Perhaps the biggest mistake players make NBA 2K23 is that they think they are finished with their build when they create their character. Having the default shots is not only embarrassing in games, but it’s also a liability. Those who spend all that time making the best shooting guard possible cannot fail to get their shot animations fully equipped.
This year, there is a very distinct animation division for players of all heights. Don’t worry, NBA 2K23 allows for any shooter to be truly transcendent, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s a forward, a stretch big, or a guard, the best shot for any character build is here in this guide.
Jump Shot
| Under 6’5″ | Custom Jump Shot: Steph Curry Base, Steph Curry Upper Release 1, Jason Kidd Upper Release 2, 25% Speed, 60% – 40% Blend |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Custom Jump Shot: Kobe Bryant Base, Oscar Robertson Upper Release 1, Oscar Robertson Upper Release 2, 50% Speed, 50% – 50% Blend |
| 6’10”+ | Custom Jump Shot: Kevin Durant Base, Dirk Nowitzki Upper Release 1, Dirk Nowitzki Upper Release 2, 100% Speed, 50% – 50% Blend |
There are a lot of mathematics behind making the best jump shot, especially one for each position. For those who put in the work or read the guide linked here, the reward is a jump shot better than any one in the shop. Better yet, it costs nothing to unlock, just get the necessary shooting requirements and the animations are there, waiting to be used.
Free Throws
| Under 6’5″ | Steve Nash |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Steve Nash |
| 6’10”+ | Steve Nash |
The best free throw is thankfully one that requires nothing. Steve Nash has long had the best free throw in the game since it is so slow and easy to time. It’s not restricted by height, so go ahead and grab it. For players who would rather get some of the best defense/rebounding badges instead of burying attributes in free throw shooting, this animation is worth about fifty points on its own.
Dribble Pull-Ups
| Under 6’5″ | Stephen Curry |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Kevin Durant |
| 6’10”+ | Dirk Nowitzki |
Shooting off the dribble is frustrating to master, enough to make players try to make a dunker-only build. Much of the irritation can be squarely blamed on the default animations for the dibble pull-ups, which are terrible. Even that feels charitable.
Big men only get Dirk Nowitzki for now, but thankfully he’s an incredible pull-up shooter, so the lack of selection isn’t too harsh.
Spin Jumpers
| Under 6’5″ | Pro |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Pro |
| 6’10”+ | Dirk Nowitzki |
Once again, big men get locked into Dirk Nowitzki. Just like last time, he’s great, so this shouldn’t be an issue. The Pro shot may sound plain, but it’s very well-rounded. It’s quick and easy to hit the green. The best three-point shooter build available should definitely use Pro without worrying if it’s good enough.
Hop Jumpers
| Under 6’5″ | Pro 2 |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Harrison Barnes |
| 6’10”+ | Normal 2 |
Harrison Barnes has the best shot of the bunch, but he’s restricted to that middle-height range. Thankfully, Pro 2 is a great option for guards. Normal 2 may sound basic, but it’s got an awesome jump back and a speedy release that opponents won’t be expecting from stretch bigs that usually specialize in elite defense/rebounding badges.
Post Fades
| Under 6’5″ | Pro 3 |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Pro 3 |
| 6’10”+ | Pro 3 |
Luckily for the shorter guards out there, there aren’t any height or statistical requirements to get the best post fade shot.
That’s right, a point guard can put up a post fade shot just as well as an ideally created power forward. It’s not advisable to take the shot without the correct attributes in place, of course, but it can work to fake out opponents.
Post Hooks
| Under 6’5″ | Joel Embiid |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Joel Embiid |
| 6’10”+ | Joel Embiid |
Once again, everybody can shoot the same post hook, so players might as well choose the best one. Joel Embiid is sneaky fast and keeps the ball nice and high, out of reach of the defenders. If players aren’t built to take these shots, never be afraid to pass out of this bad situation with top-tier playmaking badges.
Post Hop Shots
| Under 6’5″ | Basic |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Basic |
| 6’10”+ | Basic |
Please note that Basic is different from Normal even though both sound the same. Normal is equipped by default and it’s nothing special. Basic may not sound special, but it gets the shot off quickly and out of reach. Too many of the other animations add unnecessary flare that only acts to help opponents get in front of the ball for the block.
Layup Style
| Under 6’5″ | Fundamental |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Fundamental |
| 6’10”+ | Nikola Jokic |
The most important thing to remember about layups is that they represent an entire package. Versatility is, therefore, important. If the package has no driving layups or all driving layups, it will default to a subpar default style.
Nikola Jokic has something for every situation and is probably the best of this entire group. Fundamental is a good second pick. For players who intend to only do layups at high speeds, feel free to switch it up to some Westbrook or Michael Jordan.
Dunks
| Under 6’5″ | Tracy McGrady |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Draymond Green |
| 6’10”+ | Draymond Green |
New to this year, players can now control their player when they hang onto the rim with two hands. This is a big deal when it comes to getting back onto defense quickly and preventing fastbreaks after a monster slam. Tracy McGrady and Draymond Green have lots of variety, as well as all the two-hand rim-hangers that a gamer could want.
Alley-Oop
| Under 6’5″ | Small Contact Alley-Oop |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Pro Contact Alley-Oop |
| 6’10”+ | Big Man Contact Alley Oop |
Always choose the contact alley-oops over the non-contact varieties. Players don’t need a special animation when the net is open and nobody is there to guard it. They do need special animations to deal with anybody in the way. Pro Contact Alley-Oops protect the ball better than the Elite varieties, so they get the edge in that middle height category.
| Under 6’5″ | Small Contact Dunks Off One |
| 6’5″ – 6’10” | Pro Contact Dunks Off One |
| 6’10”+ | Pro Contact Dunks Off One |
Always take the off one option over the off twos. There is a place for slowing down and welcoming contact, but it’s better off working around it altogether. Yes, these are contact dunks, but it’s the difference between going straight into a defender and working around them.
Considering the stature of some of the big men, going right at them isn’t the wisest idea. It’s best to opt for ball protection and speed over a slow strength contest.
NBA 2K23 is available now for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.