As with all build guides, it should be noted that these basic designs can be tailored to suit your playstyle as you see fit. If you notice any areas where our builds might appear weak, don’t be afraid to make some adjustments of your own.
Best Glass Cleaner Center Build
If you want to be the best rebounding Center of the bunch, start with the pie chart shown below that favors Defense/Rebounding above all else. With that key skill established, the rest of your MyPlayer remains pretty balanced.
Follow that up with the pie chart that favors strength and a strong vertical. That way you’ll be able to easily nab any balls near the rim.
Your potential stats should look something like this. By the end of it you will have unlocked a wide assortment of Finishing and Defensive Badge slots that are perfectly suited for the baller you’re looking for.
Body Type: BurlyHeight: 7'3"Weight: 290Wingspan: 97. 0"Takeover: Glass Cleaner
Badges
Finishing:Contact Finisher [Gold]Pick & Roller [Gold]Putback Boss [Gold]Dropstepper [Gold]Relentless Finisher [Gold]
ShootingDeadeye [Bronze]PlaymakingQuick First Step [Bronze]DefenseBrick Wall [HoF]Chase Down Artist [HoF]Defense Leader [HoF]Rim Protector [HoF]Rebound Chaser [HoF]Pogo Stick [HoF]Worm [Bronze]Intimidator [Bronze]
Best Overall Center Build
While it may seem counterintuitive at first, the most balanced Center model is actually a Small Forward. After that initial selection, pick the pie chart that favors a balanced shooting edge.
The physical profile will be pretty balanced too, with a slight increase in speed.
For this archetype, essentially ignore Playmaking and fill in those extra points everywhere else. The player won’t be able to steal, but they’ll be able to shoot and defend with the best of them.
Body Type: BurlyHeight: 6'8"Weight: 185Wingspan: 90"Takeover: Rim Protector
Badges
FinishingShootingCatch & Shoot [HoF]Green Machine [HoF]Hot Zone Hunter [HoF]Range Extender [HoF]Deadeye [Silver]Pick & Popper [Bronze]DefenseClamps [HoF]Intimidator [HoF]Pogo Stick [HoF]Rebound Chaser [HoF]Chase Down Artist [Silver]Rim Protector [Silver]Post Move Lockdown [Bronze]
Best Stretch Build
On the other end of the spectrum is a Stretch, which is an offensive player that’s able to make things happen from downtown. If that’s the kind of MyPlayer you’re looking for, make a Power Forward with this pie chart that has huge shooting maximums and balance in other areas.
The corresponding Physical Profile should favor speed and acceleration as well.
This is what the granular stats might look like. In this case you want to make a MyPlayer with maxed-out shooting, high Playmaking attributes and a solid defensive core. Be aware that this model will likely stink from up close, however.
Body Type: BurlyHeight: 6'7"Weight: 180Wingspan 80. 0"Spot Up Shooter
Badges
FinishingDropstepper [Bronze]ShootingCatch & Shoot [HoF]Clutch Shooter [HoF]Deadeye [HoF]Green Machine [HoF]Range Extender [HoF]Tireless Shooter [HoF]Volume Shooter [HoF]Hot Start [Silver]PlaymakingDownhill [Gold]Needle Threader [Gold]Quick First Step [Gold]Unpluckable [Gold]Bail Out [Bronze]Break Starter [Bronze]DefenseIntimidator [Gold]
Best Pure Playmaker Build
If a pure Playmaker is what you’re after, it makes sense to have a Point Guard with the Skill Breakdown pie chart that favors Playmaking. Everything else outside that stat is also fairly balanced, leaving you with plenty of opportunities to grow your MyPlayer in a few different directions.
Every good Playmaker needs to zip around the court, so pick the Physical Profile with massive boosts to speed and acceleration.
From here, we suggest modeling a player with top-notch Playmaking and Shooting. Finishing will also help you score points from up close. If you want defense, you won’t find it in this build.
Body Type: DefinedHeight: 6'6"Weight: 190Wingspan: 85. 2"Takeover: Playmaker
Badges
FinishingContact Finisher [Gold]Consistent Finisher [Bronze]ShootingDeadeye [Gold]Green Machine [Gold]Hot Start [Gold]Hot Zone Hunter [Gold]Range Extender [Silver]PlaymakingAnkle Breaker [HoF]Break Starter [HoF]Dimer [HoF]Floor General [Hof]Handles for Days [HoF]Quick First Step [HoF]Unpluckable [HoF]Tight Handles [Silver]DefenseClamps [Gold]Intimidator [Gold]
Best Playsharp Build
If you want a Playmaker with a little more emphasis on shooting, try a Point Guard in this Playsharp build. The pie chart favors shooting and Playmaking alike, with slightly smaller slices in other areas.
Going by his template you’re best off trading some of that speed and acceleration for a slightly better vertical. Playsharps are a bit more balanced in that regard.
That sense of balance is also captured in the build’s finer attributes too.
Body Type: CompactHeight: 6'2"Weight: 185Wingspan: 74"Takeover: Spot Up Shooter
Badges
FinishingContact Finisher [Bronze]Dropstepper [Bronze]Consistent Finisher [Bronze]ShootingClutch Shooter [HoF]Deadeye [HoF]Green Machine [HoF]Hot Zone Hunter [HoF]Range Extender [HoF]Hot Start [Gold]Volume Shooter [Silver]PlaymakingDimer [HoF]Floor General [HoF]Handles for Days [HoF]Quick First Step [HoF]Bail Out [Silver]Lob City Passer [Silver]Unpluckable [Bronze]DefensePick Dodger [Bronze]
Best Lockdown Defender Build
If all this offense is too much for you, this Point Guard Lockdown Defender concept may be more up your alley. Predictably, start with the pie chart that favors Defense/Rebounding.
Next, push for the extra speed and acceleration required to stop your opponent dead in their tracks.
In this build your Finish suffers dearly, but it allows you to design a strong defensive baller that still has the ability to make others pay from mid-range. Beyond the occasional dunk, you won’t be doing much close to the basket.
Body Type: BuiltHeight: 6'5"Weight: 175Wingspan: 86"Takeover: Lockdown Defender
Badges
ShootingCatch & Shoot [Gold]Deadeye [Gold]Green Machine [Gold]Hot Zone Hunter [Gold]Range Extender [Gold]PlaymakingQuick First Step [Gold]Tight Handles [Gold]Unpluckable [Gold]DefenseClamps [HoF]Pick Dodger [HoF]Rim protector hofInterceptor [Gold]Intimidator [Gold]Rebound Chaser [Gold]
These are just six of the thousands of possible builds that could be made in the NBA 2K21 MyPlayer Builder. There’s still a lot to be discovered about the meta in the days after release, but these outlines are hopefully enough to get you started on your NBA journey.
NBA 2K21 is available September 4 on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC and Stadia. The demo is live now.
Which of these NBA 2K21 builds is the best fit for you? Will you be playing as a Center or a Stretch? Tell us in the comments section!
