Dribbling in NBA 2K26 is more than just moving the ball around—it’s how you break down defenders, create space, and set up shots or drives. The game lets you equip dribble animations inspired by real NBA stars, but unlocking them requires meeting specific attribute and height thresholds. If you want your MyPLAYER to handle like Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, or Ja Morant, you’ll need to plan your build carefully.

While shooting and dunking animations often get most of the spotlight, dribble packages play a major role for guards and wings who rely on ball handling. A fast crossover, tight escape dribble, or crafty size-up can be the difference between losing the ball and creating a highlight play. Choosing the right dribble style ensures your player feels responsive and matches your playstyle.
Dribble Style Requirements
Dribble styles affect the overall feel of your ball handling. Some require elite speed with the ball, while others unlock at lower thresholds for taller players. Below is the complete list of dribble style requirements in NBA 2K26:
Player / Style | Speed w/ Ball | Height Requirement |
---|---|---|
Basic | None | None |
Normal | 40+ | None |
Pro | 70+ | None |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | 55+ | At least 6’10” |
LaMelo Ball | 80+ | Under 6’10” |
Paolo Banchero | 50+ | At least 6’10” |
Devin Booker | 80+ | Under 6’10” |
Jaylen Brown | 85+ | 6’5″–6’10” |
Jalen Brunson | 87+ | Under 6’5″ |
Jimmy Butler | 70+ | Under 6’10” |
Cade Cunningham | 75+ | Under 6’10” |
Stephen Curry | 91+ | Under 6’5″ |
DeMar DeRozan | 75+ | Under 6’10” |
Luka Doncic | 80+ | Under 6’10” |
Kevin Durant | 65+ | At least 6’10” |
Anthony Edwards | 76+ | Under 6’10” |
De’Aaron Fox | 90+ | Under 6’5″ |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 84+ | Under 6’10” |
Jalen Green | 75+ | Under 6’10” |
Tyrese Haliburton | 79+ | Under 6’10” |
James Harden | 75+ | Under 6’10” |
Kyrie Irving | 94+ | Under 6’5″ |
Jaren Jackson Jr. | 75+ | At least 6’10” |
LeBron James | 75+ | Under 6’10” |
Nikola Jokic | 50+ | At least 6’10” |
Zach LaVine | 75+ | Under 6’10” |
Damian Lillard | 91+ | Under 6’5″ |
Tyrese Maxey | 70+ | Under 6’10” |
Donovan Mitchell | 80+ | Under 6’10” |
Ja Morant | 85+ | Under 6’10” |
Dejounte Murray | 86+ | Under 6’10” |
Jamal Murray | 86+ | Under 6’5″ |
Chris Paul | 80+ | Under 6’10” |
Austin Reaves | 70+ | Under 6’10” |
Domantas Sabonis | 40+ | At least 6’10” |
Jayson Tatum | 75+ | Under 6’10” |
Victor Wembanyama | 55+ | At least 6’10” |
Russell Westbrook | 87+ | Under 6’5″ |
Coby White | 85+ | Under 6’10” |
Signature Size-Up Requirements
Signature size-ups give your player unique rhythm dribbles that mimic NBA stars. These require Ball Handle ratings and sometimes height restrictions.
- Allen Iverson – 85+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Stephen Curry – 92+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Kyrie Irving – 90+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- LaMelo Ball – 91+ Ball Handle, under 6’10”
- Jaylen Brown – 85+ Ball Handle, between 6’5″ and 6’10”
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – 65+ Ball Handle, at least 6’10”
Breakdown Combos Requirements
Breakdown combos are advanced dribble sequences for shifting defenders.
- Steve Francis – 95+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Damian Lillard – 90+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Ja Morant – 86+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Tracy McGrady – 85+ Ball Handle, between 6’5″ and 6’10”
- Victor Wembanyama – 60+ Ball Handle, at least 6’10”
Escape Moves Requirements
Escape moves help create space for pull-ups and drives.
- Trae Young – 92+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Stephen Curry – 92+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Kyrie Irving – 90+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Kobe Bryant – 88+ Ball Handle, 6’5″–6’10”
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – 65+ Ball Handle, at least 6’10”
Combo Moves Requirements
These are advanced chainable moves for fluid ball handling.
- Trae Young – 92+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Tim Hardaway – 90+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Kobe Bryant – 88+ Ball Handle, 6’5″–6’10”
- LeBron James – 80+ Ball Handle, under 6’10”
- Victor Wembanyama – 60+ Ball Handle, at least 6’10”
Crossover Requirements
Crossovers are essential for quick direction changes.
- Stephen Curry – 92+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Kyrie Irving – 90+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Jalen Brunson – 90+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Jaylen Brown – 85+ Ball Handle, at least 6’5″
- Luka Doncic – 84+ Ball Handle, under 6’10”
Behind the Back Requirements
Perfect for breaking through defenders or pushing in transition.
- Trae Young – 92+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Stephen Curry – 92+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- LaMelo Ball – 91+ Ball Handle, under 6’10”
- Kyrie Irving – 90+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Domantas Sabonis – 75+ Ball Handle, at least 6’10”
Hesitation Requirements
Hesitations help sell fakes and open lanes.
- Stephen Curry – 92+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Kyrie Irving – 90+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Ja Morant – 86+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Bradley Beal – 84+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Larry Bird – 70+ Ball Handle, at least 6’5″
Stepback Requirements
Stepbacks are crucial for creating shooting space.
- Stephen Curry – 92+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Kyrie Irving – 90+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- De’Aaron Fox – 89+ Ball Handle, under 6’5″
- Kawhi Leonard – 80+ Ball Handle, under 6’10”
- Joel Embiid – 55+ Ball Handle, at least 6’10”
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Quick Tips for MyPLAYER Builds
- Check requirements before finalizing builds. A few points in Ball Handle or Speed with Ball can lock or unlock entire packages.
- Consider your role. Guards thrive with elite size-ups and escape moves, while taller builds may lean on power dribble styles.
- Mix animations. Combine a fast crossover with a strong hesitation or escape move to maximize effectiveness.
By aligning your build with the NBA 2K26 dribble animation requirements, you’ll ensure your player feels smooth and matches your playstyle from day one. Play Now!
Looking for more guides? Check out all our NBA 2K26 tips and tutorials