Dribbling has always been a core part of NBA 2K, separating good players from great. Whether you are a shot-making guard, a slashing forward, or a versatile big man, your ability to dribble the ball and create space for your team shows how good a player you are.
Dribbling feels a lot more flowy and fluid in NBA 2K26 compared to previous games. But it also depends greatly on the dribbling moves you choose for your player. Choose the wrong package and your player will feel slow and sluggish. On the other hand, pick the right package and you will be breaking ankles on the court.
However, choosing the right package is not as easy as it sounds. Not every move works for every build. For example, many flashy moves are locked behind high Ball Handle requirements, which are usually available to smaller guards. On the other hand, taller players benefit from functional and controlled movements that match their size. Simply put, finding the best dribbling moves for every build is difficult, but that’s what this article is about.
Best Dribble Moves For Guards (Under 6’5”)
Small guards benefit the most from dribbling moves. They are considered the most dangerous dribblers in NBA 2K26. They are fast and have a high Ball Handle stat, which gives them access to elite dribbling moves. They’re built to break down defenders in isolation or out of pick-and-roll. If you’re running a guard build, you need dribble moves that maximize speed and allow you to create combos easily.
Here are the best dribbling moves for Guards
- Dribble Style: De’Aaron Fox / Ja Morant
- Signature Size-Up: Stephen Curry / Trae Young
- Size-Up Escape: Trae Young / Kemba Walker
- Moving Crossover: Stephen Curry
- Moving Behind-the-Back: Scottie Pippen / Pro
- Moving Spin: Basic Spin
- Moving Hesitation: Luka Dončić
- Moving Stepback: James Harden / Devin Booker
- Triple Threat Style: Michael Jordan
Small guards rely on speed and unpredictability. As such, Fox and Ja’s dribble styles complement small guards because they are the fastest in the game. They allow you to easily blow past defenders and create space for your team. For the signature size-up and Moving Crossover, you can go with Steph’s, which is the best for chaining combos. Alternatively, you can go with Trae’s Signature Size-up, which opens up opportunities for misdirection plays, if chaining combos is not your playstyle.
Moving behind the back is self-explanatory; Scottie Pippen is generally the best at that. Not to mention, Harden’s stepback creates huge space for threes.
Best Dribble Moves For Forwards (6’5” – 6’9”)
Forwards are by far the most versatile builds in NBA 2K26. They have decent all-around stats and can pretty much do most things. That’s why they need dribble movies that balance smooth movement, shot creation, and rim pressure. They are obviously not as fast as guards, so you need to pick animations that let them chain moves together without feeling clunky while still using their size.
The best dribble movies for forwards are:
- Dribble Style: Zach LaVine / Kevin Durant
- Signature Size-Up: Tracy McGrady / Kobe Bryant
- Size-Up Escape: Jimmy Butler
- Moving Crossover: LeBron James / Pro
- Moving Behind-the-Back: Pro / Scottie Pippen
- Moving Spin: Penny Hardaway / Basic
- Moving Hesitation: Normal / Luka Dončić
- Moving Stepback: Normal / Devin Booker
- Triple Threat Style: Kobe Bryant
For the dribble style, Zach LaVine is the best for forwards, but I have found KD’s to work decently well, too. Both styles are smooth and balanced, giving forwards enough speed and control without sacrificing control. Similarly, T-Mac’s size up is versatile, but if you want a bit of explosiveness for iso plays, then Kobe’s is a good alternative.
For Size-up escape. Jimmy Butler works best for forwards, as it allows them to escape and create space easily. Lastly, Booker’s stepback is perfect for midrange pull-ups, and Kobe’s triple threat stance gives strong jab steps for iso setups. Kobe’s triple threat is by far the best in the game. I’d even suggest trying it with small guards if you can make it work.
These dribble moves let forwards feel mobile and creative while still keeping that size advantage.
Best Dribble Moves For Centers (6’10” and Up)
Centers are all about their size and using that to their advantage. They don’t need fancy dribble combos; instead, they need moves that help them handle the ball in tight spaces and attack easily. The best dribble animations for big are simple, strong, and keep the ball secure while creating just enough room to score or reset.
- Dribble Style: Giannis Antetokounmpo / LeBron James
- Signature Size-Up: Giannis / LeBron
- Size-Up Escape: Kevin Durant / Jimmy Butler
- Moving Crossover: LeBron James
- Moving Behind-the-Back: Pro
- Moving Spin: Basic / Kawhi Leonard
- Moving Hesitation: Normal
- Moving Stepback: Normal 2
- Triple Threat Style: Kobe Bryant
As much as I love the Zach LaVine dribble style and how well it works for forwards, I’d still recommend going for Giannis’s dribble style. That style is built for strength and downhill attacks, which centers are perfect for. Pair that with Giannis’s size up and you have a deadly combo to work with. KD’s escape works surprisingly well with taller builds who can shoot. Alternatively, you can go with Jimmy Butler’s escape if you want a bit more versatility.
Behind the back, pro is the safest option, and Basic spin gives big quicks and efficient spins without being too flashy. Both of these give you good behind-the-back ball control, which is important when you are up close to the basket.
Lastly, as I mentioned before, Kobe’s Triple Threat is the best in the game, so you can keep using that.
These moves are focused on giving you speed while still keeping that driving force that centers are known for. Of course, they won’t make your big handle like guards, but still give you enough control to be dangerous when driving the ball.
That’s pretty much all on the best dribble moves in NBA 2K26. We discussed the best options while also providing alternative choices in case you prefer something different. Feel free to test out these movies in MyCourt and practice till you are consistent.
