This article is part of a directory: Complete Guide To NBA 2K23: Tips, Tricks, Builds, And More
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While some players might pick up NBA 2K23 to be the next Kobe Bryant or Steph Curry, others have more fun playing the role of John Stockton or Hakeem Olajuwon. Steals and blocks generate as much buzz as an alley-oop, they just don't happen as often.

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Those who want to increase the frequency of these game-breaking plays will invest in some defense and rebounding badges. NBA 2K23 allows players to choose their favorite badges, but there isn't a possibility of getting them all, so gamers will have to select their favorite ways of locking down the other team.

Best Badges For Interior Defenders

NBA 2K23 Blocking An Opponent On The Interior

Anchor

  • Increases a player's ability to block shots and protect the rim at a high level.
  • Requirements for Hall of Fame: 99 Block

The signature badge of any competent interior defender, blocking shots not only functions as looking as cool as the new Dr. Disrespect gear, but it keeps the ball from going in the basket. Note the second part of the description; even if the ball isn't blocked, the badge still ruins the trajectory of opposing shots.

Rebound Chaser

  • Improves a player's ability to track down rebounds from farther distances than normal.
  • Requirements for Hall of Fame: 99 Offensive Rebound or 99 Defensive Rebound

Many of the elements of NBA 2K23 are new to this year's installment, down to the improved city. But some things never change and that includes the effectiveness of rebounding. At least four players should crash the boards with each shot. Those with the Rebound Chaser badge will be victorious more often than not.

Brick Wall

  • Increases the effectiveness of screens, is tough to backdown in the post, and drains energy from opponents on physical contact.
  • Requirements for Hall of Fame: 99 Interior Defense or 94 Strength

It's tough enough to stop a strong defender with the best finishing badges available. But Brick Wall goes a long way, accomplishing three tasks at once. Screening is huge in all modes, so that will be appreciated by the guards on the team. Holding firm in the post is big, especially with the post seeing dramatic improvements last year. And draining energy alone makes this badge worth it as it sends starters to the bench in a hurry.

Pogo Stick

  • Allows players to quickly recover and go back up for another jump on landing. This could be after a rebound, block attempt, or even jumpshot.
  • Requirements for Hall of Fame: 98 Block or 99 Offensive Rebound or 99 Defensive Rebound

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Everybody wants to believe they'll be perfect, timing every jump and every block at the precise moment. But if this were true, fakes would be worthless and the physics of the basketball would be meaningless. Recovering from mistaken jumps is big for those who don't want to lose every battle that goes awry.

Post Lockdown

  • Strengthens a player's ability to effectively defend moves in the post, with an increased chance of stripping the opponent.
  • Requirements for Hall of Fame: 93 Interior Defense

As previously mentioned, the post has grown in popularity. Last year, it became a top-scoring strategy among most the experts and professional teams. To put a stop to this issue, get the Post Lockdown badge and stomp those who try this tactic.

Best Badges For Perimeter Defenders

NBA 2K23 Stealing A Pass On The Exterior

Interceptor

  • The frequency of successfully tipped or intercepted passes greatly increases.
  • Requirements for Hall of Fame: 99 Steal

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As guards pass the ball around the perimeter to try and find an open shot, every move is a chance for the offense to improve its positioning. It's also a chance for a crafty defender to get a quick steal. Players who don't have the best playmaking badges or who get careless with the ball will find themselves victims of the Interceptor badge a few times every game.

Glove

  • Increases the ability to successfully steal from ball-handlers.
  • Requirements for Hall of Fame: 99 Steal

While Interceptors take care of passes, Glove deals with shooters who are holding onto or dribbling the ball. The best shooting badges make these opponents lethal. The best way to end the danger is to swipe the ball from them before they can get a shot off.

Challenger

  • Increases the effectiveness of well-timed contests against perimeter shooters.
  • Requirements for Hall of Fame: 95 Perimeter Defense

This badge may seem redundant at first. If the contest was well-timed, they why would this badge be necessary? In practice, screens and speed will play a part of this process and shooters will occasionally get a leg up when it comes to positioning. Even if in a less than ideal position, contest these shots and find that the intimidation still works.

Clamps

  • Defenders have access to quicker cutoff moves and are more successful when bumping or hip riding the ball handler.
  • Requirements for Hall of Fame: 97 Perimeter Defense

Those who don't get Clamps as a guard on the exterior will be helpless against slashers all game long. Seeing as how it has become a trend for point guards to slash at least a little bit, this isn't a tolerable error. Prevent anybody from running by, even if they are faster, with Clamps.

Pick Dodger

  • Improves a player's ability to navigate through and around screens while on defense. At the Hall of Fame level, can blow through screens in the park or blacktop.
  • Requirements for Hall of Fame: 94 Perimeter Defense

It appears as though the developers have finally figured out that using the pick online has become the only strategy and it has terrorized gamers for long enough. The old Pick Dodger only slowed up a little on picks, but that's all it took for shooters to get a clean look at the basket. With the new Pick Dodger, the pick might as well never have happened.

NBA 2K23 is available now for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.

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