Every time I get the chance, I tell our readers about how much fun Dunk City Dynasty is. It has all the fun arcade vibes of NBA Jam or NBA Street, but every bit as much strategy as any NBA 2K game. It is very much a gacha game though. So I'm here to tell the best players in the meta in case you don't want to catch them all.
S-Tier
Giannis Antetokounmpo - I'm not sure the Greek Freak even needed a buff, but he got one for Christmas. With all the dunks in his bag, Giannis is getting into the paint. Good opponents may stop one of his dunks, but very few know how to stop them all.
LeBron 16 - With multiple play modes depending on how you build him, there's almost nothing LeBron can't do on the court. Just like in real life.
Dwyane Wade - With blazing speed and a dunk that's extremely difficult to block, Wade is an absolute nightmare
Russell Westbrook - In my opinion, Russ did need a buff. His upgrade to Superstar has made him one of the most reliable scorers in the game with lightning fast speed and the ability to setup his teammates perfectly.
Karl Malone - Malone has solo carry potential because his dominant offense will eventually demand double teams, or you just win outright. Sure, he doesn't shoot threes, but he doesn't need to.
Ben Wallace - Consensus pick as the best defensive big man in the game. Make sure your squad has a scorer though, because most of Big Ben's offense comes from putback dunks.
A-Tier
Luka Doncic - Still one of the best free cards you can run out there with great combos, scoring ability, and great passing to let teammates shine.
Jayson Tatum - The first player to bring multiple modes into the game. While switching between them, he can bring both lockdown defense and versatile scoring.
Steph Curry -Just as in real life, Curry is the best three-point shooter you'll find. Pair him with a big man and get some screens, and Chef Curry will pile on the points.
Anthony Davis - Unlike his real life squads, Dunk City Dynasty players are not always trying to unload AD. He has great block range and can do some sick combos using his fades and dunks.
Hakeem Olajuwon - Arguably the best offensive center in the game. Combine a passive bonus that triggers within five meters of the rim with an insane amount of offensive tricks, and Hakeem "The Dream" will give your opponents nightmares.
Joel Embiid - One of the best all-around players in the game with a wicked half-spin pump fake and a block angle that can extend up to 360 degrees. No joke, trust the process in DCD.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - NBA Champion, NBA 2K26 cover star, and all-around GOAT, SGA brings exceptional ball-handling skill that will probably demand double teams. It's a 3v3 game, so those double teams are even more difficult to contend with.
Kevin Durant
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jason Kidd
Jamal Murray
Fu Zhi
Kawhi Leonard
Jimmy Butler
B Tier
Pau Gasol
Nikola Jokic
Julio
Dennis Rodman
Dirk Nowitzki
Paul George
Andrew Wiggins
LeBron James
Jordan Clarkson
Devin Booker
Zach LaVine
Brook Lopez
Cj McCollum
Lamelo Ball
Kristaps Porzingis
Bam Adebayo
James Harden
C Tier
Clint Capela
Brandon Ingram
Klay Thompson