In the world of NBA 2K26, shot timing, rhythm, and animation choice can make or break your gameplay. Whether you’re a sharp-shooting point guard, a lockdown wing, or a stretch big, one thing is certain: choosing the right jump shot base and release is the key to unlocking your full scoring potential. After weeks of rigorous testing across builds ranging from undersized guards to towering seven-footers NBA 2k26 MT, here’s a breakdown of the best jump shots, dribble pull-ups, and custom blends you should be using right now to get an edge in NBA 2K26.
Best Dribble Pull-Ups in NBA 2K26
Let’s start with dribble pull-ups, which are crucial for players who favor rhythm shooting and iso-heavy gameplay. There aren’t a ton of standout options in 2K26, but these are the ones making waves in the community:
- Pro 2: A universal favorite, Pro 2 works great for both big and small guards. Its smooth release and easy-to-time motion make it extremely popular in Park and Rec play.
- CP3 (Chris Paul): Tailored for rhythm shooters, CP3’s pull-up animation is fluid and aesthetically pleasing. Ideal for smaller guards who like a clean fade animation.
- Michael Jordan: For taller guards and wings who can’t access Pro 2, MJ’s dribble pull-up is reliable and has a classic, consistent motion.
- Devin Booker: Requires a Starter 4 badge and an 87 mid-range or three-point rating. Booker’s fade is silky and consistent once mastered.
- Kobe Bryant: Only accessible with a Starter 4 and a 92 mid or 3PT while standing at least 6’5″. The Kobe fade is lethal if you’ve got the rating to unlock it.
- Kevin Durant: Great for taller builds like 6’10” or even 7-footers who are limited in their dribble pull-up selection. Pair with an 87 mid-range rating.
- Normal 2: Your default option for tall builds without the shooting rating. Not flashy, but gets the job done.
Best Jump Shot Bases for Small Guards (Under 6’4″)
If you’re under 6’4″ and trying to get buckets, here’s what you need to equip:
- Cam Thomas: Easily one of the most consistent bases in the game. Great for players without the Starter 4 badge. Fast, compact, and deadly on catch-and-shoot plays.
- Payton Pritchard: Think of this as the NBA 2K26version of John Wall from 2K24. Smooth motion with great arc. Pritchard base pairs perfectly with Oscar Robertson and Luka Doncic/Colin Sexton for a fluid blend.
- Kyrie Irving: A top 5 base for small guards. This one has endless blending potential. Kyrie × Kyrie × Kyrie? Kyrie × Oscar × Beluba? You decide.
- Allen Iverson: Ideal for lower-rated shooters (84–85 3PT). This base is rhythm-friendly and works great with players familiar with T-Mac or Jarrett Culver style animations.
- Stephen Curry: Requires a 92 rating and has a steep learning curve due to its extreme speed. You’ll either love it or hate it—there’s rarely an in-between.
- KPJ & Patty Mills: Unlocked with Starter 4 and at least 84–85 3PT rating. Popular with guards looking for extra versatility.
- Bronny James: Unlocks with a 66 3PT/mid, but blends better if you’re rocking at least a 76–77 rating.
Elite Small Guard Jump Shot Blends
- Cam Thomas / Steph Curry / Beluba
- Speed: Max
- Blend: 15/85
- Style: Slight push
- Use Case: Money on catch-and-shoot. Cam Thomas is still top-tier for non-Starter 4 builds.
- Payton Pritchard / Oscar Robertson / Luka Doncic
- Speed: Optional at 34% for rhythm
- Use Case: Smooth for rhythm shooters, easy to time.
- Allen Iverson / Oscar Robertson / Beluba
- Speed: Max
- Style: Rhythm shooter’s dream
- Use Case: Works perfectly for users familiar with Jarrett Culver or T-Mac bases.
Best Jump Shot Bases for Wings (6’5″ to 6’9″)
If you’re in that hybrid build range, these are your best bets:
- T-Mac: A strong base with minimal contest animations. Best for rhythm shooters and those used to the Culver style.
- Jarrett Culver: Faster than T-Mac, but sometimes comes with a slight hitch on catch-and-shoot situations.
- Matt Ryan: Requires 83 mid or 3PT. Still one of the most effective bases in 2K26for reliable greens.
- SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander): New and very under-the-radar. Needs 87 rating but works best at 89 for consistency.
- Ray Allen: Requires a 89 rating. Smooth and reliable, especially for catch-and-shoot players.
- JR Smith: Extremely easy to time. Use normal wrist if you’re not confident in your mechanics.
- Scotty Pippen: The Jonathan Isaac for 2K26. One of the most versatile jump shots for wings.
- Justin Holiday: Don’t sleep on it. Underrated and still very effective from 2K23 days.
- Kobe Bryant: Fast, consistent, and feels sharp again in 2K26. A reliable choice for versatile scoring.
- Jaylen Tyson & Jacobe Walter: Great options for players with lower shooting ratings.
- Michael Porter Jr. (MPJ): Smooth for high-rated shooters, but hit-or-miss depending on player preference.Top Custom Blends for Wings
- SGA / Beluba / Oscar Robertson
- Speed: Max
- Blend: Halfway on release, push timing
- Use Case: Feels great for ISO and spot-up shooting alike.
- T-Mac / Oscar Robertson / Sadiq Bey
- Optional Sub: Julian Champagnie in place of Sadiq
- Blend: 70–75% toward Oscar
- Use Case: Reliable for spacing and deep threes.
- Scotty Pippen / Beluba / Sadiq Bey
- Flex: You can swap in Champagnie or Oscar depending on preference
- Visual Cue: Key factor. Find the release cue you can green consistently.
- Jaylen Williams / Oscar Robertson / Julian Champagnie
- Speed: 34% (but can go max if you’re confident)
- Blend: 70% Oscar
- Use Case: Extremely fast jumper that rewards good timing.
Final Notes: Visual Cues & Timing Are Everything
At the end of the day, your success in NBA 2K26 shooting relies heavily on visual cues and your comfort with the jump shot speed and rhythm. Don’t blindly copy every base or blend—customize based on your personal preference, build size, and three-point rating.
Whether you’re using Cam Thomas for your undersized guard or exploring SGA for your new lockdown wing, the goal is to find that perfect blend of visual feedback, green window size, and jump shot smoothness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with Beluba, Oscar Robertson, Sadiq Bey, or Champagnie as secondary releases. And most importantly, adjust the speed and blend ratio to match your timing style NBA 2k26 MT for sale.
NBA 2K26 is deeper than ever when it comes to shooting mechanics. But with this guide, you’ve got a massive head start.