NBA 2K23: Best Animations and Jumpshots (2024)

Looking for the best animations and jumpshots in NBA 2K23? Finding the Best Builds is just one part of the puzzle when it comes to conquering the court with your MyPlayer in MyCareer: you'll also want to select and equip the best animations that will give you an advantage over your opponents. There are hundreds of options to choose from, many of which cost VC, so on this page we're going to include some suggestions.

Much like the best Badges, there's no definitive answer to the best animations and jumpshots in NBA 2K23, but we'll share some suggestions as part of our NBA 2K23 guide. It should be noted that the Attributes of your MyPlayer build — including their height, weight, and wingspan — will factor in to which animations you can purchase and equip. We've tried to take as much of this into account as possible in our Best Builds guide, but if you want to equip a specific animation, we'd recommend you pay attention to the requirements before settling on your build, so you can ensure that you'll meet the compatibility requirements.

In order to change your animations and jumpshots, press the Options to button in MyCareer to bring up the menu, then navigate to MyPlayer > Animations. Here you'll be able to select your animations for Scoring Moves, Playmaking Moves, and In-Game Celebrations. You'll also be able to select from a variety of Showoff Animations, and access the Animations Store, where animations can be purchased with VC.

Best Jumpshots

There are thousands of different jumpshots to choose from in NBA 2K23, the vast majority of which don't cost any VC. If you want, you can simply choose the jumpshot of a real-world NBA player you like playing as, and stick with that. However, you'll get the best results if you use the Jumpshot Creator, which lets you mix and match different animations to create a unique and original outcome.

Jumpshots are graded on four different factors, with A+ being the best and F being the worst. It stands to reason you'll want all four attributes ranked as highly as possible:

Release Height
Reflects the height at which you release the ball.
Release Speed
Illustrates the speed at which the ball reaches its ideal release point.
Defensive Immunity
Demonstrates the effectiveness of the shot against defensive contests.
Timing Impact
Rewards good timing but penalises poor timing.

Height Under 6'5"

With these kind of height parameters, this jumpshot will likely be suited to a build in the Point Guard position.

Lower BaseUpper Release 1Upper Release 2Shot AttributesRequirements
Stephen CurryOscar Robertson: 100% Animation Blending
N/A
Release Height
A+
Release Speed
A+
Def. Immunity
A+
Timing Impact
A-
  • Height Under 6'5"
  • Mid-Range Shot 91+ or Three-Point Shot 91+

Height Between 6'5" and 6'10"

With these kind of height parameters, this jumpshot will likely be suited to a build in the Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, or Power Forward position.

Lower BaseUpper Release 1Upper Release 2Shot AttributesRequirements
Kobe BryantOscar Robertson: 100% Animation Blending
N/A
Release Height
A+
Release Speed
A+
Def. Immunity
A+
Timing Impact
A-
  • Height At Least 6'5" and Under 6'10"
  • Mid-Range Shot 90+ or Three-Point Shot 90+

Height At Least 6'10"

With these kind of height parameters, this jumpshot will likely be suited to a build in the Small Forward, Power Forward, or Center position.

Lower BaseUpper Release 1Upper Release 2Shot AttributesRequirements
Chris BoshToni Kukoc: 88% Animation BlendingMaxi Kleber: 12% Animation Blending
Release Height
A
Release Speed
A-
Def. Immunity
A
Timing Impact
A-
  • Height At Least 6'10"
  • Mid-Range Shot 85+ or Three-Point Shot 85+

Best Dribbling Animations

With thousands of dribbling animations to pick from, selecting the best for your build can be an overwhelming endeavour. Generally, you're looking for dribble animations that complement each other well and work with your build, but you also want to pay attention to how quickly the animations play out. Slow and turgid animations are not going to help you blast through defenses.

You should also consider equipping some of the Best Badges for Playmaking, including Handles for Days, Hyperdrive, and Quick First Step. Obviously, it's going to depend on your build as to how many Badge Points you have available, but try to equip these Badges on a high level if you possibly can, as they're all going to help you to speed boost. Killer Combos is another Badge you may want to consider if you're looking to become an elite dribbler.

