The recent release of NBA 2K23 has come with solid reviews for the MyNBA mode, which acts as the game's franchise mode. For those unaware, MyNBA lets you control a team for several years and build them into a winner while attempting to become a legitimate dynasty.
There are so many other things you can do with this mode, including rewriting NBA history but a lot of players look to turn their favorite team into a huge winner. If that's what you're looking to pull off, you can follow some simple tips that will make sure you're a contender for a long time.
Manage Your Money Wisely
This works as a life lesson too but for NBA 2K23, it's extra important in the MyNBA mode. Since you have to control a team for several seasons, you can't get caught up in giving too much money to certain players because it will prevent you from signing others later.
Also, it could handcuff you so much that you'll lose key role players. If that ends up happening, you might have a few stars but the rest of your team will be filled out by people on the league minimum salary, which typically isn't a recipe for success.
Keep Your Players Happy
The MyGM mode focuses on this a bit more than MyNBA because you can actually interact with the players and build relationships with them. However, MyNBA still has things like player morale that need to be treated with concern.
You'll notice a player's overall rating drop by a point or two because they're unhappy. Maybe they aren't getting enough minutes or maybe they want a starting job, which negatively impacts team chemistry. Also, if someone is adamant that they won't re-sign, you can know that they should be traded instead.
Utilize Balanced Badges
The various badges that NBA players get in this game are often overlooked by a lot of players but they shouldn't be. If you don't know a ton about a specific player, a look at their badges would reveal if they were a lockdown perimeter defender or if they are a great finisher at the rim.
While it would be nice to stock up on players with the most badges, it's good to have a balance. Try to get a roster that makes sure you have players who can perform well in almost every aspect.
Run The Best System Proficiency
Another aspect of the game that doesn't get the love it deserves is the System Proficiency section of the gameplan. This is basically setting up the kind of plan that the team will run, which is most useful for the games that you simulate.
Luckily, NBA 2K23 tells you which system would work best for your roster and which players will perform best or worst based on it. You also will want a coach who specializes in the system that works best for you. Gregg Popovich is a defensive-minded coach and a genius but he might not be the best choice if your team is an offensive juggernaut.
Hire A Good Staff
Since the gamer controls the team on the court, calls the plays, and makes the decisions, they might not care so much about who they hire as coach. That's understandable for those who play the majority of the game but if you're simulating, getting a good coach is crucial.
The rest of the staff is also important. For example, a great scout can prevent you from drafting someone who is likely to end up as a bust, while a high-rated trainer can help keep your players healthy and on the court.
Make The Most Of Small Moves
Getting the chance to be a general manager is enticing and so many gamers will look to make a huge splash. You might find a way to land a major star who can change the course of your franchise's success and that's always fun but it can't be everything.
Those smaller moves that are made are just as important. Maybe your team is good but could use an upgrade in one or two areas. Use the trade deadline or a small free agent signing to get a three point specialist or a big man to help defend the interior. It will go a long way toward a championship.
Look At How Players Match Your System
A cool element that this sports gaming franchise added in recent years is the "system match" section that comes up when you're looking at the crop of free agents available. It works whether it's the smaller group during the season or the big names often available during the offseason.
What this does is look at the roster you currently have assembled and the system that your team is running and notes how a potential free agent would fit in. Maybe you can find a cheaper signee who actually fits your team better.
Get A Balanced Roster
Loading your team with the best players is a good way to go but it's not always possible. That's why figuring out a balancing act for your team is important. A good example to look at for this is the 2001-2002 Sacramento Kings squad that won 61 games.
They had the franchise star in Chris Webber to build around, while every other player had a key role. Doug Christie was the defensive stopper, Peja Stojakovic was the shooter, Vlade Divac was the wily veteran, and Mike Bibby was the clutch shooter. Using this formula can lead to plenty of success.
Move Veterans For Young Players & Picks
A big part of winning multiple titles is keeping your team stocked with young talent who can develop into great stars. That means you might have to give up beloved veterans as they age and especially if you're in the process of rebuilding.
This is vital as contending teams always appreciate acquiring a veteran but you don't always want a veteran back. Find a way to get a young talent who is blossoming in exchange or acquire some draft picks to build for the future.
Pay Attention To Scouting
Scouting can be a bit tedious to do because it takes a lot of time and there are a lot of names to look through each year. However, it's incredibly important toward building a longtime winner. In-depth scouting lets you know everything you need to know about a player.
You can examine what his ceiling and floor are when it comes to how his NBA career will pan out and look at his strengths and weaknesses. Combining that with hiring a good scout can get you the best results on draft day.
NEXT: 10 Awesome 'What If' Scenarios To Try Out In MyNBA
