NBA 2K22 Courtside Report: All gameplay changes to dribbling and dunking

The NBA 2K22 latest Courtside Report details all the gameplay changes coming to this year's game. One of the biggest changes is the dribbling and dunking mechanics. Although the system of each is familiar, there are newly added features to both dribbling and dunking.

Dribbling

The biggest change to dribbling in NBA 2K22 is the size-up moves. Basic size moves done by flicking the right stick in directions are replaced with Signature Size-Ups. Signature Size-Ups make it so players can chain size-up moves together instead of just basic ones. Previously, the Signature Size-Up could only be done by flicking the right stick up, which would launch a full animation. Now, in 2K22, players can flick any direction for Signature Size-Ups like Harden's between the legs dribbles or KD's big hesis. There are 50 size-up packages to choose from with unique advantages.

There are also 32 different Signature Combos that can be pulled off using a combination of dribble moves. However, players do not have to worry about the Curry Slide or the speed boost exploit, as 2K developers have said it is removed. However, players will be able to pull off even more dribble moves with cancels, chains, and left stick movements. The 28 unique dribble styles have been revamped, making dribbling more precise and unique for each player. Height also comes into play, as taller players will not be able to outpace smaller players with dribbling, making gameplay more realistic.

Related: What is the Shot Meter in NBA 2K22?

Dunking

There are a couple of new mechanics and animations for dunking in NBA 2K22 next-gen. First, alley-oops have been revamped to make the receiver of the alley-oop more interactive. If a user-controlled player goes up for an alley-oop, they must time the dunk using the new Shot Meter. Also, the Flashy Dunk has been replaced with an aggressive dunk attempt, which are unique dunks that require timing on the shot meter. The aggressive dunk can be done with a defender in front, giving players the opportunity to dunk over a defender, miss the dunk, or be stuffed by the defender.

NBA 2K22 will also feature dunk celebrations. Much like green shot release animations, perfectly timed aggressive dunks will trigger dunk celebrations, which can be equipped to MyPlayers. These dunk features are only available on the next-gen version, but current-gen is expected to have new dunk animations.

For more NBA 2K22 guides, check out All New Badges in NBA 2K22 on Pro Game Guides.