NBA 2K23 BEST Defense Badges [Top 5]

Former NBA 2K players would be aware of what badges are in the game. However, for new players, the badges are meant to enhance a specific aspect (Shooting, Finishing, Playmaking, or Defense/Rebounding) of your gameplay in NBA 2K23. There are multiple badges in the game that you can choose by spending points. 

In NBA 2K23, a lot of the older badges were removed or renamed, which caused a bit of confusion amongst the veteran ballers. However, we have got you covered! In our guide, we will go through some of the Best Defense/Rebounding Badges in NBA 2K23 that you should get ASAP!

It doesn’t matter what your player‘s position is; you can never overlook the defensive attributes. In Basketball, the game can turn on its head in an instant. To prevent that, it is necessary to enhance your defensive and rebounding skills in NBA 2K23. 

Without further ado, let’s dive straight into the Best Rebounding Badges in NBA 2K23, along with their in-depth details.

What Are Defense/Rebounding Badges In NBA 2K23

Most of the players in MyCAREER mode aim to become someone like Lebron James or Stephen Curry. However, some gamers even go for positions like the Center and Shooting Guard. Regardless of your preference, you can’t overlook defensive responsibilities on the court.

Yes, the Defensive Guards will have to play a bigger role than the others. But that doesn’t mean that Point Guards can’t put a shift in defensively too. However, to do that, you need to have good defensive and rebounding skills in the game. On top of that, once you put some effort into the defensive plays, you will earn Badge Points in NBA 2K23.

You can then use these points to unlock some of the Best NBA 2K23 Rebounding Badges, which will take your defensive abilities a step further. Before we start listing down the Best Defensive badges, let us first look at the easiest methods to earn Defensive Badge Points in NBA 2K23. 

First up, here are the few things you can do during games to earn Defensive Points in NBA 2K23; Blocks, Rebounds, Steals, Picks, Dodges, Defensive plays, and Forced Bodyup Losses. On top of that, Contesting Shots will earn you some points as well. And if you end up winning the game, you will earn an extra bonus.

You can also intentionally create openings for your opponent to shoot into if you’re good at blocking shots and contesting them. When you do, you can charge them down before they release their shot to earn additional defensive points for yourself. That’s just a little tip for players who are familiar with the Defending mechanism in NBA 2K23.

With enough points in your lockers, you can then unlock Defense/Rebounding Badges in NBA 2K23. These badges will grant your players perks and boost their performance in the game. There are a lot of great options to choose from, which we have covered in the next section.

Best Defense Badges In NBA 2K23

As mentioned earlier, the Badges are crucial for your player in the MyCAREER mode. These badges will further grant buffs to your player, depending on their category. NBA 2K23 provides badges for Finishing, Shooting, Playmaking, and Defense/Rebounding.

Today our focus is set on the NBA 2K23 Best Defense/Rebounding Badges. Suppose you have accumulated a few DEF/REB Badge Points in the MyCAREER mode by successfully putting in a defensive shift in a game. To get to the Badge Menu, first, you need to enter the MyCAREER mode. Once there, simply pause the game and switch to the ‘Progression‘ tab. 

On this screen, you will notice your player’s overall rating and basic information. Below that, you’ll be able to see your Badge Points. Scroll down and choose the ‘Badges‘ option. Here you will notice four categories of badges (the ones we mentioned earlier). Select the ‘Defense/Rebounding‘ option, and the game will present you with 16 Badges divided into three tiers.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 badges will be available to you right from the start. However, to unlock the 3rd Tier Defensive Badges in NBA 2K23, you must spend 10 Badge Points. With that said and done, let us review some of the Best NBA 2K23 Defensive & Rebounding Badges.

All information you need on the top 5 defence badges: 

Anchor (Tier 1)

First and foremost, the Anchor should be one of the first Defensive Badges that you get in NBA 2K23. When you reach the Defense/Rebounding Badges screen, you will notice the Anchor badge right away since it’s the first option. It greatly enhances your ability to block close shots and also makes it easier to win rebounds.

Here is a quick rundown of the information regarding the Anchor Badge in NBA 2K23.

• Description: Increases a player’s ability to block shots and protect the rim at a high level.
• Requirements (Hall of Fame): 99 Block Stat.

Anchor is a great defensive badge, especially if you repeatedly find yourself close to the rim blocking opposing shots. In our opinion, this Badge is best suited for Centers and other tall height players on the court. It will make securing the baskets much easier, and you’ll be able to tip the ball over the rim and even block point-blank shots on the court. 

