NBA 2K And The Effects It Has On Basketball IQ In The NBA
Apr 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) shoots the ball over Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) during the second half in game six of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
NBA 2K17 is available now for basketball gaming enthusiasts, but 2K may have a better impact on your Basketball IQ than you think
If you were to ask any basketball player what their favorite video game is, their response 95 percent of the time would be NBA 2K.
Ask them for their reason and you might be sitting there for another 30 minutes as they rant and rave about all things they love about 2K – gameplay, graphics, historic teams, Euroleague, my player. We can spend hours upon hours of free time dedicated to 2K perfecting our “game”. I would consider myself an Outlier in 2K, putting my necessary 10,000 hours in a long time ago.
However, I always wondered if maybe… just maybe… playing this video game was actually helping me improve in real life. Crazy concept? Not really.
When you think of the amount of options you have from running plays to substitution patterns and overall gameplay strategy, it is helping in some way. I don’t think playing everyday will improve my jump shot or enhance my speed, but it could be improving my Basketball Intelligence, more commonly called Basketball IQ.
Let’s take a look at the features that could be positively impacting a basketball player’s game on the court.
Jun 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to his team in the huddle in the third quarter in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Artificial Intelligence
For those who don’t know, you do not control every player on the court at the same time. Only Goro from Mortal Kombat could complete such a task. Thankfully, 2K relies on Artificial Intelligence to control your teammates and aid you during the game. Each player is equipped with their own set of skills and attributes that replicate their game in real life.
You will find Klay Thompson spotting up on the wing for a three, but a player like Gerald Green will slash to the basket more often than not.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the part of the game that makes improving your Basketball IQ possible. It gives you the ability to run plays through perfect execution from all angles of the court. You can also learn how players read and react to what you do on the floor.
For example, let’s say you are a post player playing 2K and you pass the ball to a big man on the block and the defense sends a double team. Your best shooter might spot up at the three, while your high-flyer cuts to the basket and the point guard relocates to an open lane for an outlet. You now have watched three options come across your screen that could result in a successful basket.
When you catch the ball on the block the next time you’re playing and you see a double team coming what will you do? Hopefully your team has more intelligence than the game and you can make the same successful read you did in 2K.
Another benefit is understanding the roles and strengths of each player on a team. If you are a point guard, you need to know your personnel (KYP). In 2K, these players have with icons that tell you exactly what a teammate’s strengths are. Recognizing these strengths is the difference between a win or loss in the video game and in real life.
In 2K, if you take 10 threes with DeMarcus Cousins and run post up plays for Isaiah Thomas, you don’t know your personnel. Using players in the correct positions at the right times in the video game, will give you a better understanding of the way your own teammates need are used.
Jan 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers players Chris Paul (3) and DeAndre Jordan (6), forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (12) and Austin Rivers (25) and J.J. Redick (4) huddle during an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Rockers 140-132 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Learning Styles
We can all agree that there are multiple learning styles and what works for one may not work for another. Some are auditory learners, read/write learners, visual learners or kinesthetic learners. In basketball, most of our learning is through Kinesthetic learning which is through physical activity and actually doing the task. We run practices and perform drills everyday to perfect our craft.
If you reach a higher level of basketball (High School, College, Pros), you will be introduced to visual learning tactics as well. This can come in the form of film, demonstration or notes. According to OnlineCollege.org, 27.6% of the population are Kinesthetic Learners and 20.6% are Visual Learners.
NBA 2K incorporates both. It is a hands on simulation of a basketball game for the Kinesthetic learner and a physical representation for the Visual Learner.
If you are playing the game, try to analyze the reactions of the other players on the court. Drive to the basket and see which defenders help off their man to stop you from getting to the basket.
Send a double team to an offensive player and recognize which players cut to the basket. Run a play for a shooter and watch how he reads the screen to get open for a shot.
If you are watching the game, then 2K becomes your own instructional basketball course. If you see a player open in the corner, remember that the next time you want to make a skip pass. On a fastbreak, if you see a player make a turnover by passing it through the lane, store that memory as well.
Whether you are using the controller or simply watching friends play, you can always be learning.
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Play With a Purpose
With an understanding that playing NBA 2K has real life benefits, it is time to play with a purpose. Using LeBron James every play down the floor and trying to dunk on the entire team will not do a single thing for you. Well it would be an impressive stat line but that is besides the point.
To reap the benefits of playing 2K on a daily basis you have to step out of your comfort zone.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
Instead of using an overall star 100 times in a row, try running new plays. NBA 2K17 has made substantial improvements on both sides of the floor in this department. Utilize some of the box sets and let the professional plays develop. If you lack the patience, Pick & Rolls are a great way to practice reading and reacting to the defense.
On defense, try a full court press or a half-court trap and watch how the offense reacts. If the offense is successful, see where they exploited the defense and use that the next time you face a press.
There are so many ways NBA 2K can be used for your advantage, it is entirely up to you.
The game of basketball is all about runs. Momentum can shift many times in a competitive competition and the same goes for the video game. 2K has a habit of rewarding “good basketball”; shooting in rhythm, making the extra pass and consistent smart plays. The more plays you make with a high level of Basketball IQ the greater your rewards will be. Step into a shot in transition without hesitation and watch the ball go in 90 percent of the time. Hesitate or hold in the air too long and you could be in for a nice long cold streak.
These kinds of effects are very similar to situations players find themselves in when they are actually on the court.
The next time you sit down to play your favorite video game, strategize to get better not just in the game, but on the court as well.