When creating a new player many people will ask which non-archetype specific badges they should prioritize. With the help of NBA2kLab we have compiled a list of what we feel are the most important bronze badges in the game for every player. The badges order in the tier does not matter.
Tier 1 – Everyone Should Have
Dimer – In our testing we saw an almost 5 percent increase in made shots with bronze dimer. A good teammate should be able make his teammates better regardless of position.
Defensive Stopper – Defense is half of the battle and often where games are won. Bronze Defensive stopper will drop all of the offensive bronze badges of your matchup when it triggers. This badge does not trigger every time.
Hustle Rebounder – When matched up with an identical player where the only difference was one player had hustle rebounder and the other did not the player with the badge won 55% of rebounds where each player had an equal chance to get the board. Having hustle rebounder on a smaller player like a playmaker or slasher can often be very powerful to dominate your matchup when it comes to rebounds.
Catch & Shoot – This badge will improve your shooting from both the 3-point arc and midrange. You will be able to feel an immediate impact with this badge.
Acrobat – In past years this badge has only activated on crafty layups but in 2k17 it activates on every attempt. Having this badge will lead to more contested layups going in.
Midrange Deadeye – A midrange shot is something every player should have and this badge will lead to 4% more makes on contested shots which can bail you out at the end of a shot clock when forcing a shot is a must.
Corner Specialist – Turn any archetype into a 3 points shooter with this badge. 3 percent more greens and 3 percent more makes. One of the major appeals of this badge is how easy it is to get, combined with the likelihood of getting a hotspot in the corner while obtaining this badge. Even with a low 3-point rating you will be greening corner 3s.
Tier 2 – Essential For Certain Archetypes
Relentless Finisher – Arguably more important for Pro-Am where stamina is more of a factor. Low stamina will lead to more missed layups. The damage to your stamina is done before the shot is released so this badge will lead to more made layups due to your higher energy.
Posterizer – In our testing we saw a 7 percent increase in made dunks when going into a contact dunk animation. That is a large jump for just a bronze badge. Under Basket Rim Pulls are likely your best bet to obtain this badge as a small player. Contact dunk animations are not required to get the badge, just be near an opponent.
Difficult Shots – If you want to attempt moving shots you must get this badge. We found a 12.5 percent increase in made moving shots with the bronze version.
Limitless Range – At one step past the 3-point arc there was a 12 percent increase in made 3s and near the hash mark there was an 8 percent increase. This badge will help you stretch the court because your matchup will be required to guard you 2 steps past the 3 point line.
Deep Range Deadeye – See midrange deadeye
Rim Protector – Activates on all blocks, not just those around the rim.
Pick Pocket – 3 to 5 percent increase in steal success depending on the ball handler’s ball control rating. If you are grinding badges on rookie you will likely get this badge without even trying.
Pick & Roll Maestro – Very good for playing 2s with a glass cleaner partner. When grinding for this badge, save yourself some effort and pair it with lob city finisher and dimer to get all 3 at once.
Bruiser – Get more bump animations on defense.
Tier 3 – Good But Not Essential
Brick Wall – You won’t knock anyone down with the bronze version of the badge but you will see about a 3 percent increase in solid screens.
Lob City Passer – Do defensive stopper before lob city passer to take advantage of stray completed alley oops when intentionally turning the ball over. Going for this badge also stacks well with dimer.
Lob City Finisher – Small increase in made alley oops. Your dunk rating and passer’s pass rating will have a larger impact than the bronze version of this badge.
Tireless Scorer – Especially important for players who like to attack the rim where you lose a large amount of energy. To get this badge you need to attempt 400 moving shots, your energy bar does not matter.
One Man Fast Break – Increased speed after a rebound. You are very likely to get this badge without putting in any effort due to scores off of fast breaks.
Putback King – You are already grinding offensive rebounds going for hustle rebounder so you might as well get this one as well. Unlikely to have a large effect as a small player. You only need putback attempts for this badge, the shot does not have to go in.
Post Spin Technician – If you like to work in the post, you can call this a tier 2 badge. Can be quite effective when paired with higher post control than your matchup.
Up and Under – If you like to work in the post, you can call this a tier 2 badge. However, this move is more effective against computers than actual people.
Drop Stepper – If you like to work in the post, you can call this a tier 2 badge. A great move to power past your man in the post if your strength is higher than theirs.
Pick and Pop – Often trigger even when you roll to the basket. Small increase in make percentage at the bronze level.
Pick and Roller – Allows you to finish through contact at a slightly higher level.
Ankle Breaker – Unlikely that you will break many ankles with only the bronze badge.
Tear Dropper – Up your “shot close” if you want to attempt tear droppers. Will sometimes trigger from contested layups.
Tier 4 – Don’t Waste Your Time
Pick Dodger – Less than a 2 percent increase in slipped screens and did not prevent knockdowns at all. This can be a pain to grind for on rookie for such a small increase.
Charge Card – No charges in park, small increase in Pro-Am.
Break Starter – This will only tempt you into turnovers. Be very cautious when attempting to use the badge as you will air mail the ball over your matchups head regularly.
Flashy Passer – Purely for looks as far as we can tell.
Chasedown – Not worth the effort needed. Very minimal increase in chasedown blocks.