Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

[Kruza]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Now for the Suns. Starting lineup:

PG – Steve Nash
SG – Raja Bell
SF – Grant Hill
PF – Amare Stoudemire
C – Shaquille O’Neal

I had considered the idea of starting Leandro Barbosa at SG and bringing Raja Bell off the bench. But in the end I thought that it was better to have Bell starting since he brings better perimeter defense. Barbosa is better suited for the role of being the primary scorer coming off the bench. On to the plays:

PF Decision (1-4 High set) / PF Low Post 2 (Flex 4 set)
Here are two Post plays that allow STAT to go to work on the low block. The layout of both plays has been explained in the Jazz playbook.

PG-PF High Screen Roll (Baseline 2 set) / PG-PF Pick & Roll 2 (Motion 5 set)
These are two P&R plays involving Nash and Stoudemire. The layout of the former play has been explained in the Pistons playbook while the layout of the latter play has been explained in the 76ers playbook.

C Low Block (Triangle 3 set) / C Quick Post (Triangle 5 set)
Here are two Post plays featuring The Diesel. The layout of both plays has been explained in the Clippers playbook.

PG Clearout (1-4 High set) / PG Wing Iso (Flex 3 set)
These are two Isolation plays for Nash. The layout of both plays has been explained in the Clippers playbook.

SF Popout (Box set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Cavaliers playbook. Hill (Suns SF), Bell (SG), Nash (PG) and Shaq (C) are the key players in this play.

PG Loop (Motion 3 set)
This is a cool play that’s designed to get Nash an open look near the free throw line area. Nash has the ball at the top of the key. Bell stands on the left wing behind the arc, Hill stands on the right wing behind the arc, Stoudemire stands near the left baseline and Shaq stands on the right block. Nash passes the ball to Bell then moves along the arc through the left wing and circles around to the short left corner where Stoudemire is standing. While Nash is on the move, Bell dribbles to the top of the key then passes the ball to Hill. Next, Nash will go along the baseline then loop around the screen set by Shaq to get to the free throw line area. Hill will then pass the ball to Nash at that spot. It’s possible for Hill to throw a lead pass to Nash that’s directed away from the defender right before the catch via directional lead passing if timed well enough. This is a way to possibly give Nash a little more room to get his shot off on the catch against the defender who’s trailing him closely.

Quick Hit SG (Box set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Hill (Suns SF), Bell (SG) and Nash (PG) are the key players in this play.

Free Wings (Motion 1 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Nash (Suns PG), Bell (SG) and Hill (SF) are the key players in this play.

Next: Bobcats

Kruza

[Kruza]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Now for the Bobcats. Starting lineup:

PG – Raymond Felton
SG – Jason Richardson
SF – Gerald Wallace
PF – Emeka Okafor
C – Nazr Mohammed

Gerald Wallace is certainly capable of doing a fine job playing at the PF spot. However, I think rebounding is sorely needed at that position so I decided to go with a conventional lineup and insert Nazr Mohammed as center, so to move Emeka Okafor back to where he belongs. Adam Morrison can be the designated sixth man who’s counted on to provide a scoring punch off the bench. On to the plays:

SG Wing Iso (1-4 High set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Hawks playbook. J-Rich (Bobcats SG) is the player featured in this play.

Guard Pick & Fade (Flex 3 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Hawks playbook. Felton (Bobcats PG) and J-Rich (SG) are the key players in this play.

PG Wing Iso (Flex 3 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Clippers playbook. Felton (Bobcats PG) is the player featured in this play.

Quick Hit SG (Box set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Wallace (Bobcats SF), J-Rich (SG) and Felton (PG) are the key players in this play.

PG-PF High Screen Roll (Baseline 2 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Pistons playbook. Felton (Bobcats PG) and Okafor (PF) are the key players in this play.

Wing Exchange (Triangle 3 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the 76ers playbook. Felton (Bobcats PG) and Okafor (PF) are the key players in this play.

