So the Identity badge would be designated for all archetypes. Ie you make a playmaker and it's Dimer, Slasher Posterizer, shot creator difficult shots, Sharpshooter limitless range, LDD defensive stopper, post scorer drop stepper, GC Hustle Rebounder, paint Protector Defensive stopper. - this is something designated by 2k not by you and would be the same for everyone, every game.
Now those single badges cannot be upgraded to gold by anyone else other than that Archetype since it gives them "what they are" as an Archetype. You don't want to be a Sharpshooter and see a playmaker with further range than you, or a GC and you're best badge is negated and you have a Paint Protector getting those 50/50 boards over you.
So as a Playmaker let's say, you could upgrade your mid range deadeye, One man Fast Break, and Tireless scorer all to gold and play more like Russell Westbrook; but doing this will cause you to not upgrade other badges like Deep Range Deadeye, Catch and Shoot, and Corner Specialist that would be more fit for someone trying to play like Curry. Also, you wouldn't have any defensive badges upgraded, and two current HOF badges like maybe flashy passer and something else you wouldn't have upgraded either, which means you wouldn't play like that old school Jason Williams PG either. This would then make you more unique on the court.
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