2024 Season Preview #3 - NGC, HTG, GEN.G, PGT, RUG - NBA 2K League

2024 Season Preview #3 – NGC, HTG, GEN.G, PGT, RUG

 

Nets GC heads into the 2024 season looking to make some noise in the Eastern Conference in both game modes after playoff berths in 3v3 and 5v5 in 2023.

Returning to Brooklyn after a sensational season which included a Rookie Of The Year award is Point Guard Greens. The former number two overall pick immediately solidified himself as one of the best guards in the league and looks to carry the momentum into the upcoming season. Some of the things that make him great are his efficiency from the field on a consistent basis across both game modes and his ability to leave the opposing defender on skates often to create space for himself. Joining Greens in the backcourt after an offseason trade with Mavs Gaming is Reizey. After a down year in Dallas, Reizey gets another opportunity to return to form with a new squad. Also joining the Nets in 2024 is Center OneWildWalnut. After a great season with Bucks Gaming last season, Walnut reunites with former teammate Steez to hone down the paint for the team. This is a team that I expect to play a lot of defense while having a balanced offensive approach as well. If Reizey has a bounce-back season, while Walnut creates mayhem down low, Reizey has an opportunity to win the Most Improved Player Award, while Walnut has the chance to claim his second Most Valuable Player Award. How Far will this team go? For me, this team will go as far as Greens goes and as far as their defense will lead them. I have NGC making the playoffs in both game modes. Can returning veteran Lockdown Defender Streetz and Sophomore sensation Greens lead the squad to the top? We will find out soon.

 

Hawks Talon GC entered the 2024 NBA 2K League Draft with picks number 11 and 35 to finalize their roster around returning Shooting Guard MDS and offseason acquisitions UnderRatedGoat and Glo. With the 11th overall pick, they selected Power Forward BaitPicKK. 

Bait was a great selection for the team as he is a solid shooter and he plays very sound defense in the pick-and-roll. He will be able to bolster what was a poor defensive team in 2023. With the 35th and final pick in the draft, the Hawks selected Point Guard Duck. He is an efficient scorer consistently and a dynamic facilitator. The veteran heads into season seven with so much to prove after being dropped by Lakers Gaming prior to 5v5 play beginning last season. With a new opportunity and a fresh start, how far can Duck lead this team? While that question remains to be seen, I see Hawks Talon clinching the playoffs in threes at minimum. 

The Gen.G Tigers head into the 2024 season hoping to hit the ground running in both game modes. Gen.G had themselves a busy offseason so let’s look back at their trades before we discuss their draft picks. 

The only player remaining from last year’s team is former number-one overall selection Gallo. Joining the Tigers for the new season to complete the backcourt is Shooting Guard ReeseDaGod who comes over from Grizz Gaming. I think this was a great trade for Gen.G. Reese excels in catch-and-shoot situations and is able to create open opportunities for himself with the ball in his hands which will help alleviate pressure off of Gallo to score the ball. Also coming over via trade is Small Forward LawRich. Law is someone who burst on the scene during his rookie campaign with NBL Oz Gaming in 2023. His tremendous one-on-one defensive ability in both game modes and his ability to score in late-shot clock situations are just a few reasons that he was able to cement himself in the category of elite Lockdown Defender after his rookie campaign. At pick number 18 in the 2024 2KL draft, the team selected Center Boot to protect the rim for the squad during the season. Boot is a very sound player on both ends of the floor. He showcases great scoring and rebounding abilities but can find himself getting caught trying to make the extra pass when he has a wide-open layup or dunk. At pick number 28, the Tigers finalized the roster by selecting Power Forward Jolo. Jolo is a solid shooter offensively and a great defender in the P&R. You may remember Jolo from last season’s 3v3 amateur team Dot Squad. After years of success in the 5v5 pro-am scene and in 3v3, he finally gets his chance at the pro level. I’m ecstatic to see if he will be able to translate his quality play on the retail version of the game to the league.

Pistons GT came into the 2024 NBA 2K League Draft looking to solidify their roster around Ant,  Bsmoove, and Jomar, plus the return of Connor. With the 26th overall pick, Detroit selected Center Monuhh. 

He is a fantastic player who excels at finishing at the rim offensively and controlling the glass on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he does a great job of shading out of the corner to not allow open shots. Occasionally, he does find himself giving up corner threes or a backdoor cut. More often than not, he is lurking in the passing lanes to help create turnovers for his team. The question remains, was this too big of a risk for Detroit or will the international rookie leave his mark on the league? Can the 2023 MVP lead PGT to the top in 2024? We will find out when the season kicks off in just a few weeks.

Raptors Uprising GC went into the 2024 2KL draft needing a Shooting Guard to complete their roster. With the 32nd overall pick, they selected Simptoms. He is a tremendous player who showcases strong three-point shot-making qualities and great two-way defensive attributes. The way he is able to create separation from his defender is something that sticks out to me. These are a few reasons why he is a great fit for the team.  

Now, let’s talk about some of their offseason moves. Raptors Uprising acquired Point Guard Antoinelove. After averaging 24.7 points per game in 5v5 last season he brings consistent offensive firepower and efficiency to the team headed into the new season. His game management skills also stand out. These are just a few of the reasons that Antoinelove is in the upper echelon of guards in the league. Lastly, coming over in a trade from Grizz Gaming is Crush. Crush is an outstanding player on offense and defense, but his defense is what sets him apart from the rest of the pack. His communication, consistent shooting, and his ability to wreak havoc defensively are a few reasons that he is one of the best players in the league. With Head Coach Nick Gartrelle now at the helm of the squad, can he help the Raptors get back to their winning ways?