In NBA 2K23, the court is bigger than just the three-point arc. That should be obvious, but with last year's game, Visual Concepts admitted shooters had too much of an advantage. Talented shooters made shots consistently and with less-than-lifelike effort, while even lesser-skilled players could drain long jumpers and three-pointers if they only got an open look. Among a host of other gameplay changes in NBA 2K23, the focus in this fall's game is about bringing balance back to the offensive game, and empowering players to work in the paint and attack the rim.

"We looked at how virtual games were playing out compared to the real-life NBA," said NBA 2K gameplay director Mike Wang. "And it was clear that we needed to give more love to slashers who love to finish at the rim. This meant expanding the tools for attacking the basket." With that in mind, NBA 2K23 starts with an improved Pro Stick, meant to give players more maneuverability in the paint.

New gesture combos, such as double throws and switchbacks, are meant to provide shooting windows in tight quarters, when the defense is bearing down on you. Double-throw gestures are used for hop-step layups, while switchback gestures are used for Euro-step and cradle layups.