If your player plays in any Interior Defensive position, then you should definitely spend some points on the Anchor Badge.

Pogo Stick (Tier 1)

Our second pick from Tier 1 Defense Badges in NBA 2K23 is the Pogo Stick. This badge will greatly increase your jumping skills on the court. However, some people feel like it’s an overpowered buff that makes the game easier, and hence they don’t use it, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Pogo Stick is one of NBA 2K23’s Best Defensive Badges.

Let us quickly reveal the description and requirements of the Pogo Stick Badge in NBA 2K23.

• Description: Allows players to quickly recover and go back up for another jump on landing. This could be after a rebound, block attempt, or even a jump shot.
• Requirements (Hall of Fame): 98 Block or 99 Defensive Rebound or 99 Offensive Rebound.

The Pogo Stick badge makes jumping way too easy in NBA 2K23. Normally after a player jumps, he will only be able to do it again after a second or so. Whereas, if you have the Pogo Stick equipped, you can just spam the Triangle/Y button on your controller to jump again and again. 

However, we don’t advise that strategy; you should still try to time your jumps perfectly while playing NBA 2K23. The Pogo Stick can be equipped for any position.

Pick Dodger (Tier 2)

The Pick Dodger badge is another great option to go for when spending Defensive Points. The Pick Dodger won’t grant your player anything flashy, but it’s a great Badge to have, especially if you’re frequently guarding the ball. It makes navigating through screens a lot easier when you’re defending.

First off, you should read out its description so that you get a proper understanding of Pick Dodger in NBA 2K23.

• Description: Improves a player’s ability to navigate through and around screens while on defense. At the ‘Hall of Fame’ level, can blow through screens in the park of blacktop.
• Requirements (Hall of Fame): 94 Perimeter Defense.

As we mentioned earlier, it is an amazing badge to have when you’re guarding the ball. The Pick Dodger Badge used to be quite bad in the previous NBA 2K games, but it seems the developers have fixed it up now. Regardless of the badge getting fixed, we won’t recommend it if you’re playing as a Center. 

The Pick Dodger is the only inclusion from the NBA 2K23 Defensive Tier 2 Badges. You can also opt for Menace Badge if you want to spend some more points in Tier 2.

Clamps (Tier 3)

The Clamps Badge is by far the Best Rebounding Badge in NBA 2K23. In our opinion, it is a must-have badge in the game regardless of what your position is. The badge greatly increases your defense in the game by allowing you to execute better bumps.

Here is a quick summary of Clamps in NBA 2K23; along with that, we have also included the Hall of Fame Requirements.

• Description: Defenders have access to quicker cutoff moves and are more successful when bumping or hip riding the ball handler.
• Requirements (Hall of Fame): 97 Perimeter Defense.

Clamps Badge makes it very easy to challenge ball holders in NBA 2K23. You will see an instant difference in your player’s bumping and hip riding ability. Apart from that, the animations will feel smoother as well, ultimately making your defense better. With the Clamps equipped, the opposition Guards will have a hard time getting past you!

If you’re a Point Guard or a Perimeter Defender, then you should aim for this Badge at the earliest. Since it is in Tier 3, you will first need to spend 10 Badge Points to get access to it. 

Interceptor (Tier 3)

The last entry in our list of NBA 2K23 Best Defense Badges is the ‘Interceptor’ from Tier 3. Just like the Clamps Badge, the Interceptor is another must-have badge regardless of what position your player plays. The Badge will instantaneously increase your chances of intercepting or tipping passes on the court.

Here you can get to learn a bit more about the Interceptor Badge in NBA 2K23. On top of that, we also included the ‘Hall of Fame’ requirement.

• Description: The frequency of successfully tipped or intercepted passes greatly increases.
• Requirements (Hall of Fame): 99 Steal.

In NBA 2K23, when you’re defending your basket, you will notice the opposing guards passing the ball around the perimeter. If you have the Interceptor Badge, you will have a high chance of tipping or, even better, intercepting their passes, which will swiftly overturn the run of play and allow your teammates to catch the opponents on a rapid counterattack.

It doesn’t matter which position you play, and you should most definitely keep your eyes on the Interceptor Badge. It is by far one of the Top Defense/Rebounding Badges in NBA 2K23.

Round Up

With that, we reach the end of our guide. We listed down the Best NBA 2K23 Defensive Badges that you should go for while playing the game. Apart from that, the article also covered the method of getting Defensive Badge Points and where you can find them in the game.

Thank you for reading through our guide. Stick around at eXputer if you want to improve your gameplay in NBA 2K23.