the current build. The Wingspan must be 86.0, we are not done yet but you’ll be able to see how effective this build has become so far.

Takeover Badge

Here you’ll see that we now have a lot of options to choose from, some other builds I’ve tested and seen people using weren’t as good as this one also this build will you give more Takeover badges than most other MJ builds.

Go with the Post Scorer takeover badge I think this blends in with the playstyle of this build, and there you have it the Michael Jordan (Black Cat) Build.

Best Kobe Bryant Build In 2K21

Kobe Bryant was one of the most legendary players this sport has ever seen. To honor his legacy, I have decided to add a Kobe Bryant Build in this article as well. Creating this build is tough, but I’m going to give it a shot. So let’s get started!

Image of Kobe Bryant in NBA 2k21

Skill Breakdown

If you want the Black Mamba, then you will have to select the 5th pie diagram as it will make sure that all the stats are equally distributed across finishing, defense, shooting, and ball handling. If you chose it in the right manner, you would have the attribute ratings mentioned below.

Physical Profile

For this, you should choose the 4th circle. It is going to guarantee your Mamba construct has sufficient pace and is upright to equip the shape. The statistics are mentioned below:

Potential Attributes

You need to make the following attributes maximum:

  • Navigating Layup
  • Tight Shot
  • Mid Range Shooting
  • Driving Dunk
  • Free Throw
  • Post Fade
  • Defensive Rebounding
  • Pass Accuracy
  • Ball Handle
  • Perimeter Defense
  • Lateral Quickness
  • The subsequent stats should be almost maxed out:
  • 46-49: Post Hook
  • 40-42: Standing Dunk
  • 85-87: Steal
  • 53-55: Block
  • 74-76: Free Throw

Height, Weight, And Wingspan

The Shape of your body should stay as Defined.

Height should be around 6 foot 5 inches; this will make certain the construct doesn’t relinquish any hats throughout their healthy attributes like ball carrying and shoots. If you select 6 foot 6 inches, you will witness the construct lose effectiveness across a few essential traits.

In the mass department, our construct should be lowest for the rank and construct, somewhere between 170 and 180 pounds. This is going to affect the body power; however, its vertical and pace will grow.

Lastly, your wingspan should be set at 77.

Takeover Badge

As your takeover badge, I would suggest you yo go with Slasher.

Finally, you have your Black Mamba’s Build ready to get on the field and thrash the opponents.

The Conclusion:

This was my list of the best builds for NBA 2K21. Do experiment with all of them, especially with the legendary builds of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.

Besides, you can also tweak these builds slightly according to your preferences, so don’t forget to tell me about your modifications to my builds in the comments section below.

I hope this article helped you in finding your perfect build. Keep that dunking going on, and Enjoy!!!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Muhammad Hamza
Muhammad Hamza

Enthusiastic about gaming and PC hardware, he found his gateway to the gaming world when he was young and first experienced the open world of Grand Theft Auto. Since then he has developed a strong love for gaming.

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