Do you want to play MyTeam, but are short on time and don’t want to spend extra money? No problem. NBA 2K23 has a number of Emerald cards that usually cost very little virtual money at the auction house. The problem is that sellers don’t realize they have cards that are better than the cards several levels above them.
Don’t be fooled by the “low” OVR, the Emerald players in NBA 2K23 can be special. Check out their attributes and badges to see that a handful of them can make do with more expensive cards. Even for players planning to drop some cash, it’s a good idea to start with a solid Emerald team.
A special thank you to the folks at 2kdb.net for keeping the map database up to date!
10/10 Klay Thompson
Some might sleep on Klay Thompson’s emerald decal because he doesn’t have gold badges. That’s fine, gold badges make a big difference. But he’s got the best silver shooting badges that count for something.
In fact, he has all but one of the shooting badges in the entire category. From the center or right side of the field, Thompson has to work hard to miss his shots. Need more remote threats? Thompson is the man to go to.
9/10 LaSalle Thompson
The game likes to throw players under 1.80m around and call them centers at this stage. Finding someone at 1.80m is difficult enough. It’s even harder to find someone like LaSalle Thompson who supports the height with great defense and finishing.
Most of his badges are on defense/rebound which is ideal for centers. But don’t forget his gold badge in Aerial Wizard; he can make some tough layups and move his frame like few big men can.
8/10 Kerry Kittles
The best shooting guard will be able to rain down three balls and prevent those they are lined up against from scoring. Forget about making and finishing the game, the point guard and big men have it covered already. This is why Kerry Kittles is a monster on the spot with two guards.
His two gold badges are split between defense and shooting. Pay special attention to his shot zones in every corner; if he gets the ball out of range in these locations, he has no problem clearing threes quickly.
7/10 Harvey Grant
Harvey Grant has a total of ten badges, five in finishing and five in defense/rebounding. That does mean that his shooting and game making won’t shock any gamer, but in the power forward spot, Grant does what it takes.
For those who need extra help on the inside, try shifting the 6’8″ Grant to his minor forward secondary position. His height and defense will knock out attacking small forwards, making the interior more secure.
6/10 Devin Harris
If predictability becomes an issue, and it will in competitive games, Devin Harris is the man to turn to. While both of his gold badges are in play, he has at least one silver badge or more in each category. Players can then choose to cut, pass, break ankles, shoot long distances or pull up from the center.
Another bonus is the 90 for speed and acceleration. This may not seem too flashy, but consider that he is still six feet, very tall for a point guard to have those jets.
5/10 Drew Gooden
At 6’10”, Drew Gooden is perfectly capable of playing at power forward, his standard position or center. Put this versatility to good use by moving him to face whoever is the greatest threat. His four gold badges in defense / rebound will be a stop for any problematic interior spaces.
A sneaky advantage for Gooden is his mid-range shot, red in all but one area within the three-point line. He has some nice shots that will leave opponents baffled as they are unlikely to explain this kind of range from the big man.
4/10 Maurice Cheeks
The big problem with finding a good point guard at just about any level is that they generally have a terrible defense. Maurice Cheeks is a happy reprieve from that matter and brings five golden madges to that part of the court. The best defense/rebound badges are just the beginning of the intrigue.
He has a bronze Floor General badge in the game making, the most coveted badge of all. Additionally, check out the bright red area around the hoop. If Cheeks gets close, unless the defense on him is top notch, he will score easily.
3/10 Zion Williamson
The power forward should be able to assist the center in defense and rebound, as well as some offensive output close to the ring. Of Zion Williamson’s six gold badges, five relate to finishing dunks and layups close to the edge.
The other is Pogo Stick on the defensive. This means Williamson has all the necessary bases covered. Remember that the best finishing badges have that extra something; big-time dunks will fill the takeover meter more than hot shooting.
2/10 Brevin Knight
The biggest selling point for Brevin Knight is its blazing fast speed, with an unreal 96 in both speed and acceleration. At 5’10”, he’s definitely short, but these are the kind of stats you hope for when you give up a little size.
Knight is the exact template the experts want. The idea is to drive to the edge and then either lay up when the shot is there or pass to the open man when an extra defender comes in to help. With nine gold badges and eight of them in game form (the others in finish), Knight has the elite game-making moves to lead a team.
1/10 Jason Williams
The main job of the point guard is to be the playmaker for the team. Jason Williams has a whopping twelve gold badges and each of those twelve is in play. Having the best game-changing badges makes him an incredible passer who can make the whole team better.
Besides just badges, his game attributes are all 82 or better. With a speed and acceleration of 82, he is also capable of driving to the hoop for a few chopping buckets. If defenders try to stop him, he can pass out without fear of turning the ball around.
NBA 2K23 is available now for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
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