The newly released NBA 2K23 is already getting strong reviews and feels like a return to form for the series after some less-than-stellar reception in recent years. The MyNBA mode continues to be where the franchise shines, as players can take control of every aspect of the NBA and get really creative with things.
Of course, a player could choose to keep it simple and just pick one team and try to turn them into a winner for years to come. A few teams stand out as the best options because of the talent they have or the potential they have for the future.
Atlanta Hawks
It’s easy to forget that just a couple of seasons ago, the Atlanta Hawks were in the Eastern Conference Finals. They didn’t look anything like that team last year but they’re still a really fun choice to pick in MyNBA.
Obviously, there’s the chance to play with Trae Young, who was rated too low last year but they got it right this time around. However, the recent addition of Dejounte Murray gives them a second All-Star and playing them together is sure to be great. With other young stars like John Collins and Clint Capela, they’re an obvious choice.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs were the model for consistency in the NBA for nearly two decades. Between 1999 and 2019, they made the Playoffs every season and won five NBA Championships. Those days are behind the franchise, which makes them intriguing to use.
Can you be the person to guide the team back to its glory days? They start in a rough patch, having just traded away their best player. Thankfully, there are still some pieces to build around, a legendary coach, and draft picks to use. It’ll take a few seasons but the Spurs can be great again.
New Orleans Pelicans
Coming into this past season, the New Orleans Pelicans were likely the most appealing team to use and despite some disappointments, they remain a top choice. Regardless of how his health holds up in real life, Zion Williamson is a force to use in the video game.
The team also acquired CJ McCollum last season, giving them a legitimate one-two outside scoring duo with him and Brandon Ingram. They are pretty loaded with talent and players who should be around for a few years and into their prime.
Houston Rockets
Sometimes, the person playing wants to take on the role of general manager in MyNBA. The Houston Rockets make for a strong choice if that’s how you want to play because they’re currently one of the worst teams in the league but have room to grow.
This is one of those long-term projects that a gamer can take on. You’ll have some bad seasons to start but through the draft and the development of key pieces like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., they can get back to the top.
Orlando Magic
Along the same lines as the Rockets, the Orlando Magic have had some rough seasons lately. In fact, they lost a whopping 60 games last year and haven’t added any major pieces that could vault them into a title contender. At least not for a few years.
The team famously had the number one pick in the NBA Draft and selected Paolo Banchero. Using him is sure to be fun, especially when combined with sophomore Jalen Suggs and other youthful stars like Markelle Fultz, Franz Wagner, Mo Bamba, Wendell Carter Jr., and Cole Anthony.
Boston Celtics
On the opposite end of the spectrum are the teams that you pick because you want to win right now. That’s where the Boston Celtics come into play as they were so close to winning it all last season, losing in the NBA Finals.
Jayson Tatum has made the jump from All-Star to bonafide superstar, while Jaylen Brown is one of the best second options in the league. The team can score but are also loaded on defense thanks to Robert Williams, Marcus Smart, and new addition Malcolm Brogdon. This squad has it all.
Detroit Pistons
Once again, this is a team that you want to pick if you’re going to be playing for years and enjoy a slow build. Like the Orlando Magic, the Detroit Pistons have a lot of quality young pieces to build around but no real current star.
Former top pick Cade Cunningham improved as his rookie season progressed, Saddiq Bey dropped 50 points in a game last season, and Jaden Ivey is an intriguing new rookie. Though he’ll likely be moved before the real season starts, Kemba Walker is on the roster in the game, so he’s someone you can move for draft picks.
Oklahoma City Thunder
This past off-season, the Utah Jazz traded their two best players and racked up a bunch of draft picks over the next few years. That strategy was first used by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who famously have nearly 40 picks from now through 2029.
That makes them an ideal squad to try and build because you can either use all of those picks or trade some away for other players to build around. Since they’ve been at it longer than the Jazz, they have key players in place too like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.
Golden State Warriors
If even trying to win with the Celtics will take too long for you, then you might as well pick the defending champions. The Golden State Warriors are a remarkably well-run franchise that won a title, added Kevin Durant to win two more, lost KD, survived a bunch of injuries, and made it back to the top.
Shooting threes with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson (even if his shooting rating is too low) never gets old but it’s the rest of the team that makes this work. Andrew Wiggins’ athleticism, Draymond Green’s defense, Jordan Poole’s scoring ability, and more make them too good to pass up.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers deserve a ton of credit for their turnaround. After losing LeBron James, they were seemingly in a dire situation but have found a way to become one of the most desirable teams in the league.
They were pretty great before injuries last season and now have added All-Star Donovan Mitchell to the mix. Using him and Darius Garland together makes for a fun backcourt duo, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen hold things down inside and all are under 26 years of age.
