Builds
The builds for 2k19 are still a work in progress. The game just came out so the meta is still being defined. Here are the builds that look strong to us so far. Just because a build isn’t on this list, it does not mean its a good build. More builds will be added later, and some could even be taken off so please be sure to do your research! Most builds can be viable but it is important to find one that fits your play style. Have a build that you think should be on this list? Message us on Twitter and let us know.
Guards
Primary Ball Handler / Secondary Sharpshooter>
Playstyle
This is a pass first build that can still shoot at an effective rate to run the point guard position in a 4 or 5 out ProAm offense. This build is quick with the ball and capable of beating his man off the dribble. Favor layups over dunks as you will get blocked less but do not expect to hit contested layups consistently. This build is also great for park, especially in threes. We chose a SG because we like the badges more than a PG, but the attributes are still very similar.
Build details
| Position | SG |
| Archetype | Sharpshooting Playmaker |
| Height | 6’5 |
| Weight | 205 |
| Wingspan | Min |
Pros
Cons
Who to Watch
Vandy is the guy to watch for this build. He is the point guard for Team Caution and is a 2KLeague Season 2 top prospect at PG. He streams on Twitch here and you can follow him on Twitter here.
Primary Shot Creator / Secondary Ball Handler >
Playstyle
This is probably the best all around Guard build this year. It can do a little of everything. It could be better than the sharpshooting playmaker. The other build has a little more catch and shoot ability while this build can finish better/shoot moving shots. PG for more playmaking and SG for more offense. Personal preference
Build details
| Position | PG |
| Archetype | Playmaking Shot Creator |
| Height | 6’4 |
| Weight | Min |
| Wingspan | Between Min and Default |
Pros
Cons
Primary Shot Creator / Secondary Finisher>
Playstyle
This is probably more of a Park build, but it is great if you want a guard that can finish a little better than the other two guards. It can speedboost and get contact dunks (although it takes a high overall I believe), but it can reach those attributes while heating up. Still very versatile with mid 70s shooting. Go PG if you want silver dimer and SG if you want silver shooting badges.
Build details
| Position | PG |
| Archetype | Slashing Shot Creator |
| Height | 6’4 |
| Weight | Default |
| Wingspan | Short enough to get 86 Ball Control |
Pros
Cons
Wings
Primary Defender / Secondary Defender>
Playstyle
With 2k19s improved defense, lockdowns become much more important again, especially in team pro am. With Silver corner and Silver poster, they are still a threat on offense, but the Hall of Fame defensive badges are way to good to pass up on.
Build details
| Position | SG |
| Archetype | Pure Lockdown |
| Height | 6’8 |
| Weight | 200 |
| Wingspan | Max |
Pros
Cons
Who to Watch
If you want to learn how to play defense, check out Wolf on Twitch here He is the Small Forward for No Smoke and is a top player in the 2KLeague for Pacers Gaming. He’s also known as one of ,if not the best on ball defender in the game. You can also follow him on Twitter here.
Primary Shot Creator / Secondary Sharpshooter >
Playstyle
Probably the most well rounded wing build. It is an offensive machine. It can stretch the floor, finish around the rim, and has decent handles. SlayIsland says its a “Very well rounded wing scorer that can do a little bit of everything, but isn’t necessarily great at anything.”
Build details
| Position | SF |
| Archetype | Sharpshooting Shot Creator |
| Height | 6’7 |
| Weight | 182 |
| Wingspan | Slightly less than default |
Pros
Cons
Who to Watch
Slay has been using this build since the start of 2k19. He is the Power Forward for Island Gang and is a 2KLeague hopeful. He streams on Twitch here and you can follow him on Twitter here.
Primary Sharpshooter / Secondary Sharpshooter >
Playstyle
Every year we hear shooting is going to be harder and Pure sharps are dead. Once again that is not the case. Pure sharps work in any lineup and they provide the best spacing of any archetype. They are fairly one dimensional but they are elite at their main skill. You can also go a little taller if you want to be more of a catch and shoot type.
