Defense and rebounding is the ugly side of basketball no one wants to really talk about, but the reality is that if you aren’t good in either of those areas, chances are you won’t make it at the highest level. NBA 2K21‘s Defense/Rebounding badges allow you to craft your playing in such a way as to become a defensive and rebounding powerhouse.
What are Badges? They are effectively abilities, or boosts, or really whatever else you want to call them that allow you to passively increase, enhance or in some cases decrease the effectiveness of a particular trait.
Given the importance of Defense and Rebounding, we’ve broken down each badge in the category to help you choose the suitable one for your play style. Check them out below.
Have any recommended changes or additions to the above? Sound off in the comments below!
Shooting Badges | Finishing Badges | Playmaking Badges
NBA 2K21 Defense/Rebounding Badges
Box badge: This badge improves your player’s ability to box out opponents.
Focused Attributes:
- Defensive Rebound
- Offensive Rebound
- Strength
Best Played With:
- Rebound Chaser Badge
- Worm Badge
- Putback Boss Badge
Brick Wall badge: This badge will increase the effectiveness of screens and drains energy from opponents on physical contact.
Focused Attributes:
- Strength
Best Played With:
- Pick & Roller badge
Chase Down Artist badge: This badge will increase the chances of getting a chase-down block, boosting speed and leaping agility of a player when they are chasing down an opponent.
Focused Attributes:
- Block
- Interior Defense
- Acceleration
- Speed
Best Played With:
- Rim Protector Badge
- Intimidator Badge
Clamps badge: This badge will increase a players ability to stay in front of the ball handler on the perimeter.
Focused Attributes:
- Steal
- Block
- Lateral Quickness
- Perimeter Defense
Best Played With:
- Pick Dodger Badge
- Intimidator Badge
- Pick Pocket Badge
- Tireless Defender Badge
Defensive Leader badge: This badge will give a small boost to the defensive capabilities of teammates whenever your player is in the game.
Focused Attributes:
- Steal
- Block
Best Played With:
Any suitable Defensive badge best suited to your play style, and your created player’s position
Heart Crusher badge: This badge will decrease an opponent’s Takeover meters when your player is achieving a highlight play on defense.
Focused Attributes:
- Block
- Steal
Best Played With:
- Intimidator badge
Interceptor badge: This badge will boost the chances of getting steals when in the passing lane.
Focused Attributes:
- Block
- Lateral Quickness
- Interior Defense
- Perimeter Defense
Best Played With:
- Clamps Badge
- Pick Dodger Badge
- Rim Protector Badge
Intimidator badge: This badge will intimidate offensive players, causing them to be more likely to miss shots, more often.
Focused Attributes:
- Block
- Lateral Quickness
- Interior Defense
- Perimeter Defense
Best Played With:
- Clamps Badge
- Pick Dodger Badge
- Rim Protector Badge
Lightning Reflexes badge: This badge provides a more obvious and early alert on the Read and React system whilst playing on defense.
Focused Attributes:
- Steal
- Defensive Rebound
- Offensive Rebound
Best Played With:
- Pick Pocket Badge
- Interceptor Badge
- Clamps Badge
- Rebound Chaser
Moving Truck badge: This badge will strengthen your player’s ability to move people around in the post.
Focused Attributes:
- Strength
- Block
- Interior Defense
Best Played With:
- Post Move Lockdown Badge
- Rim Protector Badge
Off-Ball Pest badge: This badge will boost a player’s ability to bump and harass the offensive player with the ball.
Focused Attributes:
- Lateral Quickness
- Perimeter Defense
Best Played With:
- Pick Dodger Badge
- Intimidator Badge
- Clamps Badge
Pick Dodger badge: This badge will boost a player’s ability to navigate through screens effectively whilst on defense.
Focused Attributes:
- Perimeter Defense
- Lateral Quickness
Best Played With:
- Tireless Defender Badge
- Off-Ball Pest Badge
Pick Pocket badge: This badge will boost a player’s capabilities to steal the ball from a ball handler.
Focused Attributes:
- Steal
- Perimeter Defense
- Lateral Quickness
Best Played With:
- Tireless Defender Badge
- Clamps Badge
- Lightning Reflexes Badge
- Trapper Badge
Pogo Stick badge: This badge will boost your player’s ability to attempt multiple blocks in succession.
Focused Attributes:
- Block
- Interior Defense
Best Played With:
- Rim Protector Badge
- Intimidator Badge
- Tireless Defender Badge
Post Move Lockdown badge: This badge will boost your player’s ability to defend in the post and against post moves.
Focused Attributes:
- Strength
- Block
Best Played With:
- Intimidator Badge
- Moving Truck Badge
- Rim Protector Badge
Rebound Chaser badge: This badge will boost your player’s ability to chase down rebounds.
Focused Attributes:
- Defensive Rebound
- Offensive Rebound
- Strength
Best Played With:
- Box Badge
- Worm Badge
- Putback Boss Badge
Rim Protector badge: This badge will boost your player’s ability to block shots, as well as provide a boost to their Takeover meter and teammates’ Takeover.
Focused Attributes:
- Block
- Interior Defense
Best Played With:
- Intimidator Badge
- Pogo Stick Badge
- Chase Down Artist Badge
Tireless Defender badge: This badge will lead to a decrease in any energy lost when playing lockdown defense.
Focused Attributes:
- Lateral Quickness
- Perimeter Defense
- Steal
Best Played With:
- Clamps Badge
- Trapper Badge
- Interceptor Badge
- Pick Pocket Badge
Trapper badge: This badge will give a boost your player when trapping offensive players, forcing the pick up and turnover.
Focused Attributes:
- Lateral Quickness
- Perimeter Defense
- Steal
Best Played With:
- Pick Pocket Badge
- Tireless Defender Badge
- Clamps Badge
Worm badge: This badge will allow rebounding to spin around box outs far more easily.
Focused Attributes:
- Defensive Rebound
- Offensive Rebound
- Strength
Best Played With:
- Rebound Chaser Badge
- Box Badge
- Putback Boss Badge
