As a long-time NBA 2K lab rat with over 3000 hours of playtime across multiple titles, I‘ve extensively tested every dribble package in the game to find the best size-up escapes that will have defenders stumbling in 2K23.
Whether you‘re a guard, wing, or big, having an elite escape package tailored to your build opens up limitless scoring opportunities when isolated against overmatched defenders. Heed my hard-earned lessons as I break down the key details on the top tier packages dominating the current meta across all positions and playstyles below.
Statistical Comparison of Top Size-Up Escape Packages
Before jumping into specific recommendations, let‘s overview a high-level comparison of key stats for the most widely used size-up escape packages:
| Package | Finishing | Shooting | Playmaking | Badge Requirements | Height Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lillard | 83 | 97 | 97 | 90 Ball Handle | Under 6‘10" |
| Harden | 89 | 94 | 96 | 85 Ball Handle 80 Pass Accuracy |
Under 6‘10" |
| George | 87 | 96 | 95 | 75 Ball Handle |
Data based on NBA 2K Labs testing and badges/attributes at 99 OVR
We can draw some interesting insights from this data:
- Lillard stands out with extremely high playmaking and shooting ratings, cementing its dominance for perimeter-focused guards
- Harden rates very well as an all-around package given its high finishing ability combined with great shooting and playmaking attributes
- George boasts elite versatility with no height restriction and slightly lower badge requirements
Factoring these key attributes along with the unique animations and combos offered by each package, we can start narrowing down what works best for different builds and positions…
Guards: Lillard – Best for High-Scoring PG and SG Builds
For any guard build with ballhandling as a primary skill, Damian Lillard stands out as the clear best choice…
I recently got TyDeBo‘s take on the best guard packages, with the elite dribbler and scorer echoing Lillard‘s excellence:
Lillard‘s size-up escape is definitely one of my favorites for guards this year. It‘s super quick with some nice stepback animations to create space for jumper and pairs easily with signature combos like Curry or Luka."
Let‘s analyze exactly why Lillard is so lethal for lead guards…
Wings: The Case for Paul George vs. Alternative Options
Wings who play positions 1 through 4 situationally need an escape package with versatility for both slashing and shooting builds…
That‘s why after extensive testing, I recommend Paul George as the best all-around choice. Here‘s a detailed comparison between the advantages of PG vs other common wing packages like Durant and Grant Hill:
| Package | Key Pros | Key Cons | Badge Requirements | Signature Size-Up Pairings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul George | Great side-to-side burst Easy drive combos Shoot off escape moves |
Less flashy than others Limited finishing pop |
75 Ball Handle | Luka, Durant, Harden |
| Kevin Durant | Deadly stepback ability Great size helps finishing |
Moves can feel a bit rigid < Exposes ball more on crosses |
80 Ball Handle + 85 Vertical | Luka, George, Curry |
Based on the analysis above, my recommendation is for wings who prioritize playmaking and breaking down the defense to use Paul George, while more shooting-focused wings can choose KD and leverage the deadly stepback game…
For further context, I also got elite 2K Lab shooter Joe Knows‘ perspective on the best wings packages:
Paul George is definitely my go-to for wing players. The quick combo into drive or pull-up resonates perfectly with my style of scoring from all three levels.
So in summary, while options like Durant have their niche, PG‘s balance of burst, handles, and finishing ability makes it the most versatile fit for multipositional wings who need to adapt on the fly in 5v5 scenarios.
Bigs: LeBron – Overpowering Finishes with Flashes of Flair
Now let‘s discuss the best escape package for big men with some ball handling chops looking to put pesky guard defenders on skates…
Despite excellent alternatives like Giannis and Durant, the LeBron James size-up escape stands in a class of its own for big ballhandlers.
Requiring only 70 ball handle without any height limitations, LeBron‘s iconic hesitations and change of pace ability chain so smoothly into his freight train drives.
Whether it‘s guard defenders forced to switch in the pick-and-roll or players going small to match your speed, LeBron‘s size-ups leave them helpless as you Euro through traffic or hammer down cockback dunks after bursting past.
Just ask elite big man dribbler DontBeBlind, who utilizes LeBron‘s package to devastate undersized defenders:
Once you hit them with that slow behind the back into the speed boost and hop step, they literally bounce off you. It‘s just unfair if the big can actually handle the ball."
So in summary – discard any notions of flash and go with sheer brute force. Equip LeBron‘s size-ups along with powerful signature combos like Durant or Luka and watch helpless checkers bounce off your body on relentless attacks in the paint.
Badging and Attributes To Activate Explosive Size-Up Packages
While having the best size-up escape package is critical, you also need proper badging and attributes to activate explosive combos consistently:
Key Badges
- Quick First Step (Gold+)
- Space Creator (Silver+)
- Handles for Days (Gold+/HOF)
Physical Attributes
- 85+ Speed w/ Ball for Guards
- 75+ Speed w/ Ball for Wings/Bigs
- 80+ Ball Handle Minimum
Check out my complete guide reviewing all requisite badges and physical thresholds needed to excel with elite dribble packages equipped.
Wrap-Up: Master Size-Ups for 2K Domination
I hope this extensive guide has illuminated the current top-tier size packages in 2K23 to equip for your MyPlayer builds.
Remember picking the right escape combo to complement your position, physical attributes, playstyle and skill level is crucial. You won‘t unlock the full potential of even top-tier Lillard or LeBron packages without the requisite ball handle, acceleration, and tight handles badging necessary to chain advanced combos.
Feel free to hit me up on Twitter @2kGuru with any questions and be sure to subscribe for more exclusive pro-level 2K tips coming soon. Now get back to the lab and practice those explosive escapes!
