The big men underneath the rim inNBA 2K23have huge tasks and expectations. Historically, they’ve always been asked to grab rebounds and defend the paint on defense and set screens on offense. In the modern era, this is still true, but three-point shooting and playmaking have been added to the repertoire.
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That makes choosing a team inNBA 2K23a tall (pun intended) order. With so many tasks players are expected to perform, they need a team who makes this investment pay off. Only a select group of teams are worthy of this consideration.
Updated on February 24th, 2023 by Hodey Johns:With the All-Star break concluded, the NBA season is about halfway done and the ratings for each player have increased or decreased to reflect their latest performances. Beyond that, trade deadlines have passed and they did not pass quietly. Blockbuster trades, some of the most significant in the history of the sport, went down mid-season. Additionally, there is the unfortunate business of injuries to consider. Some players got hurt and won’t be coming back. Others will return but won’t be returning for the same team. NBA 2K23 incorporates these updates daily. Considering all that has occurred, this guide has been updated and adjusted based on the latest information. Gamers starting a career at this point in the season will have the most accurate information and set themselves up to have the best career possible.
84
80
88
Jacob Poeltl
79
Toronto isn’t the best team in the league, but they’re remarkably stable. Their only player below 80, Poeltl, is at center and can be replaced after a few weeks into the season. After that, players find themselves in a great position to flourish.
Centers often focus on other areas, but a few ofthe best playmaking badgeswork when posting up. Big men will find that they can toss the ball to the exterior in double coverage for an assist on several occasions. The team will also gladly play a support role. They won’t blow their roles on defense and give the MyPlayer a chance to win games with some strong output.
86
82
83
Kevon Looney
78
The Warriors have been relying on Green to do most of the work on the inside for the team. Golden State immediately becomes a more dynamic team with a strong player at center. This team doesn’t need too much help, this is a dynasty ready to go win another big one.
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With Stephen Curry settled with an injury, the team is in an odd spot where they need some extra scoring. Grab someideal finishing badgesand get to work in the paint. Even if Curry doesn’t come back, this team is surprisingly equipped to win a championship without him so long as the MyPlayer anchors the center.
93
Jaylin Williams
75
The guards in Oklahoma City are great. The forwards and center are terrible. The starting center is the worst starting center by rating. For players that go here and expect to start on day one, Jaylin Williams is no competition. After that, it’s just the forwards holding the team back.
Aside from getting to start faster on the Thunder than for other teams, the bad forwards provide an opportunity for the player to be the sole contributor in the paint on offense and defense. With someelite defense and rebounding badges, the MyPlayer will get the inside all to themselves.
97
90
77
Dwight Powell
The Mavericks are in a similar situation as the Thunder. Their guards havetop-tier shooting badgesand will score from the perimeter but their forwards and center are liabilities. A confident gamer can step in and get the paint to themselves.
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Doncic and Irving are both equally capable of passing and scoring. They’re happy to throw up alley-oops. In the post, locate them on the outside and give them a chance to shoot the ball. They rarely disappoint. Dallas has a good situation for centers that care about their assist numbers.
87
Jericho Sims
76
The Knicks are often an afterthought when it comes to picking teams due to a lack of true superstar talent. But complete teams give players a chance to be the lone superstar and few are as supportive as the Knicks lineup. This is a pass-first squad that can use a big man scorer to replace Sims and his poor 76 rating.
After taking over the starting job quickly, it’s a matter of filling in some gaps. A stretch big would do well here, compensating for the below-average Hart on the exterior. Or set some screens and rush to the hoop with the pick-and-roll. Use the flexibility the team allows to put up points and win games.
94
85
Xavier Tillman
The Grizzlies have, at times this season, been contending for the best team in the league. The team is looking great with the exception of Tillman at center. Without somebody to consistently snag rebounds and score in the paint, the pressure has been all on the guards.
It doesn’t have to be this way. A MyPlayer here will find that they can set screens or pass to either guard and expect a score. They can also take passes from the elite talent and score themselves. With their only flaw patched up, Memphis is ready for a title.
NBA 2K23is available now for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
