One of the best ongoing features of the NBA 2K games is the involvement of classic teams. Whether you’re looking to recreate epic finals games of yesteryear or your own legendary match-ups between titans, here are the best-rated classic teams in NBA 2K22.
10. 1964-65 Boston Celtics — 83 OVR
Led by legend Bill Russell, who comes in at a dominant98 overall, the ‘64-‘65 Celtics boast a starting five thatcan score from all levelsand stand against any other classic or modern team. Such strengths come with weaknesses, however. Despite a group of starters with the lowest overall being 84,the depth of this team is lacking. Players coming off the bench have overall ratings that top out at 81, with theirlowest player’s rating at 66.
9. 2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers — 83 OVR
Don’t let their 83 overall rating fool you; the'15-‘16 NBA champion Cavaliersare capable of dominating any game. Led by the big three ofLeBron James (99 overall), Kyrie Irving (93 overall), and Kevin Love (87 overall), you stand the chance to blow out any team or mount a serious offensive come back if you’re down big. Their bench is highlighted by three-point specialist Matthew Dellavedova (75 overall), but beyond that, it’s slim pickings for the depth of this team. attempt to keep your big three fresh throughout the game with short substitutions to avoid stamina penalties late in the fourth quarter.
8. 1997-98 Chicago Bulls — 83 OVR
It may seem wild that thetwo-time defending championBulls (who won their third-in-a-row that year), fielding the legendary trio ofMichael Jordan (98 overall), Scottie Pippen (89 overall), and Dennis Rodman (85 overall)would only amount to an overall of 83. This team, however, was the famous ‘The Last Dance’ team, which featured these aging superstars in the twilight of their careers. Despite their age in 2K22, this is another team that can stand with any other, and while their bench may not astound you with their overall ratings (78-66), there are a few support players that can swing a close game in your favor from three-point range (Steve Kerr, Scott Burrell, Jud Buechler).
7. 2015-16 Golden State Warriors — 84 OVR
Any team that featuresStephen Curry (97 overall)is a threat. This team is absolutely lethal from the perimeter. Curry, equipped with a99 three-point attribute rating, leads a squad of sharpshooters and playmakers that can hit any shot, any time. If he’s covered, kick it toKlay Thompson (92 overall),who holds athree-point rating of 97, or Draymond Green (90 overall) and his three-point rating of 85. There’s a couple of talented shooters on the bench, too. Overall, if you’re the type of player that gets hot from outside, this team will force your opponent to keep up with your hailstorm of threes or be left helpless in the dust.
6. 2013-14 San Antonio Spurs — 84 OVR
Anchored in the middle by Hall of Fame centerTim Duncan (94 overall), this is a complete team that will draw you into a slugfest. Their starting five will give you the playmaking ability to overpower with a barrage of baskets from inside the paint, only to kick it out and punish your opponent with precision jumpers from beyond the arc. The ‘13-‘14 NBA champions are full of talent, with NBA legends Tony Parker (86 overall) and Manu Ginobili (83 overall), and a supporting cast that includes a youngKawhi Leonard (92 overall)and three-point specialist Danny Green (82 overall) looming on the outside.
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5. 2004-05 San Antonio Spurs — 84 OVR
A slightly better version of their ‘13-‘14 counterpart, this team fields the younger and higher-rated trio ofTim Duncan (98 overall), Tony Parker (90 overall), and Manu Ginobili (87 overall). This makes the ‘04-‘05 Spurs particularly dangerous, considering the entire starting five possesses the individual abilities to score from inside and out. Don’t be shy about substituting their solid bench players, either. They’re capable of holding their own while your stars get a breather.
4. 1985-86 Boston Celtics — 84 OVR
NBA Champions in the ‘85-‘86 season, this Celtics team features three-point scoring legendLarry Bird (97 overall), who boasts athree-point rating of 98. Bird is deadly from beyond the arc, but he’s your only real threat from three-point range. You won’t be able to rain threes with this team like the Golden State Warriors. You’re better off utilizing Bird sparingly on the outside, using him to facilitate the ball inside toKevin McHale (91 overall), Robert Parish (86 overall), Dennis Johnson (84 overall), and Bill Walton (82 overall), who all specialize inscoring in the paint or from mid-range. Wait for your opponent to shift their defense inside, then start feeding Bird outside for demoralizing threes.
3. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls — 84 OVR
If you’re looking forMichael Jordan in his prime, here he is. On this version of the Bulls, Jordan is topped off with anoverall rating of 99; he’s an all-around threat on both ends of the court, especially on offense, where his herculean dunk rating of 95 is complemented by a three-point rating of 89. Aside from Jordan, the rest of the starting five arepowerful. You’ll haveScottie Pippen (95 overall)armed with Jordan-like ratings,andDennis Rodman (88 overall)locking down almost every rebound while dominating in the paint. Avoid the trap of only feeding Michael Jordan while using this team. Everyone in the starting five is a star at their respective positions; share the feast of scoring to confuse your opponent’s defense and you’ll continue to find opportunities from every direction.
2. 2016-17 Golden State Warriors — 85 OVR
Arguably the best offense you can utilize in 2K22. This NBA championship squad has a starting five that consists of Kevin Durant (97 overall), Stephen Curry (96 overall), Klay Thompson (92 overall), Draymond Green (87 overall), and Andre Iguodala (80 overall). Much like the ‘15-‘16 Warriors, this team will give you the ability to score from anywhere on the court. Durant will win most battles at the rim and is near-perfect from mid-range, while Curry and Thompson can drain threes from outside at will. While your opponent may be able to exploit the Warriors’ shoddy defensive ratings, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to keep up in a shootout against this stellar offensive unit.
1. 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers — 85 OVR
Magic Johnson (97 overall)andKareem Abdul-Jabbar (94 overall)provide a cornerstone of NBA royalty for a championship starting five that will deliver on both offense and defense. It may not be a team that will excite with perimeter shooting or flashy passing, but you’ll be able to wear down your opponent with a constant dose ofconsistent finishingin the paint mixed withstuffy defensefrom your giant players.
For more content on the best players, teams, and builds in NBA 2K22, check outBest Rookies in NBA 2K22orBest Shooting Badges in NBA 2K22,and stay tuned for more at Pro Game Guides.
