In NBA 2K25, mastering your jumpshot is essential if you want to dominate on the court. However, not all jumpshots are created equal. The best release timing and mechanics vary greatly depending on your build, height, and position. This guide will walk you through the most effective jumpshots tailored for each player archetype, broken down by height and position.
Best Jumpshots for Every Build in NBA 2K25
1. Guards (6’4” and Below)
Best Builds: Playmaking Shot Creator, Offensive Threat, Slasher
Smaller guards often rely on quick releases to get their shots off before taller defenders can contest them. Whether you're focused on breaking ankles or slicing through defenses, a fast and smooth jumpshot is essential.
Recommended Jumpshot:
· Base: Stephen Curry
· Release 1: LaMelo Ball
· Release 2: Oscar Robertson
· Blend: 60% LaMelo Ball / 40% Oscar Robertson
· Release Speed: 100%
Why it works:
Stephen Curry’s base provides an incredibly fast and fluid motion, perfect for smaller guards looking to shoot off the dribble or in tight spaces. The combination of LaMelo and Oscar’s releases ensures a high arc, making it harder to block, with quick release timing to outpace defenders.
2. Wings (6’5” – 6’8”)
Best Builds: 2-Way 3-Level Scorer, Sharpshooter, Slashing Playmaker
Wing players are often the most versatile scorers on the court. Whether you’re driving to the hoop or spotting up for a deep three, having a reliable jumpshot is crucial for consistent scoring.
Recommended Jumpshot:
· Base: Kobe Bryant
· Release 1: Rudy Gay
· Release 2: Klay Thompson
· Blend: 55% Rudy Gay / 45% Klay Thompson
· Release Speed: 75%
Why it works:
The Kobe Bryant base offers a smooth, balanced motion that suits a variety of shooting styles, from pull-ups to spot-up shots. Rudy Gay’s release adds fluidity, while Klay Thompson’s follow-through ensures accuracy from long range.
3. Forwards (6’9” – 6’11”)
Best Builds: 3-Level Scorer, Stretch Four, 2-Way Finisher
Forwards in this height range often serve as the team’s glue, filling in gaps on both offense and defense. They need a shot that’s quick enough to catch defenders off guard but also has enough arc to avoid contests from taller players.
Recommended Jumpshot:
· Base: Kevin Durant
· Release 1: Dirk Nowitzki
· Release 2: Paul George
· Blend: 70% Dirk Nowitzki / 30% Paul George
· Release Speed: 100%
Why it works:
Kevin Durant’s base offers great elevation and smooth mechanics, making it perfect for players with a blend of shooting and slashing abilities. Dirk’s high release point and Paul George’s consistency combine to create a jumpshot that is difficult to block and easy to green.
4. Centers (7’0” and Above)
Best Builds: Glass-Cleaning Lockdown, Post Scorer, Stretch Five
Centers usually focus on dominating inside the paint, but in today’s game, having a reliable jumper is a huge asset for stretching the floor. A slower but high-arc shot is ideal for these big men to avoid contested closeouts.
Recommended Jumpshot:
· Base: Joel Embiid
· Release 1: Tim Duncan
· Release 2: Karl-Anthony Towns
· Blend: 65% Tim Duncan / 35% Karl-Anthony Towns
· Release Speed: 50%
Why it works:
Joel Embiid’s base provides a smooth release with a lot of upward motion, which is crucial for big men looking to shoot over defenders. Tim Duncan’s release offers stability, while KAT’s form ensures a consistent release point, perfect for both mid-range and three-point shooting.
5. Hybrid Guard-Forwards (6’6” – 6’9”)
Best Builds: Point Forward, Playmaking Wing, Perimeter Lockdown
These players excel at running the offense while being able to defend multiple positions. A quick but balanced jumpshot is necessary for hybrid players who need to score in a variety of ways.
Recommended Jumpshot:
· Base: Paul George
· Release 1: Jayson Tatum
· Release 2: Luka Dončić
· Blend: 60% Jayson Tatum / 40% Luka Dončić
· Release Speed: 75%
Why it works:
Paul George’s base is versatile and offers a good balance between speed and elevation. The combination of Tatum and Dončić’s releases adds fluidity and precision, making it an ideal choice for players who often find themselves pulling up or taking spot-up shots.
6. Tall Point Guards (6’5” – 6’7”)
Best Builds: 2-Way Playmaker, Playmaking Shot Creator
Larger point guards have a size advantage but need a quicker release to avoid defenders who might be just as tall or taller. The key is to have a balanced shot that’s quick but also smooth for consistent performance.
Recommended Jumpshot:
· Base: Dwyane Wade
· Release 1: LaMelo Ball
· Release 2: Damian Lillard
· Blend: 50% LaMelo Ball / 50% Damian Lillard
· Release Speed: 100%
Why it works:
Dwyane Wade’s base provides excellent elevation and speed, making it one of the most effective bases for taller guards. The combination of LaMelo and Damian Lillard’s releases creates a smooth shot with a quick release, perfect for pull-ups or contested threes.
Conclusion
Finding the right jumpshot in NBA 2K25 depends heavily on your build, height, and playing style. Experimenting with different combinations of bases, releases, and speeds is crucial to find what works best for you. However, these recommendations should provide a strong starting point to dominate the game and shoot with confidence regardless of your position on the court.