Tag Archives: Preview Season

We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Join me as I begin the week here at the NLSC with my opinions and commentary on basketball gaming topics, as well as tales of the fun I’ve been having on the virtual hardwood. This week, I’m tipping things off with some thoughts on how I’m not too excited by the fact that NBA 2K27 previews are coming very soon.

July is right around the corner, which means another NBA 2K preview season is looming on the horizon. Naturally, we’ll be covering all of the NBA 2K27 news and previews as they’re posted, both with bulletins summarising the key information and by discussing the latest details on the NLSC Podcast. As always, it’ll be interesting to see what the developers have cooked up this year, and to join Dee in providing some trustworthy analysis and commentary before and after release. To be perfectly honest however, I wish that I were more excited about seeing those NBA 2K27 previews.

That’s not to say that I’m completely disinterested, or that I won’t be locked in as we cover the preview season. Yes, I’ll be getting NBA 2K27 for content and collection purposes, and ideally I’ll end up enjoying it as well. Unfortunately, after the last three NBA 2K games, I’m not entirely optimistic that I will. That dulls my enthusiasm for the forthcoming NBA 2K27 previews, as I’m not expecting to see any of the changes and additions that would get me excited about this year’s release. Of course, my lack of excitement could actually work in my favour. By tempering my expectations I’ll either avoid disappointment, or in the best case scenario, be surprisingly delighted.

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Welcome to another edition of The Friday Five! Every Friday I cover a topic related to basketball gaming, either as a list of five items, or a Top 5 countdown. The topics for these lists and countdowns include everything from fun facts and recollections to commentary and critique. This week’s Five is a list of five bad omens in basketball gaming.

I don’t believe in omens as a mystical force in the universe. However, I do believe that there are warning signs that we should take notice of, which I’ll colloquially refer to as bad omens. As far as basketball gaming is concerned, there are definitely some bad omens when it comes to an upcoming release, or the future of a series. They’re not exactly mysterious and hard to spot, but it obviously gets easier with experience. We can recognise patterns, acknowledge precedent, and employ some common sense. At the same time, it’s easy to ignore bad omens.

After all, many of us try to remain optimistic about our hobby. We don’t want to jump the gun and assume the worst, especially if our predictions and pessimism have been proven wrong in the past. Things that have seemed like bad omens have turned out to be meaningless, or in rare cases, good news. Still, it pays to err on the side of caution, and there are warning signs that we should probably brace ourselves for bad news; or at the very least, temper our expectations. Once again, experience can usually guide us, as the red flags are much easier to spot after you’ve been through a few preview seasons. To that end, when one of these five events occurs, it tends to be a bad omen.

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We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Join me as I begin the week here at the NLSC with my opinions and commentary on basketball gaming topics, as well as tales of the fun I’ve been having on the virtual hardwood. This week, I’m tipping things off with some reflections on how I’ve lost enthusiasm for new basketball video games.

When the preview season for NBA 2K26 officially tipped off in early July, I was filled with dread. Frankly, I wasn’t looking forward to aggregating the news and discussing the upcoming game. Likewise, I wasn’t excited for September to arrive so that I could get my hands on it. The anticipation that I once felt for new games – even when I was hooked on the current one – simply wasn’t there. It helped temper my expectations, but as I discussed in Episode #596 of the NLSC Podcast, NBA 2K26 still failed to reach the low bar that I’d set for it.

Moreover, as I said on the show, NBA 2K26 proved to be a breaking point for me. I already felt disappointed and disillusioned with the ninth generation, but this was the final straw. Unfortunately, I’ve lost my enthusiasm for new games. Even though it’s a year away, I’m not excited about going through another preview season. I’m dreading having to play and talk about future NBA 2K releases. I can’t feel optimistic about the future of the series, or the chances that we’ll see the return of NBA Live; especially after EA Sports rescinded their proposal for a college game. Call it an extreme case of the New Game Blues if you like, but I’m not sure how I can get that enthusiasm back.

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Although gamers who picked up the Superstar and Leave No Doubt editions of NBA 2K26 are already hitting the virtual hardwood and blacktop, the latest Courtside Report provides details on The City in this year’s game. That includes insights into Park and other modes, as well as this year’s MyCAREER story.

Notably, the framerate in The City is now a smooth 60 FPS, and it’s been designed in a way that makes it quicker and easier to navigate. Parks will have a more realistic aesthetic this year, and we’ll be seeing some remastered NBA 2K16 Parks return as Seasonal content. There will be more opportunities to gain rewards, such as beating a server’s Park MVP. Crews have been added, along with some new leaderboards. It will also be possible to swap between multiple builds without having to exit The City in NBA 2K26.

