NBA 2K26 MyTEAM: Ranking the Top Five Cards at Every Position

Jan-02-2026 PST Category: NBA 2K26

Building a dominant lineup in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM requires more than chasing the highest-tier cards. Understanding player roles, animations, defensive impact, and positional balance is what separates elite squads from average ones. This guide ranks the top five cards at every position in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM, following a strict rule: no player is reused at multiple positions. While some cards could excel elsewhere, each player is evaluated solely at their listed position to provide clarity and lineup flexibility, especially for players who choose to buy NBA 2K26 MT to efficiently assemble and upgrade a competitive roster.


Point Guards: Size, Defense, and Shot Creation

At point guard, versatility is critical. Ranking from five to one, Josh Giddey checks in at number five. At 6’8”, Giddey offers size, solid defense, reliable finishing, and respectable shooting without major weaknesses. He is not elite in any single category, but he contributes across the board.

Devin Booker lands at number four due to his offensive firepower. His jumper is smooth, his dribble signatures are effective, and his scoring package is elite. However, defensive limitations prevent him from climbing higher. Zach LaVine takes the third spot thanks to superior slashing and athleticism, offering more rim pressure than Booker.

At number two is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, represented by his Galaxy Opal version. His movement may be unconventional, but it is highly effective. Combined with an excellent jumper, strong defense, and elite speed with the ball, Shai remains one of the most complete guards in the game.

LaMelo Ball claims the top spot. While offensively comparable to Shai, LaMelo separates himself defensively. His badge count, size, and overall versatility make him the best point guard in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM.


Shooting Guards: Two-Way Dominance Matters

Grant Hill opens the shooting guard list at number five. He is a true jack-of-all-trades, offering slashing, shooting, and defense at a high level. Brandon Ingram ranks fourth, standing 6’10” with an extremely hard-to-contest jumper and elite offensive ability.

Carmelo Anthony sits at number three. Despite being a Dark Matter card, his movement does not quite match the top two. Paul George earns the second spot thanks to superior size, defense, and comparable offense. His slashing animations and defensive versatility push him ahead.

At number one is Julius Erving. With elite slashing, strong defense, smooth movement, and a reliable jumper, Dr. J is arguably one of the best overall cards in MyTEAM, regardless of position.


Small Forwards: Complete Skill Sets Win

Shawn Marion ranks fifth, offering elite defense, strong slashing, and underrated movement at a lower cost. Giannis Antetokounmpo surprisingly comes in at number four, largely due to his inconsistent jumper, which limits spacing despite his dominance elsewhere.

Andrei Kirilenko takes the third spot with better shooting, excellent defense, and effective movement. Paolo Banchero is number two, functioning like a slightly weaker LeBron with better shooting than Giannis and elite all-around stats.

LeBron James is the clear number one. His size, strength, defense, slashing, and improved jumper make him the best small forward in NBA 2K26.


Power Forwards: Stretch and Defense Balance

Jabari Smith Jr. ranks fifth, providing shooting, mobility, and solid defense. Jaren Jackson Jr. is fourth, bringing elite defense, athleticism, and a reliable jumper. Chris Bosh claims third as one of the best pick-and-pop bigs in the game with excellent speed and shooting.

The top two spots belong to Hakeem Olajuwon and Joel Embiid. Both offer elite defense, interior dominance, and respectable shooting, making them interchangeable depending on playstyle.


Centers: Height and Versatility Reign Supreme

David Robinson comes in at number five with elite defense and athleticism, though his jumper holds him back slightly. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ranks fourth, dominating defensively and inside despite limited shooting.

Kristaps Porziņģis earns third due to his elite shooting and 7’2” frame. Victor Wembanyama occupies both the second and first spots, with his Galaxy Opal version being the best center-and arguably the best card-in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM. His size, defense, shooting, and badge depth make him unmatched.


Final Thoughts

This top-five breakdown emphasizes balance, animations, and positional value rather than card tier alone, allowing players to maximize performance without relying solely on the most expensive options. For users looking to optimize their lineup efficiently, managing resources such as Cheap NBA 2K26 MT can make it far easier to acquire these recommended cards and stay competitive. While preferences may vary, these rankings provide a strong foundation for building a strong and adaptable MyTEAM roster in NBA 2K26.