How to Build the Ultimate NBA 2K23 MyTeam Starting Lineup and Strategy
As I sat down to build my ultimate NBA 2K23 MyTeam starting lineup, I couldn't help but reflect on coach Trillo's recent comments about defensive discipline. His words about giving up "35 points in the first quarter, 38 in that second quarter" resonated deeply with me because I've seen how poor defensive setups can completely derail a MyTeam's performance. Building the perfect starting five isn't just about collecting the highest-rated cards - it's about creating a cohesive unit that understands defensive principles while maintaining offensive firepower.
When I first started playing MyTeam, I made the classic mistake of chasing after every high-scoring player I could find, completely neglecting defensive chemistry. My teams would put up impressive offensive numbers but consistently collapsed when facing organized opponents. It took me several frustrating seasons to realize what coach Trillo meant when he said "that's not our basketball" - there's an identity and system that needs to be established from your very first lineup decisions. The foundation of any great MyTeam starts with understanding that defense creates offensive opportunities, especially in transition scenarios where 2K23 really rewards smart defensive plays.
My current approach to building the ultimate NBA 2K23 MyTeam starting lineup begins with selecting a defensive anchor at center position. I typically invest about 60-70% of my initial MT budget here because a dominant big man can cover for multiple defensive mistakes. Last season, I ran with Galaxy Opal Rudy Gobert, who averaged 3.2 blocks and 12.8 rebounds per game for me, completely transforming my defensive rating from 89 to 104 almost overnight. His presence in the paint allowed my perimeter defenders to play more aggressively, knowing they had elite rim protection behind them. This strategic choice reminds me of how real NBA teams structure their defenses - you need that reliable last line of defense to clean up mistakes when perimeter defenders get beaten.
The backcourt construction requires particular attention to what I call the "two-way guard principle." I strongly prefer guards who can both create their own shot and lock down opposing ball handlers. In my experience, having at least one guard with Clamps badge on Hall of Fame level is non-negotiable if you want to compete at higher levels. My personal favorite combination right now involves using Dark Matter Jason Kidd alongside Pink Diamond Klay Thompson - Kidd handles the primary playmaking and defensive duties while Thompson spaces the floor and guards the opponent's best perimeter scorer. This pairing cost me approximately 150,000 MT in the auction house, but the ROI has been tremendous, improving my win percentage from 58% to 72% in competitive online matches.
What many players overlook when building their NBA 2K23 MyTeam starting lineup is the importance of positional flexibility and height advantages. The meta has shifted toward taller lineups, with players like Magic Johnson running at point guard becoming increasingly common. I've found that having a minimum height of 6'6" at every position gives me significant matchup advantages, particularly in defending pick-and-roll situations and closing out on shooters. My current small forward spot goes to Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose 7'3" wingspan creates havoc in passing lanes and helps me generate about 8-10 extra possessions per game through steals and deflections.
Offensive scheme compatibility is another crucial factor that separates good lineups from great ones. I always build my team around specific offensive sets that exploit the current game mechanics. This season, I've had tremendous success running the Hawks 2018 freelance offense with heavy emphasis on pick-and-pop actions. This requires my power forward to have at minimum an 85 three-point rating while maintaining solid interior defense. Personally, I've settled on using Kristaps Porzingis in this role, as his unique combination of 7'3" height and 88 three-point rating creates mismatches that are nearly impossible to defend properly.
Budget management remains one of the most challenging aspects of constructing the ultimate NBA 2K23 MyTeam starting lineup. Through trial and error, I've developed what I call the "40-30-20-10" allocation system: 40% on your primary scorer and ball handler, 30% on your defensive anchor, 20% on your secondary scorer, and 10% distributed among the remaining two starters. This approach ensures you have enough MT left over for crucial bench pieces while maintaining star power in your starting five. Last month, I managed to build a 94-overall starting lineup with just 200,000 MT using this method, though I'll admit I got somewhat lucky with a few auction house snipes.
The psychological aspect of lineup construction shouldn't be underestimated either. I've noticed that certain player combinations seem to perform better than their individual ratings would suggest, which I attribute to hidden chemistry bonuses. For instance, pairing Steph Curry with Kevin Durant consistently outperforms their statistical projections, likely due to their real-life Golden State Warriors connection. These subtle synergies can make the difference between winning and losing close games, particularly in the final minutes where player composure ratings become critically important.
Looking at the broader meta, the evolution of the NBA 2K23 MyTeam starting lineup strategy has shifted toward positionless basketball concepts. The most successful lineups I've encountered recently feature multiple players who can handle, shoot, and defend across multiple positions. This flexibility allows for seamless defensive switches and creates offensive mismatches throughout the game. My current lineup features five players who can all bring the ball up the court effectively, which has reduced my turnover rate from 4.8 to 2.3 per game since implementing this approach.
As coach Trillo emphasized, being "better all-around" means addressing both offensive and defensive deficiencies simultaneously. In MyTeam terms, this translates to building balanced lineups rather than chasing after the highest-rated cards regardless of fit. I've lost count of how many times I've faced opponents with multiple Galaxy Opal cards who still couldn't break my defensive schemes because their team construction lacked cohesion. The ultimate NBA 2K23 MyTeam starting lineup isn't about having the best individual players - it's about having the right players who complement each other's strengths and cover each other's weaknesses.
Reflecting on my own journey through MyTeam this year, the most significant improvement came when I stopped treating it as a card-collecting simulator and started approaching it as a team-building challenge. The satisfaction of crafting a well-balanced lineup that executes both offensively and defensively far outweighs the temporary excitement of packing a rare card. As the season progresses and new content drops, I'll continue refining my approach, but the core principles of defensive integrity, offensive spacing, and positional flexibility will remain the foundation of my ultimate NBA 2K23 MyTeam starting lineup strategy.