PF Decision (Baseline 1 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Jazz playbook. Okafor (Bobcats PF), Felton (PG) and J-Rich (SG) are the key players in this play.

Complement SG 3 (Triangle 3 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Spurs playbook. J-Rich (Bobcats SG), Okafor (PF), Wallace (SF) and Mohammed (C) are key players in this play.

Next: Blazers

Kruza

[Kruza]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Now for the Blazers. Starting lineup:

PG – Jerryd Bayless
SG – Brandon Roy
SF – Travis Outlaw
PF – LaMarcus Aldridge
C – Greg Oden

The only dilemma I had is who to start at the SF spot between Travis Outlaw and Martell Webster. In a brief comparison, Outlaw is longer and more athletic while Webster is the better 3-pt shooter. A strong argument can be made starting either guy. I simply favored starting the more athletic guy, but I can easily see someone going the other way and favoring the better long-range shooter. Especially with the team also starts two big men who can do some damage in the post and may command double teams from time to time. I can’t see anything wrong with that. Anyway, on to the plays:

SG Top Arc (Flex 4 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Heat playbook. Roy (Blazers SG) and Bayless (PG) are the key players in this play.

PG Choice (Flex 2 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Pistons playbook. Bayless (Blazers PG), Roy (SG) and Aldridge (PF) are the key players in this play.

Razor Elbows (Flex 1 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Hornets playbook. Bayless (Blazers PG), Outlaw (SF) and Aldridge (PF) are the key players in this play.

SG Wing Iso (1-4 High set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Hawks playbook. Roy (Blazers SG) is the player featured in this play.

PG-PF Pick & Roll (Flex 2 set) / PG-PF Pick & Roll 2 (Motion 5 set)
These are two P&R plays featuring Bayless and Aldridge. The layout of the former play has been explained in the Hawks playbook while the layout of the latter play has been explained in the 76ers playbook.

SG Pick & Pop (Flex 2 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Roy (Blazers SG), Outlaw (SF) and Bayless (PG) are the key players in this play.

SG Wing Screen (Baseline 1 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Roy (Blazers SG), Aldridge (PF) and Bayless (PG) are the key players in this play.

Quick Hit SG (Box set)
Once again, the layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets. Outlaw (Blazers SF), Roy (SG) and Bayless (PG) are the key players in this play.

Next: Wizards

Kruza

[Kruza]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Now for the Wizards. Starting lineup:

PG – Antonio Daniels
SG – DeShawn Stevenson
SF – Caron Butler
PF – Antawn Jamison
C – Etan Thomas

I feel for Wizards users the same way as I do Warriors users because of the same reason – that big void at the PG position that nothing can done about now courtesy of Living Rosters. It dramatically influences the type of plays that could and/or should be called whenever a team’s best player is out, and that’s the case with the Wizards and Gilbert Arenas. All that can be done is hope that the injury to Arenas is fully healed and he gets back playing as soon as he possibly can. The only other issue is at the C spot. While it’s a dead heat between Brendan Haywood and Etan Thomas, I favored starting Thomas because he’s a better defensive rebounder and post defender. However, Haywood is amazing at offensive rebounding and not as much of a liability on the free throw line as he’ll no doubt get fouled quite a bit on the number of putback attempts he’ll get during a course of a game. Even though I’m going with Thomas, I can see a strong argument going both ways on which player to start, so I can’t declare one guy over the other. Both guys will receive just about equal playing time for me anyway while playing time for Andray Blatche gets seriously cut down. On to the plays:

Baseline Curl (1-4 High set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Clippers playbook. Butler (Wizards SF), Stevenson (SG) and Daniels (PG) are the key players in this play.

PF Screen Post (Baseline 1 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Hornets playbook. Jamison (Wizards PF), Stevenson (SG) and Daniels (PG) are the key players in this play.

SF Screen Iso (Triangle 4 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the 76ers playbook. Butler (Wizards SF) is the player featured in this play.

