NBA 2K21 Next Gen Best Builds for the new MyPlayer Builder 

NBA 2K21 has grown up quite a bit in the few months since its September release, having now launched on Xbox Series X and PS5 in what is effectively a completely new version of the game. As always, the MyPlayer Builder plays an important role in the game, and in this guide we’re going to run through NBA 2K21 Next Gen’s Best Builds across all five positions.

There are a few changes of note in the NBA 2K21 Next Gen My Player builder. The removal of the pie chart system is perhaps the biggest and most significant change, as it completely alters the creative dynamics of the builder.

What this means is that we no longer choose from a preset skill breakdown based on pie charts. Instead, we have more control over setting each individual rating, relative to the cap benchmark we feel is suitable for our intended archetype.

Restrictions are ultimately based on your created MyPlayer’s vitals, so while it may seem like you can max everything out, it’s simply impossible to do so. The pie charts in theory are still present; it’s just that there’s a bit more proactiveness on the player’s behalf to do the work from the ground floor.

With that in mind, let’s dig in and try to create NBA 2K21 Next Gen’s best builds for every position.

Best Point Guard Build

Playmaking Shot Creator

With this build, we’re not looking to create a demigod or anything like that: we’re looking for a solid shooter, with reasonable finishing at shooting attributes, alongside strong playmaking and defensive skills.

Our finishing build ends up as below, ending with a Damian Lillard build, which is incredibly fun to play with.

• Position: PG
• Height: 6″2
• Weight: 170lbs
• Wingspan: 6″2

As you can see there’s a relatively solid spread of Badges across the four main attribute areas. I’ve put most focus onto Shooting and Defense/Rebounding, with particular focus on Close Shot and Driving Layups gaining the most traction in my Finishing attributes.

Check out the full attribute point spend below.

Stamina is the tough one here because to boost it, I would have to compromise something in the Defense/Rebounding area, and potentially loose some of my pace with the ball. But ultimately, I’m a quick point guard with strong handles, I’ll probably be shooting a lot, and so my stamina is going to take a hit regardless. I’ve not seen any major adverse affects here, but I’ll update this if I do.

• Primary Finisher: Spot-Up Precision
• Secondary Finisher: Pull-Up Precision

Best Shooting Guard Build

Sharpshooting Facilitator

With this SG build I’m looking for a strong shooter, plus someone who can pass through traffic and find open teammates with ease.

A Tyler Herro build after his NBA Finals 2021 performance certainly isn’t unwelcome, nor is having a Bradley Beal build in the portfolio.

• Position: SG
• Height: 6″5
• Weight: 170lbs
• Wingspan: 6″9

Similar to our PG build, we want solid spread for Badges across all four fields, with the primary focus in this case being Shooting, where we’ve maxed out all of the attributes.

Check out the full attribute point spend below.

I’ve put additional focus on Stamina here to see what the outcome is vs the lower rating for the PG. Shooting is maxed out to get the absolute best Badges available, and there’s also good spread across Playmaking and Finishing. You could potentially mess around with upping their defensive capabilities, particularly interior defense, and even boosting their rebounding given they clock in at 6″5 and have decent strength.

• Primary Finisher: Spot-Up Precision
• Secondary Finisher: Negative Impact

Best Small Forward Build

2-Way Pass-First Wing

So this build I suspect may be a bit contentious, but I’m trying to go for a solid all-rounder that has a high ceiling across multiple attributes (rather than just creating a straight up shooting demigod). It’s too easy to create a one-dimensional shooter, so I’m trying to build players that actually dictate specific focus and prioritisation in certain areas.

As you can see, we’ve ended up here with a Jimmy Butler build, which is as far from being a bad thing as you could imagine. Solid as heck, maybe not an absolute superstar of the LeBron James caliber, but still has the potential to lead a team and be an All-Star.

• Position: SF
• Height: 6″6
• Weight: 220lbs
• Wingspan: 7″0

This is perhaps the most evenly spread use of Badges across all builds. Seven Badges across Finishing and Playmaking, and 11 for Shooting and Defense/Rebounding. Solid, right?

Check out the full attribute point spend below.

Speed and acceleration are the only two attributes I’ve maxed out here. I want a solid all-rounder, someone that can just as easily hit the outside shot under pressure as they can pass through traffic on a fast-break. On top of that, solid defense and rebounding awareness.

• Primary Finisher: Advanced Gathers
• Secondary Finisher: Finishing Moves

Best Power Forward Build

Glass-Cleaning Lockdown

This was a tough build for me because I’m not normally one to play in the PF and C positions in NBA 2K, and I keep falling into the trap of making my player too slow. I think I’ve managed to improve in this area, giving them good range and potential in the Finishing and Defense/Rebounding attributes, alongside some fairly strong physical attributes.

The primary focus as you can is on a few key attributes: finishing in close, getting to the line, interior defense, strength, and rebounding. I’ve maxed out a few in the Defense/Rebounding and Physical areas because ideally we want this guy to have both strength in the paint but also a bit of paint to get up and down the court with ease.

• Position: PF
• Height: 6″9
• Weight: 266lbs
• Wingspan: 7″5

Yeah, he’s a tad undersized at 6″9 for the position, but he’s still got good strength and ability, with a solid vertical and high rebounding attribute benchmarks.

Check out the full attribute point spend below.

I wanted to give my PF some speed to get up the court on fast breaks, because he’ll be giving off the outlet after a rebound, and then crashing the offensive boards after a fast break.

• Primary Finisher: Glass Clearing Dimes
• Secondary Finisher: Boxout Wall (could also go with Paint Intimidation)

Best Centre Build

Paint Beast

So I think some people are going to absolutely hate my Centre build here, because they’re slow with very little acceleration. But if you can get this guy into position, you’re going to be an absolute beast.

Yes, that’s right: nothing in the Shooting nor Playmaking areas for Badges. I want this guy to be utterly dominating in the paint and on the glass, and so that’s the number one focus here.

• Position: C
• Height: 7″0
• Weight: 265lbs
• Wingspan: 7″5

He’s tall and heavy but that’s okay: his presence is of the Shaq variety so we don’t want him sprinting up and down the court. It might dictate a slower rate of play for your team, but you’re going to get outlet passes, rebounds, and inside scoring with this guy.

Check out the full attribute point spend below.

• Primary Finisher: Glass Clearing Dimes
• Secondary Finisher: Advanced Post Moves

What are your thoughts on the above best builds for NBA 2K21 next gen? Have any suggested builds or changes? Sound off in the comments below!