Let's be real for a second. If you’ve ever loaded up a game of 2K and just wanted to embarrass someone on the perimeter, there is only one name that matters. Kyrie Irving. It doesn't matter if he's wearing a Mavs jersey, the old Cavs wine and gold, or even those weird gray Nets threads.
When you have the ball with Kyrie in NBA 2K25 or NBA 2K26, the game fundamentally changes. It stops being a basketball sim and starts feeling like a dance routine where you’re the only one who knows the steps. Honestly, the way he moves in the game is probably the closest thing we have to a "cheat code" that isn't actually a glitch.
The Magic of the 99 Ball Handle
In the current roster for NBA 2K26, Kyrie is sitting at a 90 overall. Now, some people complain that's too low for a guy who can drop 40 on your head without breaking a sweat, but look at the specific attributes. His Ball Handle is a 99. That’s the ceiling. You literally cannot get better than that in the 2K system.
Because of that 99 rating, he unlocks every "elite" and "signature" dribble animation in the game. You've probably seen those YouTube tutorials titled "How to Play Like Kyrie," and they always start with the same thing: the signature size-up. It's that twitchy, rapid-fire crossover that makes defenders in the Park start sliding around like they’re on ice.
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What Actually Makes Him Different?
It isn't just the rating. It's the ProPLAY technology. In the newer games, Visual Concepts (the developers) literally mapped Kyrie’s actual movements from real-life footage. So when you do a behind-the-back escape, it isn't just a generic animation. It’s his behind-the-back.
- The Layup Mixmaster Badge: This is huge. Kyrie has a 97 Layup in the latest rosters. He gets the "Layup Mixmaster" and "Float Game" badges on high tiers, which means you can take the most ridiculous, circus-style shots and actually expect them to go in.
- Ankle Assassin: If you're playing in the Rec or the Park, this badge is your best friend. It triggers those "stumble" animations where the defender's player model literally loses its balance.
- The Mid-Range Game: Everyone obsesses over the three-ball, but Kyrie’s 98 Mid-Range Shot is where the real experts live. A simple snatch-back into a middy is basically automatic if you time it even slightly well.
Building the "Kyrie Clone" in MyPLAYER
Everyone wants to make a Kyrie build. It's the "Crafty Iso Savant" archetype. But here’s the thing most people mess up: they try to make him too fast.
Kyrie isn't actually the fastest guy in the league in terms of raw sprint speed. In 2K, his speed is usually around an 85. What makes him "fast" is his Speed with Ball and his Agility. If you’re building this in the MyPLAYER lab, you want to aim for a 6'2" or 6'3" height. If you go 6'4", you might lose some of those specific Kyrie-style animations that are height-restricted.
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I saw a build recently that aimed for a 99 Mid-Range and 99 Ball Handle. It’s a glass cannon. You’ll have zero defense. Literally, you’ll be a "cone" on the other end of the floor. But if you’re playing with a squad that can cover for you, being able to hit Legend-tier Ankle Assassin moves is worth the trade-off for a lot of people.
The Evolution of the Rating
Looking back at the history of NBA 2K Kyrie Irving ratings, it’s a weird ride. He started as a high-80s rookie back in 2K12. By the time he was the cover athlete for NBA 2K18, he was a 90. He peaked around a 93 or 94 during those deep playoff runs with LeBron.
Nowadays, the developers seem to penalize him for his defense and the fact that he doesn't play 82 games a year. His Interior Defense is usually in the 30s. His Strength is low. If a bigger guard like Luka or Shai posts you up in the game, you’re basically cooked.
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But 2K players don't pick Kyrie to play defense. They pick him to see that "Green" flash after a double-clutch layup.
How to Actually Score with Him
Stop holding the sprint button. That’s the biggest mistake people make when using Kyrie. When you hold R2 (or RT), you’re telling the game you want to explode toward the rim. Kyrie is about rhythm.
Try using the Right Stick without the turbo. Flick it left, then right, then hold it down for a step-back. The animations are much smoother and it’s way harder for the defender to predict where you’re going. If you just spam turbo, you’ll run out of stamina and your shot meter will shrink to the size of a grain of sand.
The "Jelly" Layup
You have to learn the manual layup aim. If you just press the shoot button, you get a boring layup. If you move the stick in mid-air, you trigger the "Jelly." This is Kyrie's signature. He can change the shot 2K-style while in the air to avoid a blocker. It’s risky, but man, it looks good in the replay.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to master the Kyrie playstyle tonight, don't just jump into a ranked game.
- Head to the 2KU Freestyle mode: Pick the Dallas Mavericks and just practice the "Breakdown Combos."
- Focus on the "Hesitation" move: It’s one of his most effective animations for freezing a defender before you blow by them.
- Check the MyTEAM Market: If you’re a MyTEAM player, look for the Galaxy Opal or G.O.A.T. Kyrie cards. They usually fix his defensive "holes" and make him a literal god on both ends of the court.
- Watch the Feet: In the newer games, the "Agility" stat matters more than ever. Pay attention to how Kyrie plants his feet before a shot; if you're leaning, the window is much smaller.