There is no debate that the point guard is the most versatile position in NBA 2K22. The position can be a three-point threat, a dunking machine, or a mid-range shooter. The game only further incentivizes exploration by making the position capable of hitting the 95 maximum in almost every category.
So there will naturally be a huge debate over what the best build for the point guard is NBA 2K22. But after some research, simulated games, and a few rounds brawling against human opponents, there is one particular build that seems to be striking fear into the hearts of the opposition. And it deserves all the fear it is getting.
Updated on October 25th, 2021 by Hodey Johns: This article is tried and true, and seeing the pros use it only validates how powerful it is. The build itself is quite particular, but that's part of the reward for tinkering with it for so long to maximize badges and potential. However, two major improvements were given to this guide. First, the addition of a section talking about animations that matter for this build will help it shine further. The default dunk packages are fine, but the build is special with an array of superstar jams. Second, putting players in a position to succeed is very important, so a section and a link about ideal teams for this build have been provided.
The Case For A Dunk Specialist
The best dunker build this year belongs to the point guard. Why is that? Well, thanks to some creativity, the point guard is the fastest player on the court and can remain the fastest player on the court even with an above-average height and no real focus on finishing badges.
Unlike that build, this point guard build understands the need to play the position, especially in online play where trying to dunk every time gets predictable. It's well-rounded, allowing players to score with speed but keeping passing and defense both at Hall of Fame level badges.
Split between Defense/Rebounding and Playmaking
Although dunking is most commonly associated with finishing, there is a method to the madness. If players try to pick something a pie chart with lots of finishing capabilities, the speed of the MyPlayer is drastically reduced. The speed is essentially to actually executing the dunk.
The defense will be critical to playing against other point guards who will be gifted at about anything. As a bonus, the high amount of defense here and the eventual height of the build will allow this point guard to lock down any position on the court. And the playmaking will make it so that if the dunk lane is closed, a nearly guaranteed score is one simple pass away.
Max Out Agility
For the physical profile, choose the pie chart with the most agility. The point guard will spend no time whatsoever in the post, so strength isn't necessary. There's still a good amount of vertical here and it's more than enough to block shots and make dunks on even the tallest opponents.
The real kickers here are the speed and acceleration. Both of these will be 95 after this build is completed, enabling this player to be the fastest in the game. This is an advantage that will blow most opponents out of the water before the first tip.
Setting The Potential
|
Close Shot |
83 |
|
Driving Layup |
84 |
|
Driving Dunk |
77 |
|
Standing Dunk |
51 |
|
Post hook |
63 |
|
Mid-Range Shot |
44 |
|
Three-Point Shot |
44 |
|
Free Throw |
82 |
|
Post Fade |
33 |
|
Pass Accuracy |
86 |
|
Ball Handle |
88 |
|
Post Control |
38 |
|
Interior Defense |
41 |
|
Perimeter Defense |
85 |
|
Lateral Quickness |
85 |
|
Steal |
91 |
|
Block |
54 |
|
Offensive Rebound |
40 |
|
Defensive Rebound |
72 |
Although this build is specifically a dunks specialist, it's important to note that this is very well-rounded. The biggest area of weakness is the three-point shot, but when left wide open, this build will still knock it down more often than not. The high free throw shooting is important because many players will realize when they are beaten with speed and resort to intentionally fouling.
Most importantly, this player can get twenty badges in both playmaking and defense/rebounding. This might seem like overkill, but the plan is to get max-level badges in every category where it counts, preventing any player of any build from stopping this playstyle.
Adjusting Physicals
Most players with maximum speed are five-foot tall shrimps, but this build is an exception. At six feet and five inches, this is an above-average size for a point guard. It wins with height and speed.
Lighten up the MyPlayer to 178 pounds, which will add even more acceleration to the build, allowing it to reach the maximum of 95.
The cherry on top of this build is the enormous 86" wingspan. These arms will stop any shot attempt from an opposing player at any position. Additionally, a long wingspan speeds up the dunking process, which will be further accelerated by a few of the badges.
Be A Slasher
The old default for this position was the Playmaker takeover, but that takeover is focused on dribble moves. This dunking build is not trying to size up and play the finesse game; it's trying to blow by players to the rim and, if that doesn't work, pass to the open man.
Choose the Slasher takeover because it will reduce the effectiveness of anybody that tries to stop the dunks from happening. The only way to prevent the dunk is a true double team, meaning it will be simple to pass to the open player for a free score.
Critical Badges
- Fast Twitch
- Limitless Takeoff
- Slithery FInisher
- Unstrippable
- Posterizer
It's now easier to strip players slashing toward the rim this year, so the Unstrippable badge becomes a requirement. The rest of these badgers help make dunks easier and cleaner. Two of these badges are brand new to this year (Fast Twitch and Limitless Takeoff) and both are absolutely incredible, allowing players to execute a dunk from very far away in the blink of an eye.
- Downhill
- Bullet Passer
- Dimer
- Needle Threader
- Unpluckable
Unpluckable and Unstrippable combine to make it virtually impossible for a top-level player to lose the ball, even when being particularly careless. Downhill adds speed to a player at maximum base speed, meaning that, in transition, no player on the court will be able to stop a run to the rim. Of course, the usual assists badges are included here, too, giving depth to a build with the best playmaking badges available.
- Clamps
- Intimidator
- Interceptor
- Pick Pocket
- Off-Ball Pest
With a max level Off-Ball Pest badge, tight defense erases an opponent from the game and prevents them from getting open for a pass. The rest of these badges are fairly recognizable as the best defensive badges in the game. It will destroy the spirit of opponents who mistakenly believe the illusion that this build is an offensive powerhouse only.
Best Team To Play For
When picking out the best team for a point guard to play for, make certain that the point guard can be realistically replaced. The game weights overall rating way above performance, so a high-rated athlete will guarantee the MyPlayer a backup role regardless of how well they perform.
The Clippers are a great choice this year. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will make the most of the passes they get. The interior isn't overpowering by any means, but this build makes up for that issue thanks to its interior attack and height.
Animations
Make sure to fill up every available slot with the best dunk packages. The more slots that are filled, the more moves the MyPlayer can execute. Give it a good mix of running dunks (Russell Westbrook's dunk package is mandatory) and contact dunks.
Aside from the strategy, this build is made to look great. It's perfectly acceptable to throw in a few animation packages that are all about style. The game is pretty good about not showing off in situations where the ball can get stripped.
NBA 2K22 was released on September 9th, 2021, and is available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.