Additionally, MyCOURT features some new practice drills and customisation options. As mentioned, the Courtside Report also provides a brief synopsis of this year’s MyCAREER story – Out of Bounds – in which MP is an unknown prospect from a small town in Vermont looking to gain attention and make it to the big time. It also mentions a couple of other MyCAREER features, including Key Games and passion projects.

As always, I encourage you to check out the Courtside Report for the full scoop, but I’ve summarised the key points below. Feel free to share any thoughts in the comments, as well as join in the discussion here in the Forum!

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From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #594 of the NLSC Podcast!

With NBA 2K26 right around the corner, a community event has given us all a detailed look at this year’s game in action. Although we’re reserving final judgement until we get our hands on the sticks, we have a few thoughts about what we’ve seen so far. We also discuss what some of the influencers who attended the event are saying about the game, in particular how they’re shouting down valid criticisms in rather disrespectful ways. We also react to the Courtside Report on MyNBA and MyGM, and join the community in picking some of our all-time favourite basketball nicknames. Some of our choices probably won’t be surprising, but we also shout out some creative monikers that don’t get enough credit.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 53:29 — 37.1MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

As you may have seen, the latest NBA 2K26 Courtside Report covers MyNBA and MyGM. Not surprisingly, it isn’t as lengthy as the insight into MyTEAM, but there are some interesting additions this year.

Playoffs mode is now available online and supports up to 16 users, each controlling a team. MyGM has 30 team-specific storylines, and some other new RPG elements. Different simulation speeds allow for swifter progress or deeper trade logic, and simulation has been sped up in general. As previously noted, Dynamic Banners will be added as you win championships, though only in the Modern Era. Player DNA now also allows one MyPLAYER to be inserted into each custom roster, and MyWNBA includes the expansion Golden State Valkyries.

Once again, I’d encourage you to read the Courtside Report for a full breakdown of what to expect in NBA 2K26 MyNBA and MyGM, but I have summarised the key points below. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, as well as join in the discussion here in the Forum!

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From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #593 of the NLSC Podcast!

As the NBA 2K26 preview season rolls on, the big news revealed last week was that the WNBA has now been integrated into MyTEAM, which includes the ability to team WNBA players up with current NBA players and Legends. The announcement certainly drew some mixed reactions from the wider basketball gaming community, so this week we’re providing our take on the situation – from the discourse to our opinions on the news itself – and also reading out some thoughts from our listeners. We also react to some of the other key points that were outlined in the NBA 2K26 MyTEAM Courtside Report, from Game Changer Cards to the promise of greater rewards throughout the mode.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 58:05 — 40.2MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

A new Courtside Report has provided insights into MyTEAM in NBA 2K26. 2K also posted a video breaking down the additions and enhancements, hosted by NBA 2K Principal Producer and former NLSC Team member JaoSming.

Not surprisingly, it’s one of the most in-depth developer blogs so far this preview season, as there’s a ton of content in MyTEAM. The biggest news is definitely the integration of the WNBA, which will allow WNBA players to play alongside current and historical NBA players. There will also be a WNBA tier in Domination.

Other major points of interest include the addition of Gauntlet to Breakout, a night time version of NBA 2K15’s Sunset Park for Triple Threat Park, expansions to The Exchange, and an effort to grant more rewards throughout all of the submodes. Eras presentation has been upgraded with some new filters and historical arenas, and cinematic walkouts are back when collecting top cards.

As always, I encourage you to read the entire blog for the full scoop, but I have summarised the key points below. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, as well as join in the discussion in our NBA 2K26 Forum! Dee and I will be continuing our coverage of the NBA 2K26 preview season on the NLSC Podcast, so stay tuned for our reactions to the latest news.

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From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #592 of the NLSC Podcast!

Next up in the NBA 2K26 preview season is a deep dive into the presentation in this year’s game! To that end, this week we’re breaking down the Presentation Courtside Report and giving our thoughts on everything from the updated lighting, player models, and team arenas to the additions and enhancements to commentary, and other authentic details. In addition to our reactions, we also share what the community had to say about the insights into presentation in NBA 2K26. We also discuss some of our favourite virtual hardwood commentators, and name potential replacements for the current crop of announcers.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 55:38 — 38.6MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

Following on from the insight into presentation, the latest Courtside Report for NBA 2K26 previews the MyPLAYER Builder in this year’s game. It seems that one of the goals with the MyPLAYER Builder in NBA 2K26 was to make it easier to create viable builds.

To that point, some of the key additions include an Animation Glossary listing details on attribute and height requirements, as well as options such as Build via Badges that lock in the minimum attributes that are required for your desired Badges. Templates, a Scouting Report, and the ability to preview body types suggest a more informative approach.

There are also new archetype names that better emphasise a build’s strengths, a new maximum height of 7’4″, and the ability to unlock a Custom Takeover. Badge Perks, Rebirth, and Cap Breakers all return from NBA 2K25.