Dribble Style

NameHeight RequirementsAttribute RequirementsNotes
Michael Jordan
  • Height Under 6'10"
  • Speed with Ball 75+
Michael Jordan's dribble style is easily the best in the game. It's nice and snappy, and its requirements are fairly low.
Pro
  • N/A
  • N/A
If, for whatever reason, you can't fulfil the requirements for Michael Jordan's dribble style, Pro is a competent alternative.

Signature Size-Up

NameHeight RequirementsAttributes RequirementsNotes
Paul George
  • Height Under 6'10"
  • Speed with Ball 75+
Paul George's signature size-up is great if you're aiming to combo into speed boost moves.
Pro
  • N/A
  • Ball Handle 75+
If you don't meet the attribute requirements of Paul George or Tracy McGrady for whatever reason, stick with Pro as opposed to Normal.
Tracy McGrady
  • Height Under 6'10"
  • Speed with Ball 85+
Tracy McGrady's signature size-up is actually a little quicker than Paul George's while standing, but it doesn't have quite the same speed boost potential.
Zach LaVine
  • Height Under 6'10"
  • Ball Handle 75+
With the same requirements as Paul George, Zach LaVine is an alternative option for you to explore.

Size-Up Escape Package

NameHeight RequirementsAttributes RequirementsNotes
Damian Lillard
  • Height Under 6'10"
  • Ball Handle 90+
Damian Lillard has a great step-back and very fast speed boost moves, making him arguably the best choice for size-up escape packages.
LeBron James
  • N/A
  • Ball Handle 70+
If you don't meet the Ball Handle requirements for Damian Lillard, then you still get a great step-back with LeBron James.
Luka Doncic
  • N/A
  • Ball Handle 70+
If you've not got the Attributes to equip Damian Lillard or Paul George, and you don't like LeBron James' size-up escape package, then go with Luka Doncic.
Paul George
  • N/A
  • Ball Handle 75+
If you don't meet the requirements for Damian Lillard, then Paul George is a pretty good alternative, with some decent left-right speed boosts.

Moving Crossovers

NameHeight RequirementsAttributes RequirementsNotes
James Harden
  • Height Under 6'10"
  • Ball Handle 80+
While we'd ultimately recommend you go with Zach LaVine, especially considering the low Attribute requirements, James Harden is a solid alternative you could explore.
Zach LaVine
  • N/A
  • Ball Handle 75+
Zach LaVine has the fastest moving crossover in the game, and the requirements are pretty low, making this a low brainer.

Moving Behind the Backs

NameHeight Requirements
Attributes Requirements
Stephen Curry
  • Height Under 6'10"
  • Ball Handle 92+
The requirements for Stephen Curry's moving behind the back are high, but if you can meet them, this is a solid alternative to Zach LaVine.
Zach LaVine
  • Height Under 6'10"
  • Ball Handle 75+
In our opinion, Zach Lavine's moving behind the back is the best option in the game, and the requirements should be fairly easy for you to achieve.

Moving Spins

NameHeight RequirementsAttributes Requirements
Notes
Basic
  • N/A
  • N/A
While it may seem bizarre to settle for the Basic moving spin, the reality is that it's the quickest and most effective option available. Sometimes it's best just to go back to basics.

Moving Hesitations

NameHeight RequirementsAttributes Requirements
Notes
Luka Doncic
  • N/A
  • Ball Handle 75+
Luca Doncic's moving hesitation is incredibly effective, and the requirements are so low that virtually any build will be able to equip it.
Normal
  • N/A
  • N/A
Of course, if you really don't have the requisite Ball Handle for Luka Doncic's moving hesitations, then Normal is fine.

