Start your journey in NBA 2K16‘s MyCareer mode as a high school rookie and rise through college to the NBA. With smart choices and efficient upgrades, you can build a dominant player and earn top contracts.
Here are the best NBA 2K16 MyPlayer tips to help you go from unknown to MVP.
MyPlayer Creation Tips
Your player’s position determines how you’ll play. Choose based on your natural style:
- PG (Point Guard): Control the tempo and lead plays. Best for players who like to pass, control pace, and run the offense.
- SG (Shooting Guard): Less control than PGs but still gets the ball often. Great for long-range shooting and cutting into space.
- SF (Small Forward): Balanced playstyle. Learn screens, spacing, and off-ball movement.
- PF/C (Power Forward/Center): Focus on defense, rebounds, and low-post offense. Be careful not to over-call for passes—it can hurt your teammate grade.
Tip: Don’t select a position based on size alone. Height and weight won’t make your player faster or stronger—those traits depend on position and attributes.
Understanding Attribute Caps
Each position and specialisation (Inside, Outside, Balanced) has attribute caps.
- A short PG may have a higher cap for close shots (94).
- A balanced PG will have lower caps but more versatility.
Avoid wasting VC on upgrades that exceed your position’s cap or don’t match your playstyle.
High School Tips
High school in MyCareer adds early gameplay depth, but the school you pick doesn’t impact your career. Choose whichever look you prefer.
- Focus on good performance.
- Play smart, pass often, and avoid forced shots.
- Your draft stock depends on how well you play.
College Tips
The college you choose won’t change your path. What matters is your in-game performance.
- Play every match like it’s the NBA Finals.
- Aim for an A teammate grade each game to boost your draft position.
Rookie Year: Make It Count
You’ll play eight regular-season NBA games in your first year, plus playoffs if you qualify.
- Upgrade key attributes using points earned during high school and college.
- Contracts in your second year depend on how well you play during this time.
Player Upgrade Suggestions:
| Position | Best Attributes to Upgrade |
|---|---|
| PG | Jump Shooter, Playmaker, Defender |
| SG | Jump Shooter, Athlete, Playmaker |
| SF | Inside Scorer, Athlete, Defender |
| PF | Rebounder, Defender, Inside Scorer |
| C | Rebounder, Defender, Inside Scorer |
Max Contract Tips
After your rookie year, you’ll enter free agency.
- Teams will offer different minutes and VC per game.
- Negotiate carefully—teams rarely renegotiate.
- Pick the offer that balances minutes, VC, and team fit.
Example:
- Team A: 20 min, 350 VC
- Team B: 14 min, 400 VC
Don’t get greedy. One negotiation is often all you get.
How to Improve Your Teammate Grade
On Offense:
- Only take open shots—don’t force them.
- Pass often, especially to set up assists or drive plays.
- Use screens—set them or call for them.
- Avoid turnovers and offensive fouls.
Offensive Grade Boosts:
- Assist, pass-to-assist, good spacing, screen assist
Hurts Grade:
- Forced shots, bad passes, missed screens, turnovers
On Defense:
- Press LT/L2 to lock onto your assignment
- Stay between your opponent and the basket
- Contest shots—even if they score, you’ll get credit
- Avoid gambling on steals unless you’re sure—reach-in fouls tank your grade
Defensive Grade Boosts:
- Good shot contest, staying with assignment, steals, blocks
Hurts Grade:
- Leaving assignment, reach-in fouls, allowing open shots
Final Takeaways for NBA 2K16 MyPlayer Success
- Pick a position that matches your playstyle
- Upgrade attributes that matter most—don’t spread VC too thin
- Be a team player, especially in early games
- Focus on your teammate grade, not just points
- Choose contracts based on growth potential, not just money