The aim-meter 2K21 MT mechanic is really hard to grasp, but has led to some quite satisfying one-on-one isolation victories. It's nice being able to use the right stick exclusively as a dribbling tool until I'm ready to pull back for a shot. The capability to size-up, which is tied to unique dribbling animations for lots of the top players in the league, and also isolate is far better than ever. I spent a few hours experimenting with different playstyles, like easing the pick-and-roll using Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. It's tremendously rewarding to utilize Doncic's size and footwork to make space - something that I could not replicate with other guards on the team, like Seth Curry. While it's not completely new, NBA 2K21's ability to emulate players' playstyles is exceptional this year.

That said, there are a couple annoying gameplay issues I have come across, also. Fastbreaks seem marginally improved, but player spacing continues to be noticeably off. For example, even my best three-point shooters will monitor within the three-point line on fast breaks when they would be better off finding space in the corner. In general, it feels like NBA 2K21 hasn't fully adapted to the accent modern NBA basketball has set on the three-point line. Quick catch-and-shoots are not as common as they should be, and final out remains far too easy on defense.

Likewise frustrating is that the CPU's ability to create problems for itself. It functioned as a jarring reminder I was not, in fact, experiencing a real game of NBA basketball.

From a cursory glance, MyLeague appears to have received almost zero upgrades. The mode has a good set of features built into it already, but that is actually the second year in a row without noteworthy advancements. As someone who enjoys to deep-dive into franchise construction, it's Cheap NBA 2K21 MT Coins really disappointing that there is so little effort being placed into the mode.