Build details
| Position | SG |
| Archetype | Pure Sharpshooter |
| Height | 6’5 |
| Weight | Min |
| Wingspan | Min |
Pros
Cons
Who to Watch
ToXsiK has been a pure sharp for the past few years. He’s well known in the park, pro am, and 2KLeague community. He is the leader of iBall and was a pure sharpshooter for Cavs Legion in the first 2KLeague season. If you want to learn about off ball movement and shot selection then check him out on Twitch here and you can follow him on Twitter here.
Primary Shot Creator / Secondary Finisher >
Playstyle
Very similar to the sharpshooting shot creator it just had better finishing ability rather than shooting. It is still a threat to shoot, but its driving ability is great. We like this over a slasher primary because of the threat to shoot.
Build details
| Position | SF |
| Archetype | Slashing Shot Creator |
| Height | 6’9 |
| Weight | 240 |
| Wingspan | 90’3 |
Pros
Cons
Who to Watch
BooPainter aka Shump is probably the most well know Slashing Shot Creator. He is the Power Forward for Make It Happen and was the leading scorer for the innagural 2KLeague (with this build). He streams on Twitch here and you can follow him on Twitter here.
Bigs
Big thing to look for when making a big. Height vs Athleticism. Every year in 2k height has always been king for bigs. This year looks like it could be a little more balanced. Its still early in the game so we mostly are going for in between. The Max centers are very slow this year, but height is always nice to have. The meta could change on this one. Update after 1 month, it does seem like 7’1 is more of the meta for bigs.
Primary Rebounder / Secondary Rebounder>
Playstyle
This build is more for Pro am and 2s in Park. Its more of a role build rather than a 1st option. Rebounding is very important in 2k and this build is the best at it. Creating/preventing extra possessions is what leads to games. Use this build if you want to rebound/play a little D, but are ok with mostly setting screens and scoring on cuts/putbacks.
Build details
| Position | C |
| Archetype | Pure Glass Cleaner |
| Height | 7’1 |
| Weight | Max |
| Wingspan | Max |
Pros
Cons
Who to Watch
Rondo has been dominating the boards for Island Gang and is 2Kleague hopeful. He plays on Slay’s team and in Slay’s stream on Twitch here and you can follow him on Twitter here.
Primary Sharpshooter / Secondary Sharpshooter>
Playstyle
Just like the Pure Sharp, this build is one dimensional but great at what it does. Can be useful in park and pro am with the right teammates as spacing is always valuable.
If takeover is activated they just do not miss.
Build details
| Position | PF |
| Archetype | Pure Stretch 4 |
| Height | 6’11 |
| Weight | Min |
| Wingspan | Slightly below default |
Pros
Cons
Primary Finisher/ Secondary Rebounder>
Playstyle
This is more of a brute force offensive big build. It can finish down low and rebound very well. It has some of the best badges of any Big build. Use this build in pick and roll.
Build details
| Position | C |
| Archetype | Rebounding Athletic |
| Height | 7’1 |
| Weight | 275 |
| Wingspan | Max |
Pros
Cons
Who to Watch
PeteBeBallin is making a name for himself as one of the best big men in the pro am scene. He is the Center for Self Taught and is a 2Kleague top Center prospect. He streams on Twitch here and you can follow him on Twitter here.
Primary Post Scorer/ Secondary Shot Creator>
Playstyle
2k has buffed post scorers this year. And a nerf could be coming at some point. If you like to get craft down low, then the post scorer big is the build for you. This is a more advanced build. It can shoot, fade, and bully down low.
Build details
| Position | C |
| Archetype | Shot Creating Post Scorer |
| Height | 7 |
| Weight | Max |
| Wingspan | Max |
Pros
Cons
Primary Defender/ Secondary Rebounder>
Playstyle
If you want an all around role player big that can play defense, rebound, and do the dirty work for your team, then this build is a perfect fit.
Build details
| Position | PF |
| Archetype | Rebounding Defender |
| Height | 7 |
| Weight | Max |
| Wingspan | Max |
Pros
Cons
Builds We Avoid
- Slashing Primaries. Not enough spacing for our liking. Can still work.
- Stretch 5s. Stretch 4s are better
- Any build under 6’3
View our badge tool and attribute cap tool to modify these builds as you see fit