NBA 2K10 Draft Combine Impressions

by pastapadre
Posted August 26th, 2009 at 6:16 pm

nba2k10dcpadre1

The downloadable NBA 2K10 Draft Combine released early this morning for the 360. The offering involves the beginning of the My Player career mode and presents an opportunity to improve your player prior to the NBA Draft through a series of drills and games. Continue on to read through my thoughts on Draft Combine along with a video and feel free to leave yours in the comments.

I downloaded Draft Combine and was looking forward to a glimpse at not only the career mode but NBA 2K10 gameplay. While I think the mode will be fun in the full context of the game, Draft Combine has turned out to be dreadfully boring and frustrating to an extent.

Probably most impressive is the player creation options. Specifically I like the ability to choose from a number of different play styles for each position. I went with Small Forward with a play style of “Slashing”. Being able to look at and assign signature shots is great and it is nice to see there is limited selection for different types of moves and abilities being assigned. Many of them only offer basic packages until your player has improved to a certain rating. What can make a basketball game career mode unique more than some other sports is the numerous ways to personalize the player.

I started out with a 40 rating. Needless to say it is difficult to play with ratings that low. I missed multiple uncontested layups and while not a strong 3pt shooter have yet to hit one even when wide open. The ratings make the objectives you are assigned that much more difficult to complete and I found myself attempting to reach those goals specifically instead of just trying to contribute to a win which defeats the purpose.

nba2k10dcpadre2

Most frustrating is the teammate rating. You start each game at a C rating and move up and down based on various happenings throughout. From what I’ve seen PGs and big men have a huge advantage as blocks and assists are the most consistent way to get a boost. Steals are also, but there is more risk involved there since it is possible you’ll commit a foul. Do that and you get dinged on the rating as a poor teammate. I could understand if you’re running around trying to steal and leaving your assignment behind, but every player commits fouls in real life and it doesn’t make them a bad teammate.

The game also doesn’t seem to take into account the situations. I’ve been hit on teammate rating after getting an offensive rebound and putting the ball back up as well as throwing up a three as time expired in a quarter (for bad shot selection). It also makes you question whether to play help defense because the guy you’re checking could be left open for a shot and making that would hurt your grade. And apparently every time I call for the ball it is a bad time and I take a hit for that. Essentially I’m playing the game and constantly questioning whether I should do something instead of playing it naturally.

Through three games I’m averaging 13pts, 6rbs, 4ast, 2stl, and 1blk. That is a pretty good line for a SF and I certainly was attempting to play realistically. Despite this I received an F grade in all three games. I don’t expect the stat line to necessarily represent what the grade should be, but this is the result of attempting to play realistically at my position which is unfortunate. Maybe it is just a tough position and play style to grade out in. I do like the idea that it is supposed to be a challenge and you’re working your way up which is what I’ve always wanted out of a mode like this but it feels like it was taken somewhat too far.

nba2k10dcpadre3

Gameplay wise it feels pretty similar to 2K9 with some nice new animations outside of the quickly draining turbo. In one respect I like the change but at the same time it doesn’t always make sense. On fast breaks, whether it be on offense or trying to track someone down, I now question whether I should use turbo or not. No matter how tired an NBA player is in those situations they still go all out.

The lack of atmosphere really hurts the overall experience. There is no excitement and that will probably be a crucial aspect to playing the mode in NBA games. It feels slow and uninvolved and there are even annoyances like the refs not getting action started for 10 seconds or so. Like I’ve stated I don’t expect that feeling to necessarily carry over to NBA 2K10, but I can’t say that playing Draft Combine provided much fun at all.

Tags: Videos

Anonymous

can you please post an article with this trailer: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nba2k10/vi…

along with the O.S. preview released today here: http://www.operationsports.com/preview.php?id=86

i would really appreciate it and it can help get some real news about the actual game. You have done so much more for nba live like this, and i fell like you are giving 2k a shafting.
http://intensedebate.com/people/deepen03 deepen03

can you please post an article with this trailer: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nba2k10/vi…

along with the O.S. preview released today here: http://www.operationsports.com/preview.php?id=86

i would really appreciate it and it can help get some real news about the actual game. You have done so much more for nba live like this, and i fell like you are giving 2k a shafting.
http://twitter.com/NagaOwnz @NagaOwnz

whats ur draft postion. mines is round 2 pick 11

http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

2nd round
pick 14

http://twitter.com/NagaOwnz @NagaOwnz

whats ur draft postion. mines is round 2 pick 11

http://intensedebate.com/people/DrLogic DrLogic

2nd round
pick 14

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

Oh man, I bet you're skilled on the court as well right? I bet in real life on the court you're like "right trigger, Y button, left analog flick!"
http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

