Often overlooked when compared to more prominent animations like Jump Shots and Dunks, having the right free-throw in your arsenal can, in many cases, be just what you need to become the real deal in NBA 2K26. After all, very few things beat the ability to score free points.
But which among the game’s selection can be considered the best for your build? So you can become a threat from the line and counter those late-game tactics, no matter your position or game mode, here are the best free throw animations for all heights in NBA 2K26.
The Best Free Throw Animations For All Heights And Builds In NBA 2K26
Since the flow of the animation and its cues are key when picking the best free throw, especially for those who have already disabled their shot meters for that boost in green window, we consider Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s and Khris Middleton’s to be the best for players under 6’10 in NBA 2K26 via their easy-to-telegraph release and leniency. For big builds, however, both Candace Parker and Anthony Davis are great choices due to their easy-to-match releases.
If you are building an under-6’4 guard and don’t mind having to get used to its fast build-up, Stephen Curry’s is another one of my favorites. Here’s an overview of the requirements for all animations, as well as some of our other favorite alternatives if you want to experiment.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Under 6’10)
- Khris Middleton (At Least 6’5, Under 6’10)
- Anthony Davis (At Least 6’10)
- Candace Parker (No requirements)
- Stephen Curry (Under 6’5)
- Devin Booker (Under 6’10)
What’s The Ideal Free Throw Stat In 2K26?
As even our recommended animations won’t help that much if paired with a low free throw stat, knowing how much you should invest is a must when looking to get those clutch shots done. True to that, we recommend aiming for at least 90 for that must-have machine-like consistency. When in mid-build, try to get the stat to at least 75 as fast as possible to surprise opponents not expecting free-throw specialists early on.
With the best free-throw animations now on your bag and so you can also excel while distributing the ball on both ends of the court, we also highly recommend checking out The Best Pass Styles For Every Build. To get ready for what is to come, make sure to also take a look at All NBA 2K26 Season Start and End Dates.
