This post includes: what I have already done in the past and also what I'm reconsidering for the newest version of the game:
Shot Close: I've typically increased this for many players to see more jumpers in the free-throw line area
Balance between Shot Mid-Range and Spot Up Shot Mid-Range: This has been an emphasis for as long as I can remember. For whatever reason, 2K is in love with the spot up mid-range. The CPU is going to be dribbling a lot so pulling up is a necessity too. Just depends on the player.
Shot Three and Spot Up Shot Three: Obviously the 3-point shot is way more relevant in today's game. However, I do think that 2K has done a pretty good job of recognizing that. Many players are regularly spot up shooters (which is self-explanatory to increase for that reason) but I think your sliders really dictate this most.
Something I've decided to test this year is Transition Pull Up Three: Common sense would say taking a 3-pointer in transition is not really the best idea but the Currys and Lillards have proven otherwise. I want more scoring and more bold moves from the computer so I have leveled this up like 20+ tendency points for many players.
Spot Up Drive: Just something else I like to keep an eye on. While the regular "drive" tendency is pretty straight forward and easy to understand, the spot up drive indicates to me how aggressive a player is. Will they look for a jump shot off the ball or will they also attack the basket?
Dish to Open Man: I have this decreased by about 10 tendency points for many players because I need to see scoring numbers that better reflect the real NBA this year. Plus, in simulation form, guys who average a good amount of assists are still usually able to do that with something like 40 on this tendency.
Post Up/Shoot from Post: It's important that players with the size and muscle to post up still have the option to do so. This is something we should be okay with happening more often in a video game. I don't think there's anything wrong with old-school ball as long as it's not overused.
Shot and Touches: I have these tendencies highlighted on the main page of my roster spreadsheet (see below). Like every other slider I adjust, I usually have these set at a value ending in 5 or 0. It helps me use a comparable scale for each player in terms of individual impact on the court.
Shot Close: I've typically increased this for many players to see more jumpers in the free-throw line area
Balance between Shot Mid-Range and Spot Up Shot Mid-Range: This has been an emphasis for as long as I can remember. For whatever reason, 2K is in love with the spot up mid-range. The CPU is going to be dribbling a lot so pulling up is a necessity too. Just depends on the player.
Shot Three and Spot Up Shot Three: Obviously the 3-point shot is way more relevant in today's game. However, I do think that 2K has done a pretty good job of recognizing that. Many players are regularly spot up shooters (which is self-explanatory to increase for that reason) but I think your sliders really dictate this most.
Something I've decided to test this year is Transition Pull Up Three: Common sense would say taking a 3-pointer in transition is not really the best idea but the Currys and Lillards have proven otherwise. I want more scoring and more bold moves from the computer so I have leveled this up like 20+ tendency points for many players.
Spot Up Drive: Just something else I like to keep an eye on. While the regular "drive" tendency is pretty straight forward and easy to understand, the spot up drive indicates to me how aggressive a player is. Will they look for a jump shot off the ball or will they also attack the basket?
Dish to Open Man: I have this decreased by about 10 tendency points for many players because I need to see scoring numbers that better reflect the real NBA this year. Plus, in simulation form, guys who average a good amount of assists are still usually able to do that with something like 40 on this tendency.
Post Up/Shoot from Post: It's important that players with the size and muscle to post up still have the option to do so. This is something we should be okay with happening more often in a video game. I don't think there's anything wrong with old-school ball as long as it's not overused.
Shot and Touches: I have these tendencies highlighted on the main page of my roster spreadsheet (see below). Like every other slider I adjust, I usually have these set at a value ending in 5 or 0. It helps me use a comparable scale for each player in terms of individual impact on the court.