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The center continues to be one of the most pivotal positions in NBA 2K22. Many gamers opt to use a big man that can dominate the post. Meanwhile, others opt for the more flexible option of playing a small-ball big at the five-position.
Choosing the best center build is crucial to ensuring that your team has enough rebounding and paint presence to compete. So, here are the best player builds for centers in NBA 2K22.
Choosing the best center (C) builds in NBA 2K22
The role for centers has changed in NBA 2K22. They were once the most dominant players on the court, but they have been significantly toned down this year.
To establish the best center builds, we have leaned heavily towards centers that can space the floor on offense and defense. Each build listed has the majority of the ratings be more than 80 overall and has the ability to upgrade to multiple badges.
1. Interior Finisher

- Top Attributes: 99 Close Shot, 99 Standing Dunk, 99 Post Control
- Top Secondary Attributes: 99 Block, 99 Stamina, 92 Pass Accuracy
- Height, Weight, and Wingspan: 7’0’‘, 215lbs, Maximum Wingspan
- Takeover Badge: Slasher
The Interior Finisher build is available to both forwards and centers in NBA 2K22. It’s handy for gamers who love cutting to the paint and delivering highlight-reel plays for the crowds. They capitalize on the strong physique of centers, taking advantage of their great balance and agility in the paint.
Every inch counts, especially when fighting for room in the paint. Finding the best angles and finishing over defenders isn’t a problem for centers with this build, as they have 90-plus overall for their standing dunk and finishing abilities. They don’t have great shooting ratings, but their rebounding and hustle make this build a legitimate contender to be crowned the best build in NBA 2K22.
Familiar interior finishers in real life are Deandre Ayton and Jonas Valančiūnas. They get the job done inside the paint while being threats with their solid footwork by the post.
2. Three-Level Scorer

- Top Attributes: 99 Close Shot, 99 Standing Dunk, 99 Post Control
- Top Secondary Attributes: 99 Block, 99 Offensive Rebound, 99 Defensive Rebound
- Height, Weight, and Wingspan: 7’0’‘, 280lbs, Maximum Wingspan
- Takeover Badge: Spot Up Shooter
A Three-Level Scoring center in NBA 2K22 is the crowd favorite build for big men. This reflects the evolution of the center in the modern game as now; they must be able to impact proceedings from the paint, mid-range, and the three-point mark. Centers of this build do not lose any physical points but usually need a complementary playmaking guard to suit their play style.
Centers of this caliber can be threats in the pick-and-pop, in the post, and when attacking the paint with their respectable 80-plus overall shooting ratings. You can rely on them to grab rebounds and block shots but would require another big man to really seal your interior defense consistently.
Joel Embiid and Brook Lopez are trademark three-level scorers, both on NBA 2K22 and in real life.
3. Paint Beast

- Top Attributes: 99 Close Shot, 99 Standing Dunk, 99 Block
- Top Secondary Attributes: 99 Stamina, 99 Offensive Rebound, 99 Defensive Rebound
- Height, Weight, and Wingspan: 6’11’‘, 285lbs, 7’5’‘
- Takeover Badge: Glass Cleaner
Paint Beasts are your centers that are so physical that only fouls will slow them down when they attempt to gobble up all of the board. They are very hard to push around in the paint and take up a lot of space, so opponents don’t even think of trying to drive in the paint. Their specialties include rebounding, blocking, and screen-setting for their teammates.
Very few players have this build in real life, which is why having your MyPlayer execute this build will make you stand out from the rest. Your team won’t need to worry about rebounds or interior defense as those elements are the key strengths of this build’s playstyle. Free throws and shooting are weaknesses, though, so forming a team around this playstyle can be tough at times.
Common renditions of this player build include Shaquille O’Neal and Rudy Gobert; it’s near-impossible to stop them when they are on the floor, but at the expense of possibly having them guard the quickest players.
4. Glass-Cleaning Lockdown

- Top Attributes: 99 Close Shot, 99 Standing Dunk, 99 Post Control
- Top Secondary Attributes: 99 Block, 99 Stamina, 92 Pass Accuracy
- Height, Weight, and Wingspan: 7’0’‘, 215lbs, Maximum Wingspan
- Takeover Badge: Glass Cleaner
Centers of this badge are two-in-one packages that can handle the rebounds in the paint while also being a shutdown defender by the post. They are reliable anchors in the frontcourt who can provide stability to your defense.
