If you’re an avid, or even a causal, player of NBA video games you’ve probably noticed something over the past few years—the big man doesn’t get much love.
When’s the last time you’ve said something like this when playing “NBA 2K” or in the past “NBA Live”:
“I can’t wait to pop in the game and practice hitting the Tim Duncan bank shot”
Or
“I’m going to destroy my friend with this Al Jefferson up-and-under move”
And even
“This dude is going to be so upset when I hit five straight mid-range jumpers with Brook Lopez”
Now, there may be some of you out there who actually like doing this and I'm not saying video game developers have never focused on the big man. However, the majority of gamers are not interested in performing up-and-unders and utilizing the mid-range game with defenders.
Most gamers take control of players such as Derrick Rose, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony and, as the kids in a pick-up game say, “go to work.”
Therefore,it’s good to point out that in “NBA 2K14” there are a few features that make the big man more effective than usual. They are the Block Improvements along with the Tenacious Rebounder and Screen Outlet signature skills:
Block Improvements – The block system has been completely revamped for NBA 2K14 with improved ball targeting and awareness, more realistic physics, and more responsive control. All new player collisions, the ability to block dunks, and more appropriate shot contests make playing defense much more fun and rewarding.
TENACIOUS REBOUNDER:
This player is known for his relentlessness when going for rebounds. During rebound situations he receives up to a 50 percent increase in winning boxout battles and poking balls loose on rebounds
SCREEN OUTLET:
A player now excels as the receiver in the pick & roll/pop game. If this player shoots immediately following a screen he set, he receives up to a 4 point boost to his shooting attribute.
These three features will allow you to establish the more skilled big men as a dominating force throughout the game.
The block improvement will allow you to more effectively contest at the rim. The screen outlet will allow you to dominate from the midrange area. The Tenacious rebounder will wipeout second chance opportunities.
It’s fairly obvious that most big men will not have both signature skills. However, any combination of the two skills or just the simple fact that the Block Improvements exist, will make using your big man in “NBA 2K14” a smart tactic.
What are your thoughts? Have the big men been forgotten in “NBA 2K?” Comment Below.
