Shaun Ranft
Guide to All Classic Teams in NBA 2K23
With a major emphasis on Eras this time around, not to mention the inclusion of the brand-new Michael Jordan Challenge, it’s no surprise that NBA 2K23 would stack the deck with classic rosters. So, just how many are there? It’s time to find out.
Chicago Bulls (7)
1985-19861988-19891990-19911992-19931995-19961997-19982010-2011
Again, with the emphasis on Eras and the new Jordan feature, seeing several past representations of the Bulls should come as no shock. Yet Jordan isn’t the only big name worth remembering over the three decades of Bulls—there’s the 95-overall, 21-year-old phenom that is Derrick Rose to appreciate as well.
Los Angeles Lakers (7)
1964-19651970-19711986-19871990-19911997-19982000-20012003-2004
Did we say Eras? How about playing with the Lakers across the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s? If you’re looking for a little classic variety, it seems as though you’ve reached your destination.
New York Knicks (4)
1971-19721994-19951998-19992011-2012
Look we all love to laugh at the Knicks—sorry, Spike Lee—but there’s nothing to scoff at when it comes to those squads of the mid- and late-90s. As for the modern-era, long live Linsanity.
Golden State Warriors (4)
1990-19912006-20072015-20162016-2017
Yes, the Warriors did indeed have a franchise before Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green took over the NBA—with a little help from Kevin Durant, of course. Needless to say, though: Chris Mullin forever.
Boston Celtics (3)
1964-19651985-19862007-2008
It feels odd to say that there are too few Celtics’ squads to choose from here, but alas… That said, the 64-65 Lakers and 64-65 Celtics? That’s dang fun. Time to run it back.
Cleveland Cavaliers (3)
1989-19902006-20072015-2016
Shout out to 23-year-old Steve Kerr on that odd 1989-90 Cavs team. Bigger shout out to a 21-year-old LeBron James for taking that Cavs side to the 06-07 NBA Finals—even though they went on to get swept by the San Antonio Spurs.
Miami Heat (3)
1996-19972005-20062012-2013
A 23-year-old Dwyane Wade and a 33-year-old Shaq teaming up to win it all in 2005-06? Priceless. The Wade-LeBron-Bosh super-team of 2012-13? A bit less so.
Portland Trail Blazers (3)
1990-19911999-20002009-2010
Oh, what Greg Oden could’ve been…
San Antonio Spurs (3)
1997-19982004-20052013-2014
There was no stopping David Robinson and Tim Duncan, and then Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, and then Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard. Holy cats, what a stretch of success.
Dallas Mavericks (2)
2002-20032010-2011
Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash? Pretty good. Dirk Nowitzki (32) and his squad of elder statesmen—Jason Terry (32), Shawn Marion (32), and Jason Kidd (37) knocking off LeBron and his Heat in six games? The best.
Denver Nuggets (2)
1993-19942007-2008
It’s still wild to remember that Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson played for the same team at one point.
Detroit Pistons (2)
1988-19892003-2004
Nobody cared about ‘Rip’ until he put on the mask.
Houston Rockets (2)
1993-19942007-2008
Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming—what a fun, yet ultimately disappointing time for basketball in Houston.
Milwaukee Bucks (2)
1970-19711984-1985
Quite the time gap between these two sides, but Kareem and Sidney Moncrief? It doesn’t get much better.
Memphis Grizzlies (2)
2005-20062012-2013
According to this game, Shane Battier was the best player on the Grizzlies back in 2005-06. I’m not sure how to feel about that.
Philadelphia 76ers (2)
1976-19772000-2001
AI and the 76ers were lucky to even be in the NBA Finals back in 2000-01, and were met with a gentlemen’s sweep courtesy of Kobe, Shaq, and their Lakers. Going way back, well, who can say no to Dr. J?
Phoenix Suns (2)
2002-20032004-2005
From Stephon Marbury to Steve Nash, it was a fun few seasons for point guards in Phoenix.
Toronto Raptors (2)
1999-20002018-2019
A 22-year-old Vinsanity. A 20-year-old Tracy McGrady. My goodness were those Raptors fun and dangerous. And then, from seemingly out of nowhere, a title nearly 20 years later. Well done.
Atlanta Hawks (1)
1985-1986
Few will ever match the aerial ability of one Dominique Wilkins.
Charlotte Hornets (1)
1992-1993
All 5’3″ of Muggsy Bogues? Check. A 22-year-old Alonzo Mourning and 23-year-old Larry Johnson? You better believe it. Oh, and Papa Curry as well. Fun!
Indiana Pacers (1)
2013-2014
Look, Paul George tried his best.
Los Angeles Clippers (1)
2013-2014
It would’ve seemed impossible to top a trio of Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, and Blake Griffin—all of whom were in their prime at the time—and yet, the Clippers are still searching for that championship to this day.
Minnesota Timberwolves (1)
2003-2004
Kevin Garnett? Heck yeah. A supporting cast of Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell? Well, not so much.
New Jersey Nets (1)
2001-2002
Jason Kidd truly was that guy.
Oklahoma City Thunder (1)
2011-2012
KD, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook—all 22 years old at the time. The ‘Big 3’ that never was, but should’ve been.
Orlando Magic (1)
1994-1995
From humble beginnings, the dawn of Shaq in the NBA. Nobody was quite the same after that.
Sacramento Kings (1)
2001-2002
Peja Stojaković, Vlade Divac, and an exhilarating Mike Bibby… Unfortunately for them, they called the Western Conference their home. So too did the Los Angeles Lakers.
Seattle SuperSonics (1)
1995-1996
RIP Seattle SuperSonics. You still deserve an NBA franchise. Oh, and Detlef Schrempf forever.
Utah Jazz (1)
1997-1998
Not even the combined powers of ‘The Mailman’ Karl Malone and seasoned point guard John Stockton could deliver a title to Utah.
Washington Wizards (1)
2006-2007
Everyone remember Gilbert Arenas?
Are There Other Classic Teams Available?
In a way, yes. If players do not wish to take a specific squad, sides like the All-Time Grizzlies, All-Time Bucks, and so on exist. Think those individual Lakers’ sides were scary enough on their own? You haven’t seen anything yet. But that’s all for now! Another guide to help you navigate is in the books, and this time we were happy to cover all classic teams in NBA 2K23. Should there be more released in the future, Twinfinite will have you covered. In the meantime, be sure to check out the links below for additional coverage.
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