Free Wings (Motion 1 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Daniels (Wizards PG), Stevenson (SG) and Butler (SF) are the key players in this play.

Double Cross 2 (1-4 High set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Mavericks playbook. Butler (Wizards SF), Jamison (PF) and Daniels (PG) are the key players in this play.

Pocket Forwards (Flex 3 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Jazz playbook. Butler (Wizards), Jamison (PF) and Daniels (PG) are the key players in this play.

PG-PF Pick & Roll (Flex 2 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Hawks playbook. Daniels (Wizards PG) and Jamison (PF) are the key players in this play.

SG Pick & Pop (Flex 2 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Butler (Wizards SF) and Stevenson (SG) are the key players in this play.

Next: Timberwolves

Kruza

[Kruza]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Now for the Timberwolves. Starting lineup:

PG – Randy Foye
SG – Rashad McCants
SF – Mike Miller
PF – Kevin Love
C – Al Jefferson

I had thought about starting Mike Miller as SG and Corey Brewer as SF. However, the Timberwolves have a few plays in their playbook that features the SF, and executing these plays with Corey Brewer wouldn’t bring the same type of effectiveness and results as they would with Mike Miller. So Miller gets the nod as SF. Now that means a decision has to be made on who to start at SG between Brewer and Rashad McCants. And as one can see, I went with starting McCants here mainly because he’s the better shooter and scorer. I also briefly considered having Al Jefferson and Kevin Love swap positions, but the Timberwolves playbook has more Post plays for the center than for the power forward, and Jefferson is the better low post player of the two. On to the plays:

PG-C Pick & Roll (1-4 High set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Jazz playbook. Foye (T’Wolves PG) and Jefferson (C) are the key players in this play.

PG-PF Pick & Roll 2 (Motion 1 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Hawks playbook. Foye (T’Wolves PG) and Love (PF) are the key players in this play.

Quick Hit SG (Box set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Miller (T’Wolves SF), McCants (SG) and Foye (PG) are the key players in this play.

SF Popout (Box set) / SF Weakside (Motion 1 set)
These are two plays designed to get the ball to Miller (T’Wolves SF) in a situation where he can shoot from the catch. The layout of the former play has been explained in the Cavaliers playbook while the latter play has been explained in the Warriors playbook.

Screen Low (Baseline 2 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Knicks playbook. Jefferson (T’Wolves C), Miller (SF) and Foye (PG) are the key players in this play.

C Low Block (Triangle 3 set) / C Quick Post (Triangle 5 set)
These are two Post plays designed to get the ball to Jefferson (T’Wolves C) on the low block. The layout of both plays has been explained in the Clippers playbook.

Zero In (Triangle 6 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Clippers playbook. Foye (T’Wolves PG), McCants (SG) and Miller (SF) are the key players in this play.

Ol Reliable (Triangle 3 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Cavaliers playbook. Jefferson (T’Wolves C) and Foye (PG) are the key players in this play.

Next: Pacers

Kruza

[Kruza]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Now for the Pacers. Starting lineup:

PG – T.J. Ford
SG – Mike Dunleavy
SF – Danny Granger
PF – Troy Murphy
C – Rasho Nesterovic

Accept it Pacers users… Mike Dunleavy has to start as SG. Granted, he’s not a prototypical NBA 2-guard by any means. But Dunleavy is a good player, and precisely the one to have starting in this position for this team. On to the plays:

Draw & Kick (Baseline 2 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Warriors playbook. Ford (Pacers PG), Dunleavy (SG) and Granger (SF) are the key players in this play.

PG Choice (Flex 2 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Pistons playbook. Ford (Pacers PG), Dunleavy (SG) and Murphy (PF) are the key players in this play.

Complement SG 3 (Triangle 3 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Spurs playbook. Dunleavy (Pacers SG), Granger (SF), Ford (PG) and Nesterovic (C) are all key contributors in this play.