Having great agility is an asset in NBA 2K22, which this center build allows you to get. More attribute points are placed in rebounding, and the build’s defending ratings clock in at over 80 overall. A flaw that may be considered for this build is the lack of offense available. If you are the type that prides yourself on your defense, then this is the perfect build for you.
Famous players that demonstrate this build are Bam Adebayo or Clint Capela. Both are offensive liabilities, but their impact on defense makes them hard to bench for many teams in the league.
5. Pure-Speed Defender

- Top Attributes: 99 Close Shot, 99 Standing Dunk, 99 Block
- Top Secondary Attributes: 98 Stamina, 96 Post Control, 95 Free-Throw
- Height, Weight, and Wingspan: 6’9’‘, 193lbs, 7’5’‘
- Takeover Badge: Rim Protector
The Pure-Speed Defender build is a unique type of center to have in NBA 2K22. This big man is undersized but makes up for it with incredible wingspan and agility that’s far greater than other centers. It’s very unorthodox type of build worth experimenting with, but offers you the shooting and physical ratings that are akin to those of a forward.
Pure-Speed Defenders are the perfect small-ball centers to have if your team wants to play a run-and-gun system. You will be one of the best interior defenders on the floor while having the ability to chase guards around screens – traits that not many centers have in the modern NBA. You will have more of a rebounding and defending boost rather than shooting and physical traits for this build.
Draymond Green and P.J. Tucker are similar real-life examples for this top center build. Both are undersized bigs that can guard all positions on defense while offering some agility in the middle of the paint.
When you’re creating a MyPlayer big man, try out one of the best center builds of NBA 2K22 to dominate in the paint.
Looking for the best builds?
NBA 2K22: Best Point Guard (PG) Builds and Tips
NBA 2K22: Best Small Forward (SF) Builds and Tips
NBA 2K22: Best Power Forward (PF) Builds and Tips
NBA 2K22: Best Shooting Guard (SG) Builds and Tips
Looking for the best 2K22 Badges?
NBA 2K22: Best Badges for a (PG) Point Guard
NBA 2K22: Best Playmaking Badges to Boost Your Game
NBA 2K22: Best Defensive Badges to Boost Your Game
NBA 2K22: Best Finishing Badges to Boost Your Game
NBA 2K22: Best Shooting Badges to Boost Your Game
NBA 2K22: Best Badges for 3-Point Shooters
NBA 2K22: Best Badges for a Slasher
NBA 2K22: Best Badges for a Paint Beast
NBA 2K22: Best Badges for a (PF) Power Forward
Looking for the best teams?
NBA 2K22: Best Teams to Rebuild and Use on MyNBA
NBA 2K22: Best Teams to Use on MyNBA
NBA 2K22: Best Teams for a (PF) Power Forward
NBA 2K22: Best Teams for a (PG) Point Guard
NBA 2K22: Best Teams for a (SG) Shooting Guard
NBA 2K22: Best Teams for a (C) Center
NBA 2K22: Best Teams for a (SF) Small Forward
Looking for more NBA 2K22 guides?
NBA 2K22 Sliders Explained: Guide for a Realistic Experience
NBA 2K22: Easy Methods to Earn VC Fast
NBA 2K22: Best 3-Point Shooters in the Game
NBA 2K22: Best Dunkers in the Game
FAQs
What's the best center build 2K22? ›
#1 Paint Beast
To set your potential with this build in NBA 2K22, you'll need to max out Close Shot, Standing Dunk and Post Hook in the Finishing category while keeping everything else at the minimum. You should leave every attribute in the Shooting category to minimum.
- Skill Breakdown: Choose the one that's about 70% red with an even finishing, shooting, playmaking distribution.
- Physical Profile: With strength and physicality being less important than ever choose one with a good balance between Agility and Verticals.
- Sharpshooting Facilitator. We're not sure if anyone can ever clone Steph Curry… but you can try with this next build. ...
- Two-way Slasher. While the first two builds favour one key attribute over the rest. ...
- 2-Way Inside-Out Scorer. ...
- Paint Beast. ...
- Slashing Shot Creator.
#1 Paint Beast
This build is almost unstoppable in NBA 2K23. If you get the ball to the player in the low post, consider it an automatic bucket. Body Settings: Height - 7'0"; Weight - 250 lbs; Wingspan - 7'6"; Body Type - Built.
