There are a lot of different aspects of a player's game that set them apart from others in the NBA, and this is brought to life in NBA 2K25. The game aims to bring the signature styles of the league's stars for players to take and make their own.
Of course, each one comes with its own requirements that players will have to meet in order to use, and that's not to mention having to choose which ones are going to be their best fit to have in a game. This is why this guide is here to detail which playmaking moves are going to be the best options in their respective categories that can help a player pull off their perfect play.
Best Playmaking Moves In NBA 2K25
There are a total of 12 categories of playmaking moves that players can select an option for. Here are the best options in each one based on the height of your given player.
Pass Style
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Tyrese Halliburton |
89+ Passing Accuracy |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
LeBron James |
85+ Passing Accuracy |
|
Over 6'10" |
Nikola Jokic |
79+ Passing Accuracy |
Being able to pass the ball well can be what sets a team up for success. These styles can help a player find the right way to deliver the ball.
Dribble Style
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Kyrie Irving |
90+ Speed w/ Ball |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
Devin Booker |
80+ Speed w/ Ball |
|
Over 6'10" |
Pro |
70+ Speed w/ Ball |
The dribble style is designed to help a player be able to handle the ball effectively when moving and not turn it over. These playmaking moves will each give players a better chance of success when using these different kinds of players.
Signature Size-Up
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Steve Francis |
96+ Ball Handle |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
Tracy McGrady |
85+ Ball Handle |
|
Over 6'10" |
Kawhi Leonard |
65+ Ball Handle |
Signature Size-Up is about how a player approaches going at another player one-on-one.
These are best when they keep the ball low and away from the defender's hands.
Regular Breakdown Combo
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Isiah Thomas |
85+ Ball Handle |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
De'Aaron Fox |
80+ Ball Handle |
|
Over 6'10" |
Victor Wembanyama |
69+ Ball Handle |
The regular breakdown combo is something that players use to break a defense down and get them reeling. Being able to handle the ball effectively and keep the defender guessing is key here.
Aggressive Breakdown Combo
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Jason Williams |
85+ Ball Handle |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
De'Aaron Fox |
80+ Ball Handle |
|
Over 6'10" |
Pro |
75+ Ball Handle |
Much like the regular breakdown combo, the aggressive one is going to help a player put the defense on their heels. The difference is that these will take more energy with a higher reward.
Escape Move
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Kemba Walker |
86+ Ball Handle |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
Kemba walker |
86+ Ball Handle |
|
Over 6'10" |
Kevin Durant |
75+ Ball Handle |
The escape move is something that the players can use to shake a defender off of them. Usually aimed to result in a lane opening up for a layup drive or being able to sidestep for a quick shot as well.
Combo Move
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Steph Curry |
92+ Ball Handle |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
De'Aaron Fox |
80+ Ball Handle |
|
Over 6'10" |
Pro |
70+ Ball Handle |
The combo move is a transitional sort of play that helps a player move into the correct spot for a drive or shot. They can work when both standing still or on the move.
Cross Over
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Kobe Bryant |
88+ Ball Handle |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
Kobe Bryant |
88+ Ball Handle |
|
Over 6'10" |
Zach Lavine |
75+ Ball Handle |
The cross over is a move that can cause a defender's ankles to break, sending them to the floor. This opens the door for the player to drive in for an easy bucket.
Behind The Back
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Jamal Murray |
83+ Ball Handle |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
Jamal Murray |
83+ Ball Handle |
|
Over 6'10" |
Pro |
70+ Ball Handle |
Using a behind the back move helps a player change direction without having to worry about the defender in front of them poking the ball loose. It also leaves the door open to attempt a number of plays afterward.
Spin
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Darius Garland |
80+ Ball Handle |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
Penny Hardaway |
70+ Ball Handle |
|
Over 6'10" |
Penny Hardaway |
75+ Ball Handle |
Putting a defender in a spin can be the best way to get them off balance. Spinning at the right time will open the floor up and put the pressure on the defense to compensate for it.
Hesitation
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Chris Paul |
85+ Ball Handle |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
Kobe Bryant |
80+ Ball Handle |
|
Over 6'10" |
Scottie Pippen |
70+ Ball Handle |
Hesitation is something that a lot of players use to confuse their defender. It can lead the defender to expecting them to go one direction or try one thing, only to switch at the last second and go into something else.
Stepback
|
Height |
Player Name |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6'5" |
Steph Curry |
92+ Ball Handle |
|
6'5" to 6'9" |
John Wall |
80+ Ball Handle |
|
Over 6'10" |
Vince Carter |
70+ Ball Handle |
The stepback is an iconic shooting style where the player will, as the name implies, take a step back to create space between them and their defender. This gives them a wider window to land a shot.
NBA 2K25
- Released
- September 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone For In-Game Purchases & Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Visual Concepts
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Engine
- Eco-Motion engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- NBA 2K
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Sports