PG Combo (Motion 4 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Pistons playbook. Ford (Pacers PG), Murphy (PF) and Granger (SF) are the key players in this play.

SF Popout (Box set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Knicks playbook. Granger (Pacers SF), Murphy (PF), Nesterovic (C) and Ford (PG) are the key players in this play.

Quick Hit SG (Box set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Granger (Pacers SF), Dunleavy (SG), Ford (PG) and Nesterovic (C) are all key contributors in this play.

SF Post (Box set)
This is a play to get Granger the ball in the post with cool alternative options for Dunleavy. Ford has the ball at the top of the key. Dunleavy stands near the left baseline, Granger stands near the right baseline, Murphy stands near the left elbow and Nesterovic stands near the right elbow. Ford dribbles along the arc to the left wing. Meanwhile, Murphy and Nesterovic go to the free throw line area to set a double screen and Dunleavy moves to the right block to set a screen for Granger, who moves along the baseline around the screen to post up on the left block. Ford delivers the ball to Granger posting up on the left block. While the low post entry feed is made to Granger, Dunleavy moves up through the Murphy-Nesterovic double screen to get to the top of the key. Granger can then pass the ball to Dunleavy for the 3-point shot from straight away off the catch. Or Dunleavy can opt to hold on to the ball for a couple seconds so to allow Murphy and Nesterovic to move toward the right side of the court. This will clear some space for Dunleavy on the left side of the court in the case that he treats this as an Isolation situation and chooses to work his man one-on-one.

Guard Wave (Triangle 2 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nets playbook. Ford (Pacers PG) and Dunleavy (SG) are the key players in this play.

Next: Kings

Kruza

[Kruza]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Now for the Kings. Starting lineup:

PG – Beno Udrih
SG – Kevin Martin
SF – John Salmons
PF – Spencer Hawes
C – Brad Miller

I had issues on deciding who to start in both forward spots. As for the SF spot, I went with John Salmons because I favor his edge in athleticism and ballhandling skills over Francisco Garcia’s edge in shooting. Now I usually favor the better shooter when it comes to players who are rated closely, but in this case athleticism wins out because there is no real low post presence or exceptional one-on-one player on this team that a shooter could complement and mesh with to be productive. At least the more athletic ballhandler can create open looks for himself and/or draw fouls to get to the free throw line from time to time. Meanwhile at the PF spot I went with Spencer Hawes because he’s a better shotblocker and defensve rebounder than Mikki Moore even though Moore has the edge in hustle. On to the plays:

Motown Music (Flex 3 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Clippers playbook. Udrih (Kings PG) and Martin (SG) are the key players in this play.

Free Wings (Motion 1 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Udrih (Kings PG), Martin (SG) and Salmons (SF) are the key players in this play.

Guard Wave (Triangle 2 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nets playbook. Udrih (Kings PG) and Martin (SG) are the key players in this play.

Bullish Backcourt (Triangle 8 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Mavericks playbook. Martin (Kings SG), Miller (C) and Udrih (PG) are the key players in this play.

Quick Hit SG (Box set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Salmons (Kings SF), Martin (SG), Udrih (PG) and Miller (C) are all key contributors in this play.

SF Iso Wing (Flex 1 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Cavaliers playbook. Salmons (Kings SF) and Udrih (PG) are the key players in this play.

Zero In (Triangle 8 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Clippers playbook. Udrih (Kings PG), Martin (SG) and Salmons (SF) are the key players in this play.

PG-C Pick & Roll (1-4 High set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Jazz playbook. Udrih (Kings PG), Miller (C) and Salmons (SF) are the key players in this play.