I’ve summarised the NBA 2K26 MyPLAYER Builder blog below, but with so much information to digest, I’d certainly still recommend giving it a read. As always, feel free to share any thoughts in the comments below, as well as join in the discussion here in the Forum!

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Following on from last week’s insight into gameplay, the latest NBA 2K26 Courtside Report previews the presentation in this year’s game. It seems that we can expect a number of enhancements to the atmosphere and environmental details in NBA 2K26.

Some of the key improvements to presentation in NBA 2K26 include better late-game commentary, authentic arena details for every team, improved lighting, and more variety in the crowd. Tim Legler joins the commentary team, MyPLAYERs can be heckled during MyCAREER games, and championship banners will appear in the rafters as they’re won.

I’ve summarised the Courtside Report below, but as always, I’d encourage you to give it a read for the full scoop. Feel free to share your impressions in the comments, as well as join in the discussion here in the Forum.

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This is Wayback Wednesday, your midweek blast from the past! From retrospectives of basketball games and their interesting features, to republished articles and looking at NBA history through the lens of the virtual hardwood, Wednesdays at the NLSC are for going back in time. This week, I’m taking a look back at a novel concept that was employed during the NBA Live 09 preview season: the Fresh Daily Grocery.

It’s no secret that for many basketball gamers, the preview season just isn’t what it once was. With only one game to look forward to every year, increasing fatigue and dissatisfaction with the product, and more than a couple of false claims and broken promises, it’s tougher to get excited; at least if you’re familiar with the routine. That sadly won’t change until such time as we have choices and competition in the space again, and I hope that will happen some day. If and when it does, I anticipate the preview season becoming as fun and interesting as it used to be.

Beyond tantalising previews and promising news, something that I enjoyed about the preview seasons in bygone years were the fun extras that got us hyped for the new games. Official websites provided digital promotional materials, from downloadable freebies to browser games and activities. During the preview season for NBA Live 09, EA Sports launched the Fresh Daily Grocery section on the game’s website. It was a creative concept that not only gave us a reason to check in daily, but also emphasised one of NBA Live 09’s big new features. Let’s take a look back…way back…

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From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #591 of the NLSC Podcast!

Last week saw the release of the NBA 2K26 Gameplay trailer and developer blog, providing us with our first look at and insight into the on-court experience in this year’s game. As such, this week we react to the trailer – which had a very interesting song choice that was rather nostalgic for us! – and break down the gameplay blog point-by-point, from the new motion engine to Green-or-Miss shooting to AI improvements. We certainly have a lot of thoughts (and a couple of concerns) following the first in-depth preview of NBA 2K26, but we will reserve final judgement until we get our hands on the sticks. The community had a lot to say as well, so we also read out impressions that our listeners shared with us, as well as some other comments that we’ve seen on social media.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:13:14 — 50.6MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

As promised, this week has delivered our first look at gameplay in NBA 2K26. An in-depth developer blog spotlights the biggest improvements this year, while the first official trailer has given us a glimpse of the game in action.

NBA 2K26 will feature a new motion engine that’s powered by ProPLAY. Interestingly, the blog boasts that skating has basically been removed thanks to the new tech in this year’s game. Controls have been expanded to include some new elusive moves on offense, and defensive AI has been shored up. Notably, shooting is now Green-or-Miss across all game modes, except on lower difficulty levels offline. The windows for Green Releases will also scale according to difficulty, and will be more forgiving in team-control modes (and conversely, less forgiving in competitive play).

As you’d expect, the NBA 2K26 gameplay trailer showcases the game from cinematic angles. This does make it difficult to gauge the level of improvement as obviously the chosen clips show the game in the best possible light, but as usual, it’s a well-produced trailer. Some of the jerseys that are set to debut this year are on display, along with some familiar faces in new places. The choice of “Song 2” by Blur is certainly an interesting choice of music as well.

I’ve summarised the key points of the gameplay blog below, though as always I’d recommend giving it a read for the full scoop. Dee and I will naturally have plenty to say on the NLSC Podcast, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out that summary below, along with the gameplay trailer. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, as well as join in the discussion in our NBA 2K26 Forum!

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From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #544 of the NLSC Podcast!

You know what really grinds our gears? This week, we take a page out of Peter Griffin’s book, and discuss a few things that are really bugging us. That includes Anthony Edwards’ ridiculous comments about players being unskilled in bygone eras, some incredibly and unnecessarily hostile comments on social media, and content creators who seem to be following a script in order to become super shills. We also join the community in reacting to pre-release NBA 2K25 gameplay footage, and reflect on how it has impacted our excitement for the game. We’ve also got a few thoughts about The City in the wake of the latest Courtside Report, and finish up with a recap of a session revisiting NBA Live 2003.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:25:17 — 58.9MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!