NBA 2K23: Best Dunk Styles (2024)

Many players who look at dunk packages will choose the one that looks the coolest. For many gamers in NBA 2K23, that will be enough for them so long as they've got the difficulty dialed down to a minimum. But expects and veterans know this isn't the best move at the competitive level.

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Especially this year, since NBA 2K23 has instituted a single dunk package to replace the exciting but out-of-control dunk package selections from the past few years. Which ones players select will be up to them, but they should choose ones that fit their style and protect the ball, not the ones that look like they could win a competition.

Updated on June 27th, 2023 by Hodey Johns: With the NBA season concluded, players have received new content from several in-game seasons. That includes a fresh haul of exciting in-game animations. The concept of dunking remains the same; gamers need a quick move that secures the ball and multiple angles to pull off a dunk from multiple speeds and positions. This set of needs is true for guards, forwards, and big men. Sometimes, the most flashy dunks are the ones that are easiest to swat away. This guide has been updated to include the best dunks given all the new content and cutting out those jams that might look sweet but ultimately fail to help the player maximize the odds of successfully scoring. As a reminder, these are the best dunks from a utility standpoint, not the flashiest or most epic. If players care less about ball security and more about looking good, then just select the coolest-looking jams and ignore these entries.

Dunks For Everyone

If this looks like a lot of rim hangers this year, that's no coincidence. Players can now control their landing point after completing a two-handed slam, giving them an advantage on the landing. This transition should be much smoother for those completely invested in the best dunker build.

When given the choice between going off of one foot or two, try to do one. The requirements are usually a few extra attributes, but it's well worth it. Being able to jump off of one foot for the slam is faster and gives players a greater range from where they can wind up their jam from.

A small forward with the right team will need to be able to dunk in a variety of situations. Sometimes driving, sometimes in the post, and sometimes from under the basket in reverse. While speed is great, it's nice to have some clutches that protect the ball for dunks in traffic too.

Under 6'5"

As of the first season, there aren't any unique dunks for players specifically under 6'5" and only packages that pertain to those under 6'10". Maybe more will come soon for the shorter point guards with incredible builds, but, for now, there is more to consider.

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These three should all get serious consideration for shorter players because they are all quick slashers with two-handed rim pulls. Morant is perhaps the fastest while McGrady adds some strength for players who don't mind a little contact at the rim. Zach Lavine has a variety of slams for those who do some work on the interior as well.

See Also

NBA 2K23 Dunking Guide: How to Dunk, Contact Dunks, Tips & Tricks - Outsider Gaming

Julius Irving and Michael Jordan might be more well-known for their flashy dunks, but their packages add more than just spice. Jordan, specifically, has some very quick executions, even on jams that are more about showing off. Irving's aren't as fast but they are fairly protective of the ball and they cover a number of slashing situations.

6'5" Through 6'10"

Draymond Green was already a fan favorite. With the boost to two-handed rim-hangers, he's now going to be tough to top for nearly any build's animations. He's got a great mix of driving with speed and going up strong in close.

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To get the most effect out of these dunk packages, especially in this height range, consider using the best playmaking moves to throw off defenders. When they bite one way, juke the other way, then finish them off with a powerful jam. They don't even need to be completely fooled, these animations are strong enough to gain the upper hand at the rack.

Giannis Antetokounmpo adds some versatility for the bigger guys. It goes to show what a power forward in the right city is capable of. As a forward with speed, the dunks work at all angles when slashing toward the hoop. They're also very strong finishes, easily posterizing players that try to get in the way once the animation begins.

6'10" And Above

Big men get better choices than their counterparts, likely due to the fact that they have to consider baseline jams and dunks in the post in addition to the standard driving slams. Build a center the right way and they can score from all of these positions.

The variety for Darryl Dawkins and Karl-Anthony Towns is nice. Those who slash more often may prefer Draymond Green while predominantly post scorers will enjoy the extra scoring animations from Dwight Howard.

Centers playing for an ideal team will find that the paint is often open for them. Shaquille O'Neal is known for dunking in the post and this animation does include a few of those. But he also had some nice slashing jams, a rarity for most dunk packages at this size.

NBA 2K23 is available now for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.

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