The MyTEAM market in NBA 2K26 is constantly shifting, especially after new content drops. The recently released Certified set created some buzz when it launched, but once players got their hands on the cards, the overall reception was mixed at best. While the set contains a few interesting options, many of the cards are simply too expensive compared to what they offer in gameplay.
Because of that, the smartest move right now isn’t necessarily chasing the newest cards. Instead, many of the best value pickups in MyTEAM come from earlier sets, where prices have dropped and powerful cards are now much more accessible. Below is a breakdown of the best cards worth buying right now, including top-tier options, strong mid-range pickups, and solid budget choices.
The Certified Set: Mostly Overpriced Options
The Certified set introduced some big names, but the majority of them simply aren’t worth their current market price.
For example, Anthony Davis is extremely expensive despite being a strong big man. While his defensive presence and rebounding ability are excellent, the price tag attached to the card makes it hard to justify compared to cheaper alternatives.
Similarly, Magic Johnson remains one of the best point guards in the game, but his rarity and high auction prices mean only a handful of players can realistically obtain him. The same issue applies to Ray Allen, who is currently so rare that there are virtually no listings on some platforms.
Other cards from the set also struggle to justify their price:
· Rajon Rondo – A solid point guard with good playmaking, but not worth the roughly 400K MT price tag.
· Zach Randolph – Good size and defense at 6'9", but his slow and awkward jump shot limits his offensive impact.
· Chandler Parsons – A smooth release and decent offensive stats, but the card is simply too expensive right now.
Overall, the Certified set ends up being one of the weaker MyTEAM releases this season. However, there is one standout card worth considering.
The Best Certified Set Pickup: Charlie Villanueva
If there is a single card from the set worth targeting, it’s Charlie Villanueva. Villanueva brings a unique combination of size and shooting ability that makes him extremely valuable at the small forward position. Standing at 6'11" and 232 pounds, he offers elite positional size that can create serious matchup problems.
Key strengths include:
· 94 Three-Point Shot
· 94 Mid-Range
· 94 Free Throw
· Elite jump shot release
· Strong player build
While he’s slightly slower than some other wings, his height and shooting ability allow him to dominate offensively. Still, he’s not a must-have card because there are several excellent free small forwards in MyTEAM right now, including options earned through various challenges and event rewards.
Still Elite: Pink Diamond Julius Erving
One of the best value cards currently available is Julius Erving, often referred to as Dr. J. Despite being a Season 1 card, his Pink Diamond version continues to compete with many newer releases. His smooth jump shot, athletic finishing, and strong badge set allow him to remain one of the best shooting guards in the game.
Players who want to maximize their potential should look for a badged-up version with additional Legend or Hall of Fame badges. These upgraded versions can remain competitive deep into the MyTEAM cycle.
Another Strong Pickup: Pink Diamond LeBron James
Another older card that still delivers elite performance is LeBron James. His Pink Diamond card has dropped significantly in price, making it a strong value pickup for players looking for a versatile wing. LeBron brings:
· Elite slashing ability
· Strong playmaking
· Excellent physical attributes
· Defensive versatility
Just like Dr. J, it’s worth searching for a badged-up version with extra Legend badges if you have the MT available.
Top Point Guard Options
Cade Cunningham (Dark Matter)
Cade Cunningham remains one of the better point guards in MyTEAM, particularly when you find upgraded versions with additional badges. However, his value depends on your roster. Some players may prefer using free Galaxy Opal point guards instead, which can perform at a similar level.
Still, a souped-up Dark Matter Cade with elite badges like:
· Deadeye
· Handles for Days
· Limitless Range
· Shifty Shooter
It can be an excellent investment.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
If you have NBA 2K26 MT, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best point guards in the game. The Dark Matter version sits at the very top tier of point guards, but even the Galaxy Opal version provides outstanding value. For players who don’t want to spend over a million MT, the Galaxy Opal variant offers incredible performance for a significantly lower price.
Elite Defensive Shooting Guards
Kawhi Leonard
Few cards can match the defensive dominance of Kawhi Leonard. His Galaxy Opal card is widely considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the game.
Kawhi excels at:
· Lockdown perimeter defense
· Steals and contesting shots
· Versatile scoring
For players who value defense at the shooting guard position, Kawhi is easily one of the best purchases available.
Paul George
Another excellent option is Paul George, whose Galaxy Opal card has become much more affordable recently. Paul George offers an excellent balance of offense and defense, making him one of the most complete wings available for a reasonable price.
Best Center Options Right Now
Manute Bol
Manute Bol remains one of the most dominant centers thanks to his incredible size. At 7'2", he provides elite rim protection and rebounding.
His defensive presence alone can completely change games, making him a top pickup if you have the MT.
Roy Hibbert (Budget Option)
For players on a tighter budget, Roy Hibbert is a fantastic option.
Usually available around 100K MT, Hibbert delivers:
· Excellent rim protection
· Reliable rebounding
· A surprisingly smooth jump shot
He’s easily one of the best budget centers currently available.
Greg Oden (Premium Big Man)
If you’re looking for a long-term investment at center, Greg Oden is one of the best big men in the game. His biggest advantage is positional flexibility—he can play both center and power forward. Early in the game cycle, he dominates at center, but later he can slide to power forward and remain effective thanks to his athleticism and defense.
Budget Shooting Guard Options
Players who don’t want to spend huge amounts of MT still have strong options.
Two excellent value cards include:
· Luke Walton – A surprisingly effective shooting guard with strong playmaking and shooting ability.
· Mike Miller – One of the best pure shooters available at a budget-friendly price.
Both cards provide excellent production relative to their cost.
Final Thoughts
Even though the Certified set in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM introduced several big-name players, the majority of the cards simply aren’t worth their current price. Outside of Charlie Villanueva, most players are better off looking elsewhere for value.
Right now, the smartest strategy is targeting older elite cards that have dropped in price, such as:
· Pink Diamond Julius Erving
· Pink Diamond LeBron James
· Galaxy Opal Kawhi Leonard
· Galaxy Opal Paul George
· Dark Matter Cade Cunningham
· Galaxy Opal Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Pair those players with strong big men like Manute Bol, Roy Hibbert, or Greg Oden, and you can build a competitive lineup without wasting MT on overpriced new releases.
As the MyTEAM market continues to fluctuate, staying patient and targeting high-value cards rather than chasing every new release remains the best strategy for building a dominant squad.