Oh man, I bet you're skilled on the court as well right? I bet in real life on the court you're like "right trigger, Y button, left analog flick!"
jusmegamer

Pasta is in love with EA anyone can't see that is pretty lame themselves. Don't come to this guy for 2K ratings.
jusmegamer

Pasta is in love with EA anyone can't see that is pretty lame themselves. Don't come to this guy for 2K ratings.
jusmegamer

Pasta is in love with EA anyone can't see that is pretty lame themselves. Don't come to this guy for 2K ratings.
Josh

Why the hell do the refs look so pink in 2K basketball games?
Josh

Why the hell do the refs look so pink in 2K basketball games?
Josh

Why the hell do the refs look so pink in 2K basketball games?
Hulkamaphone

Thanks for the write-up Pasta. I guess everyone has their opinions and while I dont agree with the comments that its boring, I appreciate you putting up your thoughts up so early.
I could be way off, but I would guess that the people who get the most out of this game (and mode) will be the basketball fans that play the game "right". That is, not running around leaving their man, not jacking up ridiculous shots and forcing the game. Those who will enjoy it (and get the better ratings) will be the ones that play team ball, make good shot decisions, stick to their man etc. The best thing about this most is that those players will be easily identifiable as their "team grade" will be displayed. Gone are the days of starting a match, only to find a teammate is a total ball hog and ruins the game. Great work 2k!!!!
Hulkamaphone

Thanks for the write-up Pasta. I guess everyone has their opinions and while I dont agree with the comments that its boring, I appreciate you putting up your thoughts up so early.
I could be way off, but I would guess that the people who get the most out of this game (and mode) will be the basketball fans that play the game "right". That is, not running around leaving their man, not jacking up ridiculous shots and forcing the game. Those who will enjoy it (and get the better ratings) will be the ones that play team ball, make good shot decisions, stick to their man etc. The best thing about this most is that those players will be easily identifiable as their "team grade" will be displayed. Gone are the days of starting a match, only to find a teammate is a total ball hog and ruins the game. Great work 2k!!!!
Hulkamaphone

Thanks for the write-up Pasta. I guess everyone has their opinions and while I dont agree with the comments that its boring, I appreciate you putting up your thoughts up so early.
I could be way off, but I would guess that the people who get the most out of this game (and mode) will be the basketball fans that play the game "right". That is, not running around leaving their man, not jacking up ridiculous shots and forcing the game. Those who will enjoy it (and get the better ratings) will be the ones that play team ball, make good shot decisions, stick to their man etc. The best thing about this most is that those players will be easily identifiable as their "team grade" will be displayed. Gone are the days of starting a match, only to find a teammate is a total ball hog and ruins the game. Great work 2k!!!!
JOHN DOE

COMBINE IS OK LIFE A RIP OFF NBA 09′S THE LIFE
JOHN DOE

COMBINE IS OK LIFE A RIP OFF NBA 09′S THE LIFE
JOHN DOE

COMBINE IS OK LIFE A RIP OFF NBA 09′S THE LIFE
walterberrypaok

this mode will give 2k10, as a whole, great variety.It has the nba today,it has draft combine, it has the street ball pickup games,dunk and 3pointer competitions.The Assosiation is deeper than ever and the "create a player" is the best you can find with all the animations for you to pick.
It's not fair to judge 2k10 by this.It's only a mode.If you don't fancy it don't play it.It's like bashing nba 2k9 just because the dunk and 3p. competition is shit(which are not)

i am very happy from the youtube videos i watched.The animations are much improved.The game will be massive compared to live10.Live 10 is improved but it's 3 years behing 2k.That's a fact.
walterberrypaok

this mode will give 2k10, as a whole, great variety.It has the nba today,it has draft combine, it has the street ball pickup games,dunk and 3pointer competitions.The Assosiation is deeper than ever and the "create a player" is the best you can find with all the animations for you to pick.
It's not fair to judge 2k10 by this.It's only a mode.If you don't fancy it don't play it.It's like bashing nba 2k9 just because the dunk and 3p. competition is shit(which are not)

i am very happy from the youtube videos i watched.The animations are much improved.The game will be massive compared to live10.Live 10 is improved but it's 3 years behing 2k.That's a fact.
walterberrypaok

this mode will give 2k10, as a whole, great variety.It has the nba today,it has draft combine, it has the street ball pickup games,dunk and 3pointer competitions.The Assosiation is deeper than ever and the "create a player" is the best you can find with all the animations for you to pick.
It's not fair to judge 2k10 by this.It's only a mode.If you don't fancy it don't play it.It's like bashing nba 2k9 just because the dunk and 3p. competition is shit(which are not)

i am very happy from the youtube videos i watched.The animations are much improved.The game will be massive compared to live10.Live 10 is improved but it's 3 years behing 2k.That's a fact.
swizzy