Best next-gen center build body Settings
The lighter center build affords extra acceleration and speed, two of the most important stats for a center, while the extended wingspan offers a nice boost to critical defense.
At 193 pounds, speed and acceleration get as high as centers are capable of doing, meaning this build will win a footrace against any other center in the league.
How can I improve my basketball center? ›Centers need to be physical and tough. They are close to the basket, so they're counted on for high-percentage shots. Their rebounding skills are crucial, and they need to play strong defense to prevent easy baskets by the opposing team. They are the last line of defense and, often, a team's best chance on offense.
How do I make my 2K22 player easier? ›- 16 Test Builds First.
- 15 Mix In Defense.
- 14 Play To Player Strengths.
- 13 Know The Team.
- 12 Fine Tune The Settings.
- 11 Attend Every Practice.
- 10 Quit Before A Bad Play.
- 9 Don't Spend VC Until After The Main Campaign Is Finished.
Strength plays a factor in basically every situation where there's contact. Rebounds, post, body ups, screens, boxouts, contact dunks, etc. So yeah, it helps most on the perimeter for body ups and screens.
Who has a 99 rating in 2K22? ›Steph's rating of 99 is a given and Klay Thompson's rating of 95 is fitting as well.
What is the best NBA 2K22 archetype? ›
Archetype: Playmaking Shot Creator. This is considered by many to be the strongest build in the entire game at the moment.
Who is the strongest player in 2K22? ›The NBA 2K22 ratings list sees a four-way tie for first place, with LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durand and Stephen Curry all sharing a hefty 96 OVR according to the game's default rosters.
Who has the best block in 2K22? ›NBA 2K22 Blocks Rating: Robert Williams and Myles Turner - 97. The highest block rating of 97 in NBA 2K22 is a tie between Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers and Robert Williams of the Boston Celtics.
What build should I make in 2K23? ›- Driving Dunk.
- Perimeter Defense.
- Driving Layup.
- Acceleration.
- Speed.
- Ball Handle.
- Speed With Ball.
- Three-Point Shot.
A center that can find the open player when double teamed can help their team score. Blocked shots, rebounds, and scoring are all important for a center. A good center should excel in at least one of these stats.
Does body shape matter in 2K22? ›Next, it's time to specify your body settings: height, weight, wingspan, and body shape—which will meaningfully impact your abilities.
Do you get plus 4 at 99 2K23? ›NBA 2K23 Leaks & Intel on Twitter: "95-99 still gives you +4 to attributes on current gen but not on Next Gen #NBA2K22" / Twitter.
How high should my ball handle be 2k22? ›...
NBA 2K22 dribble unlock requirements | Signature size ups unlock requierments.
Style | Unlock Requirement |
---|---|
L. Ball | Ball Handle 70+ |
M. Bibby | Ball Handle 80+, height under 6'10" |
D. Booker | Ball Handle 75+, height under 6'10" |
J. Butler | Ball Handle 70+, height under 6'10" |
Strength plays a factor in basically every situation where there's contact. Rebounds, post, body ups, screens, boxouts, contact dunks, etc. So yeah, it helps most on the perimeter for body ups and screens.
Is Tight handles worth it 2k22? ›Tight handles is one of the best playmaking badges in 2k22 for getting around your defender using dribble moves. Any 2k22 dribble tutorial should include the need for tight handles.
How do you dominate as a center in basketball? ›
- Develop a Variety of Post Moves. At some point, most coaches have seen a physically imposing center who provides a presence, but his only chance to score is an easy drop step layup or open putback at the rim. ...
- Play 1-on-1 Defense in the Post. ...
- Become a Great Free Throw Shooter. ...
- Work on Outside Shooting.
Point Guard is the most difficult position on the basketball court, and also often the most important. As the saying goes, “As the point guard goes, the team goes”. If you want to learn more about what it takes to be a point guard or just improve your overall basketball knowledge, head over to Area Scouts Sports.
How do you dominate in basketball? ›Practice, practice, practice your skills. These skills are the ABC's of basketball. Develop your shooting, dribbling, passing, defense, rebounding, etc.. The more skills you develop, you can use them to DOMINATE situations on the court by having the skill level to succeed.
Why is it hard to dribble in 2K22? ›While dribbling has definitely been made more difficult in 2K22 because of the hit you take to stamina when chaining moves back to back.
Does difficulty affect VC 2K22? ›The higher the difficulty, the higher your VC multiplier becomes. You can then use the gameplay sliders to your advantage if you want.
