You know those players who just feel "glitched" in the best way possible? That’s Kamilla Cardoso in NBA 2K right now. Honestly, if you’re playing with the Chicago Sky or running a WNBA franchise mode, you’ve probably noticed that her 6'7" frame does things the ratings don't even fully capture. It’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the sheer gravity she has in the paint.
Kamilla Cardoso NBA 2K Ratings and Why They Matter
Let’s talk shop. In the latest rosters for NBA 2K26, Kamilla Cardoso is sitting at a crisp 87 Overall. That’s a massive jump from where she started. When she first landed in the game as the third overall pick out of South Carolina, people weren't sure how 2K would handle her mobility. Usually, centers that tall feel like they’re running through waist-deep mud.
But Cardoso? She’s different.
She carries an archetype labeled as a Board-Hunting Post Bully. It’s basically a polite way of saying she’s going to ruin your opponent's day on the glass. Her 90 Offensive Rebound and 89 Defensive Rebound ratings are the backbone of her game. If you’re playing against someone who likes to run small-ball lineups, Kamilla is basically a cheat code. You just press the rebound button and she teleport-snags everything.
The Breakdown of the Stats
- Inside Scoring (69): This looks low on paper, right? Don't let it fool you. Her 84 Close Shot and 89 Post Control mean that if she’s within three feet of the rim, it’s a bucket.
- Athleticism (78): For a 6'7" center, a 95 Strength rating is monstrous. She doesn't get pushed around. You can feel the weight when you’re backing down defenders.
- Defense (69): Again, the overall defensive number is a bit deceptive. Her 82 Interior Defense combined with her height makes her a terrifying rim protector.
The "Twin Towers" Meta in 2K
If you’re a Chicago Sky fan, you already know the deal. Pairing Cardoso with Angel Reese is the most frustrating thing for opponents to deal with in 2K. While Reese (who is currently a 90 OVR in 2K26) flies around the court, Cardoso is the anchor.
In the game, this creates a "no-fly zone." Most players rely on driving to the hoop with guards like Caitlin Clark or Sabrina Ionescu. When they see Kamilla standing there with her 6'11" wingspan, they usually have to kick it back out. It changes the entire flow of a 2K match.
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The devs actually gave her some really specific badges that make this work. She’s got Immovable Enforcer and Paint Patroller. Basically, if a guard tries to layup over her, they’re getting a "smothered" contest or a straight-up block.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Build
A lot of casual players try to use Kamilla Cardoso like a traditional NBA center who just sits under the hoop. That’s a mistake. Her 96 Stamina is actually one of her best hidden traits.
You can run her on the fast break.
Seriously.
Because she doesn't get tired as fast as other bigs, you can use her to sprint down the floor after a defensive board. Most of the time, the opposing center is still gasping for air at mid-court while Kamilla is already calling for the ball in the restricted area. It’s a transition nightmare.
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Also, her 98 Shot IQ is huge. If you’re letting the AI control her while you play as a guard, she rarely makes stupid decisions. She cuts at the right time. She sets screens that actually stick. It’s the "little things" that make her feel like an elite card.
Mastering the Post Game with Cardoso
If you want to actually win games with her, you have to learn the Hook Specialist badge. She has an 85 Post Hook. In 2K, the hook shot is notoriously hard to time, but Cardoso’s animation is smooth.
- Back your defender down using the L2/LT trigger.
- Wait for them to try and push back.
- Flick the right stick up and away from the basket.
Because she’s taller than almost everyone else, the contest percentage is usually under 10%. It’s basically unguardable if you get the rhythm down.
The Evolution of her 2K Presence
Looking back at the transition from NBA 2K24 to now, the growth is wild. In 2K24, WNBA rookies weren't always given the "star treatment" in terms of custom animations. Kamilla felt a bit generic.
Now? You can see the work they put into her player model. The way she moves, her specific layup packages, and even her defensive stance look like the real Kamilla we see on the court for the Sky. She’s become a priority for the 2K ratings team because she’s a "double-double machine" in real life. In the 2025 season, she averaged 13.6 points and 8.5 rebounds. Those kinds of numbers force the developers to keep bumping her stats.
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How to use Kamilla Cardoso in MyTEAM and Franchise
If you’re running a WNBA MyLEAGUE (or whatever they’re calling it this year), Cardoso is the ultimate building block. She’s young—born in 2001—so her "Potential" rating is usually in the high 80s or low 90s.
By year three of a simulation, she’s usually the best center in the league.
She starts developing a mid-range game too. While her Three-Point Shot is a dismal 40, her Mid-Range Shot is a 79. You can actually stretch the floor a little bit with her. Don't go crazy and start chucking from the logo, but if the defense sags off, you can punish them from the free-throw line extended.
Pro-Tips for Success:
- Don't jump on every block attempt. Her height is enough. Just use the right stick to contest.
- Focus on the High-Low game. If you have another big (like Reese or Elizabeth Williams), use Kamilla at the high post to pass. Her 57 Pass Vision is decent enough to find cutters.
- Manual Rebounding. Don't let the AI do it. Switch to her as soon as the ball hits the rim. Her box-out strength is nearly impossible to beat.
Kamilla Cardoso has fundamentally changed how the Chicago Sky play in NBA 2K. She’s not just a "tall player." She’s a tactical advantage. Whether you’re grinding out wins in a season mode or just playing a quick game against a friend, she’s the player that makes people scream at their TV because they can't get a shot off.
To get the most out of her, spend some time in the practice gym mastering the Post-Up Poet badge triggers. Once you can consistently hit that drop-step, there isn't a defender in the WNBA rosters who can stay in front of her.
Check her latest dynamic rating updates every Friday, as 2K has been aggressive with her stats following her double-double streaks. If she keeps dominating the glass in the real world, that 87 OVR is going to look like a 90 by the time the playoffs roll around.
Next Steps for 2K Players:
Jump into the Freestyle practice mode and test Cardoso's "Post Powerhouse" badge. Practice backing down high-tier defenders like A'ja Wilson to see exactly where her strength cutoff is. This will help you understand when to push for a bucket and when to kick it out to your shooters.