Creating your MyPlayer in NBA 2K26 is no small feat. Whether you’re grinding VC the slow way or spending real cash to push your rating to that sweet 85 overall mark, every point matters. With so much investment—both time and money—it’s easy to fall into the trap of building a typical slasher or rim-finisher, thinking that high-percentage shots will carry you through.

But that mindset might just haunt you once you step into The City.

Whether you’re planning to be a rim-running center, a lockdown defender, or a pure slasher, here are five reasons why your build absolutely needs to be at least a respectable three-point shooter in NBA 2K26.

#5 It’s Easier to Make Shots Now

The shooting mechanics in NBA 2K26 are far more forgiving than in previous versions. You don’t need to be a Steph Curry clone to keep defenders honest.

Even a modest three-point rating opens up badge opportunities that can dramatically improve your consistency. For example:

· A 73 three-point rating unlocks Bronze Deadeye, helping you reduce penalties on contested shots.

· Even a 65 three-point shooter can equip Set Shot Specialist to boost catch-and-shoot accuracy.

You can still thrive as a roll man or a pull-up threat without elite ratings, but giving yourself any shooting potential will instantly make your player more viable in both MyCareer and The City.

#4 You Help Space the Floor

Gone are the days of clogged paints and static bigs. Modern basketball—and NBA 2K26—revolves around floor spacing.

Thanks to the influence of players like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, teams live and die by spacing and ball movement. This applies equally in 2K. A shooting big man or wing forces opponents into tough decisions in every Pick and Roll (PNR) or Pick and Fade (PNF) scenario.

If your player can stretch the floor, defenses can’t just sit in the paint or collapse on your drives. You’ll create better looks for yourself and your teammates—especially for a Jokic-style playmaker who thrives on reading mismatches and forcing defensive errors.

Slashers still work, but defenders can crowd the lane easily. Shooters, on the other hand, keep everyone guessing and open up the court.

#3 Non-Shooters Don’t Get Crew Invites

Here’s some tough love: in The City, nobody wants to run with a non-shooter.

You could be a defensive monster, but if your build can’t contribute offensively, your teammates will eventually move on. Why? Because in competitive 2K gameplay, spacing and scoring flexibility are everything.

If your matchup doesn’t need to guard you beyond 15 feet, your team’s offense collapses. You’ll find it harder to get games, build chemistry, and earn VC.

Having a jump shot doesn’t just make you more useful—it makes you desirable. Squads love balanced players who can shoot, pass, and defend. Without shooting, you’re at a disadvantage before the game even starts.

#2 Shooters Are Future-Proofed

Every year, 2K tweaks the meta. Sometimes slashing gets nerfed. Sometimes, inside scoring becomes harder. But one thing remains consistent: shooting always matters.

By investing a few points into your three-point rating, you’re future-proofing your build. You’ll remain relevant no matter how the game evolves—whether it’s through patches, gameplay balancing, or community trends.

This applies in MyCareer too. AI defenders in NBA 2K26 are smarter than ever. If your shooting percentage is poor, they’ll simply stop guarding you, making scoring a nightmare.

And let’s be honest: it’s easier to earn an A+ teammate grade by dropping 25 points and limiting turnovers than by playing perfect defense. Offense moves the needle, and shooting keeps you at the center of the action.

#1 Shooting Makes You Unpredictable

The best players aren’t the most athletic—they’re the hardest to read.

When defenders can’t figure out your next move, you become a nightmare to guard. Being able to attack off the dribble, finish at the rim, and pull up from deep gives you total offensive control.

Even if you’re not a pure sharpshooter, having a solid jumper makes you unpredictable. A player who can slash, shoot, and facilitate will always outplay a one-dimensional 3-and-D corner camper.

Unpredictability wins games. It opens lanes, creates mismatches, and forces mistakes—exactly what separates good players from elite ones.

Final Thoughts

The era of one-dimensional builds is over.

In NBA 2K26, three-point shooting isn’t optional—it’s essential. Every position benefits from at least a respectable jumper. It makes you more valuable in The City, keeps you competitive through future patches, and ultimately gives you more ways to impact the game.

So before you dump all your VC into maxing out Driving Dunk or Interior Defense, take a step back. Give your player enough range to keep defenders honest.

Because in NBA 2K26, the three-ball is your ticket to survival—and without it, you’re just another liability waiting to be benched.