What is the easiest mode on 2K22? ›Rookie is considered the easiest difficulty but for some this setting is still too difficult to play on. When you are playing against other players online, the difficulty is locked to a default setting. The difficulty depends on what game mode you are playing.
Does ball handling matter in 2K22? ›Ball-handling skills set players apart in NBA 2K22. These are the best moves for crossing over, stepping back, and blowing by defenders. Playmaking moves are core to almost every build in NBA 2K22. These are these little stutter steps, fakeouts, and sudden bursts of speed that take players from covered to wide open.
Can you turn dunk meter off 2k23? ›there's no option to turn it off, but if you don't want to use it you don't have to. Just hold the Pro Stick in a different direction or use the Shot Button instead.
Has there ever been a 100 overall in 2K? ›According to Sports Illustrated, only five players in history have ever received a 99 rating while actively playing: Lebron, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. Only one player has ever received a 100 rating in the game — Shaquille O'Neal.
Has kd ever been a 99 in 2K? ›Only five players have ever received a 99 in the NBA 2K franchise: LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett.
What is the highest 2K rating ever? ›
- Average rating: 95.70.
- Highest rating: 99 on 2K9 and 2K14.
- Lowest rating: 78 on 2K4.
- 2K seasons: 20.
Irving's signature combo can be considered the perfect all-rounder. His style of keeping the ball close to the ground makes it harder for defenders to steal it, and you can also pull off more sudden movements.
Does speed with ball matter in 2K23? ›NBA 2K23 dribble requirements and other move unlock requirements are even more generous in 2023 than they were with the previous game. Ball handle stat requirements are lower and more varied, while speed with ball is less important than ever.
Who has the worst rating in 2K22? ›- 7 Elias - 75.
- 6 Kalisto - 74.
- 5 Slapjack - 71.
- 4 Lana - 71.
- 3 Tucker - 71.
- 2 Ariya Daivari - 70.
- 1 Eric Bischoff - 69.
The undisputed best MyPLAYER Archetype in PGA Tour 2K23 is Powerhouse. There are some massive golf courses and some powerful golfers that you'll find yourself up against. Whether you're battling Tiger Woods or guest golfer Michael Jordan, having immense power is very helpful.
Is there a Shaq build in 2K23? ›NBA 2K23 Replica Builds: Shaquille O'Neal Build (Shaq Build)
Replica builds are one of the most fun new additions to the 2K series.
To get to 85 OVR, it can take anywhere around the range of 100,000 and 150,000 VC. Mid-Range Shot and Three-Point Shot are the most expensive attributes to upgrade.
What build should I make in 2k23? ›- Driving Dunk.
- Perimeter Defense.
- Driving Layup.
- Acceleration.
- Speed.
- Ball Handle.
- Speed With Ball.
- Three-Point Shot.
The Palmer Athletic Agency is the agent you should choose in NBA 2K22 if you want to earn all of your virtual currency and stardom by becoming the best player. Unlike Berry and Associates, they want to ensure that you become the best athlete possible by keeping your head small and firmly on your shoulders.
Who has the best ball handling in 2K22? ›Who can dunk the best in 2K22? ›
- Zion Williamson.
- Zach LaVine.
- Aaron Gordon.
- Derrick Jones Jr.
- Derrick Jones Jr. has been one of the best dunking players in the game. ...
- Ja Morant.
- Ja Morant is one of the rare dunking point guards in the league.
Strength plays a factor in basically every situation where there's contact. Rebounds, post, body ups, screens, boxouts, contact dunks, etc. So yeah, it helps most on the perimeter for body ups and screens.
Who is the best diamond in 2K22? ›- 1 Mike Bibby. Position. PG/SG. Offensive Rating.
- 2 Mike Dunleavy. Position. SF/SG. Offensive Rating. ...
- 3 A.C. Green. Position. PF/SF. ...
- 4 Leon Powe. Position. PF/C. ...
- 5 Boban Marjanovic. Position. C. ...
- 6 Allen Iverson. Position. PG/SG. ...
- 7 Mike Bibby. Position. PG/SG. ...
- 8 Deni Avdija. Position. SF/PG. ...
If you're serious about basketball and nothing else, decide Palmer Athletic Agency, but if you want to invest in other areas and build your brand, pick Berry and Associates. Both agencies can do everything in NBA 2K22 and will get you into the NBA, but one is better at one thing than the other.