For a long time, players have been designing in NBA 2K23 custom jump shots based on visual and personal experiences. Any discussion of what is “best” is overshadowed by arguments about stats, player preferences, and the general feeling that nobody has it all figured out.
Finally, NBA 2K23 decided to show players the rank behind each aspect of the jump shot in the form of a grade. Now players can formulately identify the best jumpers for each position. There are three height ranges; This is everyone’s custom jump shot.
Under 6’5″
| Base | Stefan Curry |
| Upper release 1 | Stefan Curry |
| Upper release 2 | Jason Kid |
| release speed | 25% |
| animation mix | 60% – 40% |
| release height | A- |
| defensive immunity | A+ |
| release speed | A+ |
| timing impact | A+ |
As if getting the best playmaking badges wasn’t enough for the little players, they also have the highest potential for their shot. All three of the best shots have an A- in trigger height, the most irrelevant value as it only prevents blocks. If the shot is so contested anyway, it probably won’t go in. Luckily, shooters beyond the arc don’t have to worry about that.
The three A+ stats are a nightmare for opposing defenses. Not only does your defense count for nothing, but the shot is both instant and as easy to green as possible. Pro players will be using this one for a while now unless it gets nerfed, it will be the guard’s shot of choice all year round.
Between 6’5″ and 6’10”
| Base | Kobe Bryant |
| Upper release 1 | Oscar Robertson |
| Upper release 2 | Oscar Robertson |
| release speed | fifty% |
| animation mix | 50% – 50% |
| release height | A- |
| defensive immunity | A+ |
| release speed | A+ |
| timing impact | A |
That height is already for the best three-point shooter build in the game. Add this as a custom jumper and it’s all over for defenses that don’t even use a prayer to stop the attack. The only difference between this shot and the one below is a slight decrease from A+ to A in Timing Impact.
That’s nothing for the extra height. It’s still very easy to get an excellent release. The two most important stats, Defense Immunity and Trigger Speed, are both rated A+ at most. The fact that forwards can pick up this shot is almost absurd, especially given that it’s up to five inches more in height since the last shot.
Over 6’10”
| Base | Kevin Durant |
| Upper release 1 | Dirk Nowitzki |
| Upper release 2 | Dirk Nowitzki |
| release speed | 100% |
| animation mix | 50% – 50% |
| release height | A- |
| defensive immunity | A |
| release speed | A+ |
| timing impact | A |
Again, there is only a single slight decrease from this shot and the shot in the lower altitude class. Defense Immunity is now “just” an A. This is still completely unknown, especially when everything else is an A- or better.
And yes, that’s still a perfect A+ as a player up to 7’3″. Being able to shoot like that as a big man makes the game feel flawed in the player’s favour. It’s really easy to green and there’s no chance for anyone to block a shot with this custom setup. Combined with the ideal shooting badges, that great range will ruin an opponent’s day every time they get this matchup.
NBA 2K23 is available now for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
