DOG • T5 Tuesday: 5 Underrated Legends to Play With on NBA 2K23

Top 5 Tuesday has returned!*

This week's Top Five takes a look at some underrated legends to play with on NBA 2K23. Instead of humoring you with some of the “usual suspects” (MJ, Magic, LeBron, Kobe, Kareem, etc.), we’ll highlight a few (slightly) lower profile players who are just as unstoppable in 2K as they were in real life.

The best way to utilize all of these legends in a single, MyNBA era is to select the “Modern” version during set up, select the fantasy draft option & then choose which version of each player you would like to be included.

(That’s what I always do, at least!)

*recurring feature on the old site, delayhoops.com

5. MITCH RICHMOND

VERSIONS OF RICHMOND:

• All-Time Kings: 94 RATING

• ‘90-’91 Warriors: 86 RATING

The list kicks off w/ Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond, best known for his days as a star for the Kings & Warriors in the early nineties. “Rock’s*” a prototypical 2K talent: tall (6’5) shooting guard who excels at both getting in the paint and bombing a barrage of treys from downtown.

His release point takes a little while to master (slightly slower on 2K23 v. 2K22) but once you get it down, he’s almost unstoppable. By the way, there’s no reason he should be rated as only an 86 on the ‘90-’91 Dubs: if you’re starting a franchise mode with all available teams though, you can pick which version you prefer and get excellent value in your second unit.

*it was his nickname first!

4. DAVID THOMPSON

VERSIONS OF THOMPSON:

• All-Time Nuggets: 95 RATING

David Thompson: college basketball/ABA/NBA legend whose influence sparked the generations of high-flying/high-scoring guards. Thompson’s perfect for 2K: he’s fast, plays way bigger on the defensive end (great shot-blocker) than his 6’4 frame would suggest and will pull off the most spectacular, show-stopping slams (360s, windmills) at any given time despite whatever challenge he faces in terms of defensive pressure.

If there’s too much congestion in lane, Thompson usually just rises over the top - if not, you can still get buckets by mastering his “quick-hitter” midrange Js & step backs.

Currently, I have Thompson as my starting small forward on a fantasy squad featuring Michael Jordan (who’s frequently mentioned Thompson as a huge source of inspiration on his game) & Reggie Theus (also underrated!) - we get up & down, create steals & convert them into plenty of highlight-reel dunks & oops.

3. HAL GREER

VERSIONS OF GREER:

• All-Time 76ers: 88 RATING

Thank me later for this one!

NBA75 member/10x All-Star/Hall of Famer Hal Greer is very deserving of a place on this list: his style is perfect for a sim like 2K23.

On 2K, Greer’s best traits include his speed & outside shot (simple, easy-to-learn release that’s cash on spot-ups) but don’t be afraid to mix it up and drive to the hole. Despite being listed at just 6’2, 175 pounds, Greer wreaked havoc in his era as an efficient scorer - his archetype on 2K is no different: Greer gets into the paint and hits difficult shots on the regular.

While he might not be your first or second choice on a fantasy roster, lean on Greer as a dynamic, scoring sub who can also break down the defense & make plays.

2. JAMES WORTHY

VERSIONS OF WORTHY:

• All-Decade 80s All-Stars: 96 RATING

• All-Time Lakers: 95 RATING

• ‘90-’91 Lakers: 88 RATING

• ‘86-’87 Lakers: 86 RATING

James Worthy is one of the best archetypes in 2K history. With the speed of top small forwards and the power/finishing ability of an elite big, Worthy’s impact is LeBron James-like if he’s a primary option on your team. After a shaky release point on his jumper in 2K22, Worthy’s now money from midrange & deep in this version: it’s not difficult to lock down a green release after a few shots.

Another positive is the different versions available to users. If you’re doing a fantasy draft and are deciding between duplicates, you have the option of selecting either a higher or lower rated version of Worthy, depending on how you’d like to build your squad. The All-Time Lakers version ensures a strong franchise cornerstone, while the lower rated, 25-year old Worthy (‘86-’87 Lakers) could be used as strong support off the bench.

Either way, “Big Game James” is a great add to any roster.

1. BERNARD KING

VERSIONS OF KING:

• All-Time Knicks: 89 RATING

• All-Time Wizards: 87 RATING

The top spot belongs to Knicks legend, Bernard King!

If you’ve never played with King on (any version of) 2K, you’re doing yourself a real disservice. Controlling the legends of yesteryear always holds a bit of mystique for a couple of reasons: you’re literally placing yourself in “their shoes,” while putting your own spin on their actual strengths on the court. For King, similar to real life, he can dominate from anywhere as a scorer, particularly inside the arc & in the air.

His patented midrange & post attack is also in full effect: you can exploit the defense anywhere on the court when picking him, especially once you master his jumper from downtown. Whenever I do a fantasy draft, I usually select King and utilize him as a super Sixth Man who averages 20+ points/night & closes out most games.

Whether as your main star (should make him the #1 or #2 option if you start a franchise w/ the Knicks!) or reserve, King is always fun to play with.