Moving Stepback

NameHeight RequirementsAttributes Requirements
Notes
Luka Doncic
  • N/A
  • Ball Handle 80+
Luka Doncic's moving stepback will create a ton of space for you, allowing you to drain those all-important buckets uncontested.
Normal
  • N/A
  • N/A
If you don't have high enough Ball Handle, then Normal has no requirements and will get the job done for you.
Stephen Curry
  • Height Under 6'10"
  • Ball Handle 92+
The extremely high Ball Handle requirements mean you're probably going to want to stick with Luka Doncic's moving stepback, but if you have Attributes then Stephen Curry is a solid alternative.

Best Dunk Style Animations

Few moves in basketball, and subsequently NBA 2K23, are more satisfying than dunks. Therefore, you'll want to select a good dunk style package for your MyPlayer build. As with other categories, you'll be looking animations that are quick to trigger and difficult to block. While you can select packages inspired by real-world players, we'd recommend you use the Dunk Style Creator to enjoy more flexibility over the animations you select.

We've included some suggestions for each category below, but do obviously keep in mind that your Attributes will determine what you can equip. The one piece of advice we would share is to always go for Elite Contact Dunks if you can afford them, and this is something you should probably have in mind before settling on your build.

Two Foot Moving Dunks

NameTypeHeight RequirementsAttributes RequirementsNotes
Quick Drop-In Back Scratchers Off TwoNBA Dunks
  • N/A
  • Driving Dunk 75+
  • Vertical 55+
This dunk style is incredibly fast, and it has relatively low requirements to boot, which is always a bonus.
Jordan KilganonPark Dunks
  • Height Under 6'10"
  • Driving Dunk 90+
  • Vertical 70+
These are by far some of the coolest, flashiest dunks in the game. 360s are a good alternative if you don't meet the requirements here.
Elite Contact Dunks Off TwoContact Dunks
  • N/A
  • Driving Dunk 92+
  • Vertical 80+
If you're able to get Elite Contact Dunks Off Two, then it's no brainer. If your build doesn't meet the requirements, then settle for Pro.

One Foot Moving Dunks

NameType
Height Requirements
Attributes Requirements
Notes
Uber Athletic Tomahawks Off One
NBA Dunks
  • N/A
  • Driving Dunk 90+
  • Vertical 70+
There's an extremely high Driving Dunk requirement here, but if you can meet it, this animation is rapid and can be difficult to stop.
Under Leg Off One
Park Dunks
  • N/A
  • Driving Dunk 70+
  • Vertical 50+
The requirements for this dunk are pretty low, and this dunk also looks great. Pair it with Slithery if you can.
Elite Contact Dunks Off One
Contact Dunks
  • N/A
  • Driving Dunk 92+
  • Vertical 82+
You're going to need a couple more Vertical to get Elite Contact Dunks Off One, so make sure you plan ahead accordingly when designing your build.

Standing Dunks

NameType
Height Requirements
Attributes Requirements
Notes
Two Hand Under Basket Athletic
NBA Dunks
  • N/A
  • Standing Dunk 80+
You're probably only really going to be worrying about standing dunks if you're a big, but this option is nice and fast if you're looking to finish in the paint.
Elite Bigman Contact Dunks
Contact Dunks
  • Height At Least 6'10"
  • Standing Dunk 90+
  • Vertical 75+
Don't worry if your build can't equip this because it's only really going to apply to Centers or potentially Power Forwards, but this is the contact dunk to go for if you're a bigman.

Alley-Oops

NameType
Height Requirements
Attributes Requirements
Notes
Zion Williamson Alley-Oop
Regular Alley-Oops
  • N/A
  • Driving Dunk 87+
  • Vertical 60+
These Zion Williamson alley-oops are devastating, aggressive, and great fun, so if you can meet the requirements, get them equipped.
Elite Contact Alley-Oop
Contact Alley-Oops
  • N/A
  • Driving Dunk 92+
  • Vertical 80+
As with the other categories, always go for Elite Contact if you can meet the requirements. Pro Contact or Big Contact are fine if your build can't achieve Elite, however

What do you think are the best jumpshots and animations in NBA 2K23? Drain a dozen greens in the comments section below, and be sure to check out our NBA 2K23 guide for more information.

NBA 2K23: Best Animations and Jumpshots (2024)
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