NBA 2K21 players won’t have much wiggle room when it comes to Defense/Rebounding badges, thanks to the limited amount of them you can have active at one time. However, that doesn’t mean you should neglect these at any time. Having the right Defense/Rebounding badges active can go a long way and help you make those big stops. So which Defense/Rebounding badges should you target in NBA 2K21? Let’s go over our picks.
Clamps
- Description – Boosts the ability to stay in front of the ball handler on the perimeter
While overpowering badges like Intimidator, Lightning Reflexes, and Rebound Chaser did not make the cut for the next-gen version of NBA 2K21, the Clamps badge did make it back. Clamps boosts the ability to stay in front of the ball handler on the perimeter, making it one of the better badges to own for guards and even small and power forwards. It’s a versatile badge, hence why it makes this list.
Off-Ball Pest
- Description – Improves a player’s ability to bump and harass the offense off the ball
If you want to make life difficult for the opposing team, make sure you play them hard on the defensive side of the court. Off-Ball Pest can help you do just that, as it will improve a player’s ability to bump and harass the offense off the ball. This badge is perfect for players who want to play lockdown defense, as it can help make it extremely difficult for players to break free off the ball.
Related: NBA 2K21 (Next-Gen): Best MyPlayer Shooting badges
Pick Pocket
- Description – Improves a player’s ability to steal the ball from a ball handler
Forcing the opposing team to turn the ball over can be a gamechanger, so why not upgrade a badge that helps you do just that? Pick Pocket improves a player’s ability to steal the ball from a ball-handler and decrease the chances of taking a foul in the process. Considering that you can get two benefits from one badge, it’s one to keep an eye on.
Post Lockdown
- Description – Improves the defender’s ability to defend post moves and backdowns
Trying to take a power forward or center build to the next level? Post Lockdown might be up your alley, especially since badges like Intimidator, Rim Protector, and Rebound Chaser are gone. This badge improves a defender’s ability to defend post moves and backdowns. It might not be an overpowered badge, but it should be beneficial for the bigs out there.
Tireless Defender
- Description – Reduces energy lost when exerting effort on defense
We picked Tireless Defender as one of our favorite badges for the current-gen version, and it makes to sense to target it once again for the next-generation. Tireless Defender reduces energy lost when exerting effort on defense, which can be very beneficial for guards and forwards, but especially for the MyPlayer centers. It’s hard to play defense, but if you have no energy, it becomes even more difficult. Considering that, it makes sense to target this badge in NBA 2K21.
