Every year the pros and cons run a mile long, and every year the same excitement happens for 2k heads like myself. For Pro-Am players, it cleans the slate from the previous year. No more bad games, no more “2k is trash” moods, and no more lagging out of games. Every year 2k comes out with a brand new NBA game that is “better” than the last edition. The term “better” is far overused as the debate over the best 2k is still yet to be solved.
Now, 2k19 is well on its way with some improvements from last year, but it has me skeptical. Here are some things that are going to switch up this year:
For all my Pro-Am players these changes will affect you:
Reliable Defense:
So, playing defense will be effective? This could dictate what archetype someone wants to make because I know I’ll take a lot more time to think these next few weeks. The plus side of defense being more relevant is that it eliminates the 5-out cheese, the effectiveness of the step-back, and the cross-over cheese. If anyone has experienced any of these while playing you know the struggle.
It could change the way teams run their offense. You mean it could actually force people to play basketball? Yes, expose the bums at all costs.
More Difficult to Shoot:
Especially if you choose to have sharpshooting in your archetype it will be complex to shoot which could open up a more realistic feel to Pro-Am. It could wind up aggravating players like it did in 2k18. Honestly, if this is true, it allows gameplay to run more smoothly and forces players to play more team-oriented basketball. This could take away transition threes, threes in the corner off the fast break, and pull-up threes off-the-dribble.
Takeover Mode:
Remember the Grand Badge in 2k17? 2k19 is bringing something similar called “Takeover Mode.” In this mode, your attributes and badges will be maxed out for a short stint during the game. So, let me break this down for you. All attributes will be 99 and the badges you have at least Bronze will be Hall of Fame. How do you get it? Get that teammate grade up to an A. Maybe it will encourage everyone to actually choke up on that controller a bit.
New Steal System:
In previous games, you would hit that “X” button or “square,” and it seemed like nothing registered nor did it affect the ball-handler at all. The new system allows for success during size-ups, dribble moves, and anytime the ball seems to be unprotected. In other words, when a guy in the post isn’t protecting the ball that’s just another opportunity to steal the ball effectively.
With aggressive moves to the paint, it’ll be a 50/50 chance to poke the ball loose. So, when it comes time to strip the ball, you need to time it properly as the player makes his move. Most reads will be successful after the first step when a player is committing to his move to the hoop.
One-on-Ones:
It almost seemed like one-on-one’s were easy due to 2k18’s blow by animation, but they took it to the point where Pure Defenders and Defenders were getting blown by with ease. The new one-on-one allows for stick skills to matter more in isolation situations.
Shot Meter Improvement:
There’s nothing more annoying than missing a wide open layup and being put in a crazy animation, having no idea what you did wrong. Newly added to the game is a meter on layups. Now we have to time layups and shots! I personally love this addition because it’s just another way to expose the bums (which I’m not).
AI Enhancements:
AI’s will be sharper when it comes to the overall knowledge of the game. Their court awareness in certain game situations will heighten, and on the offensive side, will be more aware when to make the cut to the basket instead of clogging the paint and being unable to run-zone defenses.
MyTeam:
I’m not a huge fan of MyTeam, but nothing has been said about the changes in this game mode. A few personal recommendations would be earning MT while playing friends because it makes it easier for users. Also, I want to see more player specific challenges because 2k18 faded away from that as the year went on. The 10% auction fee can go as well. It’s the most irrelevant thing ever.
Meet My Squad
We haven’t named our team yet, but we’re a bunch of Killers who continue to disappoint opposing teams with our lock-down defense, ball movement, and IQ.
Our team is all about making that extra pass, communication on both ends of the floor, and most importantly, knowing your role within the system. We treat it like real basketball which a lot of teams don’t do. Other teams rely on animations, 2k cheese, and five-out offense. There’s no team more disciplined than us, as our team has been together for a strong six years. Introducing the squad:
That Boii Jamess
I’m a player who plays within the system. I focus on the little things on the court like setting the right screen, making sure my guys are spacing the floor, and constantly moving without the ball. The beauty of it all is, over the years, I’ve adapted to know my role, and when I need to step up, I do.
YOUNGDAvis3750
An instant energizer out there on the court. Davis looks to make everyone around better by pushing the ball in transition and making the extra pass. During games, he initiates the first extra pass on offense to get us all into a groove. Some might call him an “X Factor” in the 2k community. He’s an overall great player to have on the squad, especially in those tough comp games.
YoungDRAWS
He’s one of the funniest guys on the squad and one of the best (if not the best) shooters on the team. People tend to overlook his IQ. Usually starting at PG, he sees the court well and is quick to make adjustments mid-game, and he isn’t afraid to tell one of us we’re screwing up. His ability to move off-the-ball makes a huge impact on the game, as he’s running off screens with ease to hit the open three when we need it. His passing is great, and this past year, having him as a “pure-sharp” didn’t slow it down at all. If you cut to the rim or get out on the break he’s already throwing the ball down the court. Fill the lane correctly, and he’ll find you. In the wise words of Young “RB A!”
Young Ghost 3D
The OG of our squad and, hands down, the glue of the team. Ghost works both ends of the court really well, and his awareness is what keeps us in games down the stretch of the Pro-Am season. He’s a guy who always makes the big play during close games and keeps us composed. A player/coach on the floor who can play every position is a dream to have. I find that our whole team goes to him on offense because he’s a guaranteed bucket. Ghost makes everyone around him better.
KingBucks2KGOD
The gamertag doesn’t lie. He’s the most versatile player on the squad, and like Ghost, he’s capable of playing all five positions with comfort. His ability to adapt in-game is one of the qualities that sticks out most when playing. A real floor general when we need him, Bucks usually gets everyone involved before he scores a basket, which is rare to find in a 2k player. Bucks is a killer!
Moving forward, the team may change over time. Every 2k is different, and I certainly don’t know how this game is going to feel, nor do I know what archetype I want to make. Your first guy may not be your last, but these four guys have been playing with me for years, so the adjustments will be easy.
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