NBA 2K24

With NBA 2K24, Visual Concepts and 2K Sports aim to celebrate not just the legacy of basketball, but also the legacy of one of its greatest icons—Kobe Bryant, who graces the cover of this year’s edition. As the franchise's 25th installment, NBA 2K24 steps onto the court with new gameplay refinements, a return of beloved modes, and technical leaps on next-gen consoles. However, the game also inherits many of the series' long-standing criticisms, including a heavy focus on monetization.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of MyCAREER or a franchise-building mastermind in MyNBA, NBA 2K24 offers a layered experience for basketball lovers. But does it score big in every area or miss the three-point mark?

In this deep-dive review, we evaluate the key components of NBA 2K24, including gameplay improvements, modes, visuals, community features, pros and cons, and ultimately deliver a final verdict.

1. Evolution of the NBA 2K Franchise

NBA 2K has become more than a sports game—it’s an annual ritual, a cultural phenomenon, and a virtual lifestyle for millions.

From Street Courts to eSports

• Launched in 1999 on Sega Dreamcast, the franchise revolutionized digital basketball.

• Over the years, it grew from a simulation into a multiplayer-driven hub with MyCAREER and The City.

Key Milestones

• NBA 2K11 introduced Michael Jordan and the Jordan Challenges.

• NBA 2K14 kicked off the next-gen wave on PS4 and Xbox One.

• NBA 2K21 and 2K22 established The City, pushing open-world basketball forward.

With NBA 2K24, the legacy continues, now with the Mamba Moments—a fitting tribute to Kobe Bryant.

2. Cover Star: Honoring Kobe Bryant with Mamba Moments

This year’s cover features the late, great Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA Champion and one of the most revered players in history.

A Tribute Mode: Mamba Moments

• Players relive seven iconic Kobe games, including:

  • His 81-point performance against the Raptors.

  • His first NBA Finals appearance.

  • A young Kobe’s showdown with Michael Jordan.

Gameplay Shifts in Tribute

• Each moment has unique gameplay conditions, crowd audio, and visual presentation.

• Offers insight into Kobe’s growth and tenacity as a player.

Mamba Moments isn’t just nostalgic—it’s a gameplay experience that lets fans feel the drive that defined Kobe’s career.

3. Core Gameplay and ProPLAY Innovation

NBA 2K24 features ProPLAY, a next-gen animation system that uses real NBA footage to influence in-game movement.

What Is ProPLAY?

• Translates real NBA broadcast motion into player animations.

• Improves:

  • Dribble moves

  • Jump shots

  • Off-ball reactions

  • Footwork

How It Impacts Gameplay

• Smoother player transitions and more realistic momentum shifts.

• Moves feel more authentic—like watching ESPN highlights in real time.

ProPLAY is arguably one of the biggest technical leaps in franchise history, making players like Steph Curry and LeBron feel and move differently than ever before.

4. MyCAREER Mode: Rise of the GOAT

MyCAREER remains a fan-favorite, offering an RPG-like experience where players build their MyPLAYER and pursue NBA greatness.

GOAT Tiers and The City

• New GOAT progression system ranks your skills in categories like:

  • Inside Scoring

  • Shooting

  • Defense

  • Playmaking

• The revamped City on next-gen consoles includes:

  • Quests

  • Park games

  • Streetball tournaments

Character Customization

• Updated face scan system and detailed player builder.

• Allows for flexible builds without being overly restrictive.

While fun, MyCAREER can feel grindy, especially for those unwilling to spend real money on VC (Virtual Currency).

5. The City and Neighborhood: Open-World Basketball Evolved

NBA 2K24 returns with The City for next-gen and Neighborhood for current-gen users, each offering a dynamic basketball hub.

The City (Next-Gen Only)

• Fully explorable hub with seasonal updates.

• Includes:

  • Rec Center

  • Pro-Am

  • Park Play

  • Event Courts (e.g., 3v3 tournaments)

Neighborhood (Current Gen)

• Set on a cruise ship with different courts and shops.

• Compact but engaging, ideal for players with older consoles.

While these hubs provide immersion and variety, they also require long travel times and constant internet connectivity.

6. MyTEAM Mode: Card Collecting and Competitive Depth

MyTEAM in NBA 2K24 retains its card-based structure, with players building dream teams from past and present NBA rosters.

Changes in 2K24

• Salary Cap Mode: Limits team overstacking and promotes fairness.

• XP Ladder and Trophy Case Cards for progression and rarity.

Monetization and Grinds

• Packs can be bought with MT (MyTEAM points) or VC.

• Limited-time challenges offer rewards, but high-end cards often require heavy grinding or purchases.

Despite improvements, MyTEAM still faces backlash for aggressive monetization and pay-to-win mechanics in higher tiers.

7. MyNBA and Eras: Build a Dynasty Across Generations

Franchise fans will enjoy MyNBA Eras, which allows players to relive NBA history or create alternate realities.

Key Eras Available

• Magic vs. Bird (1980s)

• Jordan Era (1990s)

• Kobe Era (2000s)

• Modern NBA

Features

• Period-accurate presentation and commentary.

• Real historical draft classes, rule changes, and stat tracking.

This is a dream mode for basketball historians, offering an immersive managerial sandbox with authentic storytelling.

8. Visuals, Sound, and Presentation

NBA 2K24 remains a visual marvel, especially on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

Graphics and Motion

• Photorealistic player faces and sweat dynamics.

• Court reflections, crowd detail, and broadcast presentation are top-notch.

Soundtrack and Commentary

• Curated tracks from artists like:

  • J. Cole

  • Doja Cat

  • Kendrick Lamar

• Dynamic commentary adjusts based on performance, era, and team.

The 2K24 TV broadcast feel is polished and immersive, rivaling real-life ESPN and TNT coverage.

9. Monetization, VC, and Controversies

Despite its gameplay improvements, NBA 2K24 is still plagued by microtransaction-heavy systems.

Virtual Currency (VC) Dependency

• VC is used for:

  • Upgrading MyPLAYER stats

  • Buying animations, gear, and boosts

• Can be earned via gameplay, but progression is slow without real money.

Community Backlash

• Many fans criticize:

  • Pay-to-win structures

  • Expensive cosmetics

  • Predatory pack odds in MyTEAM

This remains the most criticized aspect of the franchise and needs balancing in future iterations.

Final Rating: 8.8/10

NBA 2K24 takes meaningful strides forward with its ProPLAY animations, Kobe-themed Mamba Moments, and franchise nostalgia through MyNBA Eras. It celebrates basketball’s past, present, and future with polish and passion.

However, the game is still hampered by aggressive monetization, especially in its online modes. If you're a fan of basketball simulation, there's a lot to love here—but you’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to invest beyond the initial purchase.