Nba 2k23 What Does Vertical Do? (2024)

In NBA 2K23, where dunks, rebounds, and blocks can turn the tide of a game, understanding the attribute known as “Vertical”is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a rookie stepping onto the virtual court, let’s demystify the intricacies of vertical and explore its impact on your gameplay.

What Is Vertical?

Verticalis one of the essential attributes that directly affects your player’s physical abilities. It’s the key to soaring through the air, grabbing rebounds, and swatting away opponents’ shots. But what exactly does vertical do, and how can you optimize it for your MyPLAYER? Let’s break it down:

1. Jumping Ability: At its core, vertical determines how high your player can jump. Whether you’re going for a rim-rattling dunk or a crucial rebound, a higher vertical rating gives you the lift needed to reach new heights.
2. Dunk Animations: Vertical serves as a gatekeeper for dunk animations. The more vertical you have, the more dunk packages become available to equip. Want to posterize your opponents? A solid vertical rating is your ticket to highlight-reel slams.
3. Rebounds and Blocks: When battling for boards or contesting shots, vertical plays a pivotal role. A higher vertical allows you to outjump opponents, secure offensive rebounds, and protect the rim with authoritative blocks.

Optimizing Your Vertical

Now that we’ve established what vertical does, let’s delve into strategies for maximizing its impact:

1. Balancing Vertical with Other Attributes

While vertical is essential, it’s equally crucial to strike a balance with other attributes. Consider the following:

• Strength: A strong player can muscle their way to rebounds even without an elite vertical. Strengthen your MyPLAYER to complement their vertical prowess.
• Speed and Agility: Combine vertical with speed and agility to create a well-rounded player. Quick lateral movement enhances your defensive capabilities and helps you position yourself for rebounds.

2. Dunk Packages and Vertical Thresholds

• Dunk Packages: To unlock flashy dunk animations, your vertical must meet specific thresholds. Experiment with different packages to find the ones that suit your playstyle.
• Maximum Vertical: While some players aim for sky-high vertical ratings, 2K Lab videos suggest that the maximum needed for all dunks and effective rebounding is in the 70s. Going beyond this may not yield significant benefits.

3. Position Matters

• Guards: If you’re a guard, vertical remains essential. It impacts your ability to contest shots, especially against taller opponents. Don’t neglect it even if you’re not primarily a dunker.
• Big Men: For centers and power forwards, vertical is a game-changer. Dominating the boards and protecting the rim require a solid vertical foundation.

Advanced Techniques

1. Timing Matters

• Jump Timing: Perfecting your jump timing is essential. Whether it’s a putback dunk or a chase-down block, knowing when to leap can be the difference between success and failure.
• Shot Contests: A higher vertical allows you to contest shots more effectively. Time your jumps to disrupt opponents’ field goals, especially near the rim.

2. Weight and Vertical

• Weight Impact: Your player’s weight affects their vertical. Lighter players tend to have higher vertical ratings. Consider this when creating your MyPLAYER.
• Balancing Attributes: Balance vertical with other attributes like speed and strength. A nimble player with decent vertical can outmaneuver opponents and still excel in rebounding.

Real-World Examples

1. Russell Westbrook

• Vertical Beast: Russell Westbrook, known for his explosive athleticism, has a remarkable vertical leap. His ability to soar for rebounds and finish at the rim is a testament to the importance of vertical.
• Triple-Double Machine: Westbrook’s triple-doubles often include jaw-dropping dunks and acrobatic layups. His vertical allows him to dominate both ends of the court.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Greek Freak’s Vertical: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s vertical is off the charts. His combination of size, speed, and vertical leap makes him a force in the paint.
• Dunking Machine: Giannis’s poster dunks are legendary. His vertical lets him rise above defenders, converting missed shots into highlight-reel slams.

Fine-Tuning Your Vertical

1. Badges and Training

• Badges: Equip badges like“Lob City Finisher”and“Putback Boss”to enhance your vertical performance. These badges boost your dunking and rebounding abilities.
• Training Drills: Participate in vertical-focused training drills. Work on your timing, jump height, and overall athleticism.

2. Shoes and Animations

• Signature Shoes: Some signature shoes provide vertical boosts. Choose wisely based on your playstyle.
• Dunk Animations: Experiment with different dunk animations. Each package affects your vertical differently.