Given just a few hours of testing, here are five of the very best builds the next-gen version of NBA 2K21 has to offer for Centers, Slashers, Defenders and more. As with all build guides, there may be some tweaking that needs to be done, but this is a solid explainer to get you started.
Best Overall Center Build
Position: Power ForwardHeight: 6'9"Weight: 227 lbs. Wingspan: 7'1"Body Type: Built
With these starting stats you have a multi-purpose player who’s fast with a nice driving dunk and a strong ability to block. You’ll also be able to rebound with ease as well, making you an asset on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court. We have some more specialized builds below, but this one pretty much gets you everything in one shot.
Focus on these stats:
Speed with ballPass accuracyBall handleInterior DefensePerimeter DefenseDefensive ReboundingBlocksDriving DunkDriving LayupThree pointMid-rangeFreehrowSpeedAccelerationStaminaVertical
By the end of your build you should have approximately:
Two Finishing Badges17 Shooting Badges23 Playmaking Badges18 Defensive Badges
Takovers
Limitless RangePaint Intimidation
ISO Guard
Position: Point GuardHeight: 6'6"Weight: 181 lbs. Wingspan: 7'0"Body Type: Compact
The key to this shot-focused build is to zero out your Steals in favor of other attribute upgrades. Steals are very powerful in NBA 2K21 next-gen, but the tradeoff you get for that exclusion is absolutely immense for an ISO player.
Focus on these stats
Driving DunkThree pointFreehrow (73)Mid-range (91)Speed with ballBall HandlePass accuracy (79)Interior DefensePerimeter DefenseBlockOffensive ReboundDefensive ReboundSpeedAccelerationStrengthVericalStamina
By the end you should have approximately:
Two finishing Badges18 Shooting Badges15 Playmaking Badges21 Defensive Badges
Takeovers
Limitless RangeExtreme Clamps
Overall Forward
This build is pretty similar to our first one, but it’s got a few more Finishing Badges depending on how you like to play.
Position: Power ForwardWeight: 210 lbs. Height: 6'9"Wingspan: 7'2"Body Type: Built
Focus on these stats
Driving Layup: 92Driving Dunk: 93Standing Dunk: 73Post Control: 80Mid-range: 86Three-Point 84Free Throw: 66Ball Handles: 72Speed with ball: 73Pass Accuracy 74Perimeter Defense: 80Block 90Defensive Rebound 95Offensive Rebound: 86Speed: 79Acceleration: 76Strength: 57Verical: 86Stamina: 94
By the end you should have approximately:
17 Finishing Badges15 Shooting Badges10 Playmaking Badges20 Defensive Badges
Takeovers
Finishing MovesLimitless Range
Slasher Demigod
If you want to play a bit closer to the basket, this build might be what you’re looking for. It’s balanced and powerful in all areas, and it also sacrifices Steals for the potential of much greater output. If driving to the hoop is your game, here’s one setup that’s gaining lots of traction around the community.
Position: Small ForwardHeight: 6'7’Weight: 215 lbsWingspan: 7'
These stats
Close Shot: 78Driving Layup 91Driving Dunk: 95Mid-Range: 94Three pointer: 89Free Throw: 50Pass Accuracy: 67Ball Handle: 84Speed With Ball: 84Interior Defense: 71Perimeter Defense: 95Offensive Rebound: 69Defensive Rebound: 92Speed: 84Acceleration: 81Strength: 50Vertical: 71Stamina 58
You should have approximately:
13 Finishing Badges14 Shooting Badges12 Playmaking Badges18 Defensive Badges
Takeovers
Limitless RangeEasy Blowbys
Lockdown Defender
Compared to all the above-listed builds, this one is more attuned to the defensive side of the ball. That being said, with about a dozen Shooting Badges, you should be able to nail a solid three every once in a while when you get the chance.
Position: Point GuardHeight: 6'6"Weight: 204 lbsWingspan: 7'3"
Focus on these sats:
Driving Layup: 80Driving Dunk: 90Standing Dunk: 34Post Control: 70Mid-Range: 79Three point: 82Free Throw: 92Pass Accuracy: 46Ball Handle: 80Speed with ball: 79Interior Defense: 76Perimeter Defense: 95Steal: 95Block: 81Offensive Rebound: 55Defensive Rebound: 66Speed: 85Acceleration: 84Strength: 69Vertical: 71Stamina: 74
After you’ve assigned your stats, you should have something like:
Nine Finishing Badges12 Shooting BadgesThree Playmaking Badges28 Defensive Badges
Takeovers
Extreme ClampsSpot-Up Precision
NBA 2K21 is available now on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
What do you think of these next-gen builds for NBA 2K21? Do you have any better ideas to make your MyPlayer better? Tell us in the comments section!