Final: Bucks

Kruza

[Kruza]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Now for the last team on the list… the Bucks. Starting lineup:

PG – Ramon Sessions
SG – Michael Redd
SF – Richard Jefferson
PF – Charlie Villanueva
C – Andrew Bogut

I’ve decided to start Ramon Sessions over Luke Ridnour at the PG position because Sessions is simply the better player on this game. Both players are rated about equal in many offensive categories, but Sessions has a clear advantage in several defensive categories which are important for a point guard. So Sessions is the guy. On to the plays:

Pick Then Post (Box set) / Ol Reliable (Triangle 3 set)
These are two Post plays designed for Bogut (Bucks C). I think both are good to call on in an alternative basis instead of taking up two different slots. The layout of the former play has been explained in the Clippers playbook while the layout of the latter play has been explained in the Cavaliers playbook.

SF Screen Iso (Triangle 4 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the 76ers playbook. RJ (Bucks SF), Sessions (PG) and Bogut (C) are the key players in this play.

Baseline Stack (Motion 5 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Hawks playbook. Sessions (Bucks PG), Redd (SG), RJ (SF) and Villanueva are all contributors in this play.

SG Wing Iso (1-4 High set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Hawks playbook. Redd (Bucks SG), Sessions (PG) and Villanueva (PF) are the key players in this play.

Free Wings (Motion 1 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Nuggets playbook. Sessions (Bucks PG), Redd (SG) and RJ (SF) are the key players in this play.

Motown Music (Flex 3 set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Clippers playbook. Redd (Bucks SG) and Sessions (PG) are the key players in this play.

SF Popout (Box set)
The layout of this play has been explained in the Cavaliers playbook. RJ (Bucks SF), Villanueva (PF), Sessions (PG) and Bogut (C) are all contributors in this play.

PG-PF Pick & Roll (Flex 2 set) / PG-PF Pick & Roll 2 (Motion 5 set)
These are two P&R plays which mainly involving Sessions (Bucks PG) and Villanueva (PF). Both are good to use during the course of a game but not to the point of taking up two different slots. The layout of the former play has been explained in the Hawks playbook while the layout of the latter play has been explained in the 76ers playbook.

Kruza

[NYBorn81]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Thanks for all your work...these are awesome and they add a lot to this game...


Thanks!

[Kruza]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Allow me to say that I appreciate all the responses I've gotten in this thread. I consider it a good learning experience for me to research every team's roster and playbook list in this game. Dealing with Living Rosters in NBA 2K9 throughout this upcoming NBA season should make things interesting for many teams... as it already has for Wizards and Warriors users.

And a reminder to those who it may concern regarding playbooks: If you decide to make playbook changes online first (Online Settings file), then all the changes that's been made will automatically save online and offline too (Online Settings file + Settings file). So it's best to go that route in order to cut down the time that's needed to select your preferred plays in half.

Kruza

[FUBLU]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Overtime, as the season rolls along and the rosters change, will you update these playbooks?

Not to sound ungreatful because you truly have done enough with these but I just like reading your opinions with certain rotations. They make alot of sense and keep me entertained at work.

Keep spitin that knowledge to us!

Thanks 4 all your help.

[Kruza]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Yeah, I'll be updating the playbook list for certain teams that ship out or bring in key players. The Wizards and Warriors will be updated in the near future for sure after both teams return their key players, Gilbert Arenas and Monta Ellis. And I'm sure they'll be more as guys get injured and the NBA trading deadline gets nearer.

By the way, I also heard the recent news on the Wizards' Brendan Haywood set to miss the entire season. If you're wondering, this doesn't affect much as I had already chosen to start Etan Thomas. This injury will force Andray Blatche to enter the player rotation and get more minutes.

Kruza

[Jeffx]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Sucks that the PG Clearout & Guard Weave were taken out of the Knicks playbook. What would be another good playbook for the Knicks, Kruza?

[dkemp]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

Kruza, would you be uploading these playbooks on 2KShare? If so, under what gamertag? Thanks alot for your playbooks. Much appreciated.

[imdahman]

Re: Official NBA 2K9 Playbook Thread

This is awesome! Is there a chance you could just post the teams and the plays quickly on the first post? Someone did this ons page 9 upto the teams available. It would be good for someone like me who wants to edit all the team playbooks.