Much like in prior years, NBA 2K23 is bringing back badges. Badges are a vital part of any MyPlayer, as these items, when equipped and upgraded, give special boosts that can prove to be a major difference while playing online, or in MyCareer. So, what badges are in NBA 2K23? Let’s go over the full list.

Finishing badges in NBA 2K23

  • Aerial Wizard – Ability to successfully complete alley–oops and putbacksAcrobat – Boosts the ability to make layups that have a high degree of difficultyBackdown Punisher – Increases the chances of a player successfully backing down their opponentBully – Like Giannis and LeBron, able to finish strong by bulldozing through trafficDream Shake – Raises the chances that a defender bites when doing fakes in the postDropstepper – Improves a player’s ability to effectively use dropsteps in the pastFast Twitch – Speeds up ability to get standing layups or dunks off before the defense has time to contestFearless Finisher – Boosts contact layups and decreases fatigueGiant Slayer – Heightens the effectiveness of layups over taller defendersGrace Under Pressure – Gives a boost to standing shots that happen close to the basketHook Specialist – Boosts hook shot abilityLimitless Takeover – When attacking the basket, players will start their dunk or layup gather from farther out than othersLob City Finisher – Improves the chances of completing a successful alley-oop dunk/layupMasher – Increases ability to finish inside layups over defenders*Mouse in the House – Higher chance of successfully finishing when attacking a smaller defenderPost Spin Technician – Improves the ability of a post spin or drive to work effectivelyPosterizer – Improves the likelihood of posterizing your opponentPro Touch – Gives an additional boost for having good layup timing or aimingPutback Boss – Increases shot percentage when attempting a putback after an offensive reboundRise Up – Increases the likelihood of dunking the ball when standing in the painted areaSlithery – Makes it easier to gather through traffic, avoiding collisions and strips Tear Dropper – Improves a player’s ability to avoid contact when attacking the rimUnstrippable – Chances of being stripped when attacking the basket are reduced

Shooting badges in NBA 2K23

  • Agent 3 – Ability to hit difficult 3PT shots off the dribbleAmped – Reduces the shooting attribute penalties when fatigued and when moving excessively prior to shootingBlinders – Less affected by peripheral defenders when shooting jumpersCatch & Shoot – Boosts the chance of hitting a three pointer immediately after a catchCircus Threes – Improved ability to hit pull-up and stepback 3’sClaymore – Increases a spot up shooter’s ability to knock down catch and shoot jumpers the longer they remain stationary prior to shootingClutch Shooter – Increases the ability to knock down shots in clutch momentsComeback Kid – Improved ability to shoot perimeter jumpers when trailing in a gameCorner Specialist – Gives a boost to shots taken in the cornerDeadeye – Jump shots taken with a defender closing out receive less of a penalty from a shot contestDifficult Shots – Improves the ability to shoot difficult shots off the dribble from mid-rangeFade Ace – Improves ability to shoot post fadesGreen Machine – Increases the bonus given for consecutive excellent releasesHand Down Man Down – Makes an outside shooter even deadlier if opponent fails to get a hand in the faceLimitless Range – An old favorite returns, making shooters more effective with any shot attempt from deep 3PT rangeRhythm Shooter – Boosts shot %’s out of size-ups as well as 1-step pull-upsSlippery Off-Ball – Strengthens the player’s ability to get open off the ballSpace Creator – Formerly a Playmaking badge, it now boosts the ability to hit stepback jumpers and hop shots, and also will cause defenders to stumble more often*Stop & Pop – Boosts shot rating on stand-still three pointers after dribblingVolume Shooter – Boosts shot percentages as shot attempts accrue throughout the game

Playmaking badges in NBA 2K23

  • Ankle Breaker – Improves the likelihood of freezing or dropping a defender during dribble movesBail Out – Increases the chances of successfully completing a pass from mid-airBreak Starter – Improves a player’s ability to make effective outlet passes after grabbing a reboundClamp Breaker – A counter to Clamps, helps ball handlers win more 1-on-1 body bump confrontationsDimer – Boosts the shot percentage for open teammates on jump shots after catching a passFloor General – Teammates receive an offensive attribute bonus when player is in the gameHandles for Days – Reduces the amount of energy lost when performing dribble movesHyperdrive – Increases the speed at which a player can perform moving dribble moves as they attack down the courtKiller Combos – Improves a dribbler’s effectiveness with size-up dribble movesMismatch Expert – Formerly a shooting badge, this badge now helps smaller guards break down taller defenders when mismatched 1-on-1Needle Threader – Increases the likelihood that though passes can get by the defensePost Playmaker – Receivers are given a shot boost when passing out of the postQuick Chain – Put together a series of moves while sizing up the opponentQuick First Step – Ball handles have access to quicker and more effective launches when driving out of triple threat or after size upSpace Creator – Improves a player’s ability to create space from a defenderSpecial Delivery – Boosts takeover progress for the passer and receiver off a flashy pass assistTriple Threat Juke – Speeds up triple threat moves when trying to blow by the defenderUnpluckable – Reduces the chances of getting stripped by the defenderVice Grip – Improves ball security immediately after securing a rebound, catch, or picking up the ball

Defense/Rebounding badges in NBA 2K23

  • Anchor – A crucial badge for last line of defense bigs, improves ability to block and contest shots in the paintAnkle Braces – Reduces the chances of getting crossed overBall Stripper – Helps increase the chance of a steal when attempting to strip a layup or dunk near basketBox – Strengthens ability to effectively box out opponents in anticipation of a reboundBoxout Beast – Helps rebounders win boxout battles on both offensive and defensive rebounding situationsBrick Wall – Increases effectiveness of screens and drains energy from opponents on physical contactChallenger – Improves the effectiveness of perimeter shot contestsChase Down Artist – Boosts speed and leaping ability of player when chasing down offensive player in anticipation of block attemptClamps – Boosts the ability to stay in front of the ball handler on the perimeterClutch Defender – Boosts your defensive ratings in clutch momentsGlove – Named after legendary defender Gary Payton, helps you strip players as they gather for shots and poke the ball free from ball handlersHustler – Improves ability to beat opponent to loose ballsInterceptor – Increases chances of getting steals in passing lanesIntimidator – Offensive players have less success shooting when contested by players with badgeMenace – While guarding and staying in front of opponent, their attributes will drop if good defense is being playedOff-Ball Pest – Improves a player’s ability to bump and harass the offense off the ballPick Dodger – Improves a player’s ability to navigate through screens effectively on defensePick Pocket – Improves a player’s ability to steal the ball from a ball handlerPogo Stick – Allows players to quickly recover and go back up for another jump upon landingPost Lockdown – Improves the defender’s ability to defend post moves and backdownsRebound Chaser – Improves ability to track down rebounds from farther distances than normalRim Protector – Reduces chances of getting dunked on and unlocks special block animationsTireless Defender – Reduces energy lost when exerting effort on defenseWork Horse – The “Pat Bev” badge that boosts your ability to hustle down 50/50 balls and play hard-nosed defense without getting tired*Worm – Rebounders have more success swimming around and getting into successful rebound position

Note: * indicates new and/or returning (but not in NBA 2K22) for NBA 2K23

Here’s a look at the badges that are not returning for NBA 2K23:

  • Hook SpecialistChefHot Zone HunterLucky #7Set ShooterSniperLimitless Spot-UpBullet PasserDownhillGlue HandsStop & GoDefensive Leader