NBA 2K is evolving, and many people either aren’t ready to adapt or are too busy complaining about the game in general. 2K is evolving into something bigger, and they took a lot of fan feedback into creating 2K19. A lot has happened in a week (or two days depending on when you acquired the game). Most of it will be things you might not want to but have to hear.
Let’s be real here for a second. 2K19 isn’t perfect, by any means, but it’s one of the better 2Ks I’ve seen in awhile.
Defense
An aspect that was lacking last year has now been made more relevant this year. The only problem is many have stated that it’s “OP” (overpowered) and should be fixed. Let me break it down in a few ways to ease your mind and make the game more enjoyable.
Instead of hitting up Ronnie or 2K complaining about the issue, work with it. Stop making predictable passes into the passing lane because you know the defense knows it’s coming. Pay close attention to off-ball defenders. I’m sure we all press “X” or “square” in hopes of getting that steal. Sometimes your player has a faster reaction time when getting to the ball. A way to decrease the number of turnovers is to time your passes. Wait for the defender to jump at the pass, then throw it. On the contrary, make hand-offs, set screens, etc. At the end of the day, it’s about having basketball IQ and the ability to adapt to where the game is going.
Shooting
2K tried to scare everyone into thinking that primary and secondary shooting builds weren’t going to be effective. Truth is shooters can shoot, and it all has to do with stick-skill. Through the team aspect, shooters thrive off of screens and transition offense. Yeah, they don’t get many badges, but they’re still very effective. Everyone will need a shooter on the court this year.
The 5-Out Offense
Although the side-to-side cheese is gone, the 5-out is still a thing this year. The offense relies heavily on ball movement and can be easily contained by cutting off passing lanes, making defensive switches, and communication. This offense can easily turn into pure transition, and then teams start to get stagnant and leave shooters open. Trust me it’s happened to me, and my team lost by 40.
Park
One thing I’ve noticed is that if you reach and don’t get the ball it over exaggerates the movement, and you get taken out of the play completely. This happens in Pro-Am and Rec, but in a 3v3 game, it’s more crucial.
Takeover
You either can get it easily or not at all during games. It’ effective, but you can’t just throw up any shot or drive to the basket on three people and expect it to fall. Play within your build. Too many people try to do more than what’s expected of them, and they’re the ones complaining to 2K. Know your build, and know what you’re capable of. I have yet to see someone use the team takeover badge because everyone is greedy!
Pro-Am/Rec Center
You can’t just run with anyone when it comes to this game mode. Your friends might’ve made a build that doesn’t fit the system, and it translates to the court. I’m not one to say that a certain position is needed on the court, but if you don’t have a playmaker or a rebounder on the court it will be difficult. Along with adapting, players need to have basketball IQ. It’s sad to say, but you would be surprised how many people lack that quality. Treat 2K just like real life (video game or not).
Overall, 2K is evolving, and if you can’t adapt you’ll be left in 2K18. Many expect the game to just fall into their hands and have what they’re used to. Like in life, people don’t like change, but it has to happen. I’ll admit the game is a bit arcaded and is easier for everyone to play, but that’s where 2K is headed. People who can’t adapt, or are too hard-headed to accept the fact that the game is changing, will have a hard time this year and will end hating 2K.
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