The MT 2K21 aim-meter mechanic is actually hard to grasp, but has already led to a really satisfying one-on-one isolation successes. It is nice being able to use the right stick exclusively as a sculpting tool till I'm ready to pull back to get a shot. The capability to size-up, which is tied to unique dribbling animations for many of the top players in the league, and isolate is far better than ever. I spent a couple of hours experimenting with various playstyles, like facilitating the pick-and-roll with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. It's tremendously rewarding to use Doncic's dimensions and footwork to create space - something I couldn't replicate with other defenses around the group, like Seth Curry. While it's not completely new, NBA 2K21's ability to emulate players' playstyles is outstanding this season.

That said, there are a few frustrating gameplay issues I've come across, also. Fastbreaks seem marginally improved, but player spacing continues to be noticeably off. For instance, even my finest three-point shooters will monitor inside the three-point lineup on fast breaks when they would be better off finding space in the corner. Generally, it feels like NBA 2K21 hasn't completely adapted to the accent modern NBA basketball has put on the three-point line. Quick catch-and-shoots are not as prevalent as they should be, and final out remains far too easy on defense.

Likewise frustrating is the CPU's capacity to create difficulties for itself. In my short time with NBA 2K21, I've already seen two backcourt violations on wide-open inbounds passes. It functioned as a jarring reminder that I was not, in fact, experiencing a real game of NBA basketball.

From a cursory glance, MyLeague appears to have received almost zero updates. The manner has a good set of features built into it already, but that is the second year in a row without noteworthy improvements. As somebody who enjoys to deep-dive into franchise building, it is really Buy 2K MT disappointing that there's so little effort being placed into the mode.