@PASTA

u gots 2 help ME

i bin baned off 2K site an i dont NO wut 2 dew wif muh LYFE

dis da WORSEST dai N historie

holla atcha boi :`<
swizzy

@PASTA

u gots 2 help ME

i bin baned off 2K site an i dont NO wut 2 dew wif muh LYFE

dis da WORSEST dai N historie

holla atcha boi :`<
swizzy

@PASTA

u gots 2 help ME

i bin baned off 2K site an i dont NO wut 2 dew wif muh LYFE

dis da WORSEST dai N historie

holla atcha boi :`<
broy

this is not for u arcade playing, nba live buying players…its challenging! bye
broy

this is not for u arcade playing, nba live buying players…its challenging! bye
broy

this is not for u arcade playing, nba live buying players…its challenging! bye
kaip

i see some got their player to 99? how the helll!? does anyone know…my ratings like 44 oh yea i deleted my player in the hard drive and now im starting fresh…must figure this out!

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Probably an exploit, I'd imagine 2K would delete them off the server.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Probably an exploit, I'd imagine 2K would delete them off the server.

kaip

i see some got their player to 99? how the helll!? does anyone know…my ratings like 44 oh yea i deleted my player in the hard drive and now im starting fresh…must figure this out!
kaip

i see some got their player to 99? how the helll!? does anyone know…my ratings like 44 oh yea i deleted my player in the hard drive and now im starting fresh…must figure this out!

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Probably an exploit, I'd imagine 2K would delete them off the server.

Codered

I purchased the combine thinkin' it would be a cool challenge, however, it turned out to be complete bull, why is it that you cant hit a wide open shot? I play basketball everyday and im not even close to going to the NBA, but i still make more three point shots than my created player. Its unrealistic in the sense that a future NBA prospect is unable to hit an open shot.

Its dumb that you cant fill the ratings the way you want rather than a preset rating. Also whats the point of all this why would you want to enter yourself into the 2K10 draft being 44 overall at the most??

It has potential but its far from being a good/worthwhile feature.
Codered

I purchased the combine thinkin' it would be a cool challenge, however, it turned out to be complete bull, why is it that you cant hit a wide open shot? I play basketball everyday and im not even close to going to the NBA, but i still make more three point shots than my created player. Its unrealistic in the sense that a future NBA prospect is unable to hit an open shot.

Its dumb that you cant fill the ratings the way you want rather than a preset rating. Also whats the point of all this why would you want to enter yourself into the 2K10 draft being 44 overall at the most??

It has potential but its far from being a good/worthwhile feature.
Codered

I purchased the combine thinkin' it would be a cool challenge, however, it turned out to be complete bull, why is it that you cant hit a wide open shot? I play basketball everyday and im not even close to going to the NBA, but i still make more three point shots than my created player. Its unrealistic in the sense that a future NBA prospect is unable to hit an open shot.

Its dumb that you cant fill the ratings the way you want rather than a preset rating. Also whats the point of all this why would you want to enter yourself into the 2K10 draft being 44 overall at the most??

It has potential but its far from being a good/worthwhile feature.
Evan

While I respect your opinion I just have to say after reading the impressions, are you serious? Guys it's a $5 game, are you people really nitpicking a $5 game? Wow. No atmosphere, it's the draft combine…have you ever even seen a draft combine? Lol, there's pretty much no one there. Like I said It's your opinion,cool whatever, but you can't be serious acting as if you paid $60 for the game and dissect every little thing, 2k even said it was not going to be anywhere really close to how nba 2k10 is.

Some of you guys are unbelievable….lol talking negative about a $5 game…if I pay $5 for a game I'm just happy it works…
Evan

While I respect your opinion I just have to say after reading the impressions, are you serious? Guys it's a $5 game, are you people really nitpicking a $5 game? Wow. No atmosphere, it's the draft combine…have you ever even seen a draft combine? Lol, there's pretty much no one there. Like I said It's your opinion,cool whatever, but you can't be serious acting as if you paid $60 for the game and dissect every little thing, 2k even said it was not going to be anywhere really close to how nba 2k10 is.

Some of you guys are unbelievable….lol talking negative about a $5 game…if I pay $5 for a game I'm just happy it works…
Evan

While I respect your opinion I just have to say after reading the impressions, are you serious? Guys it's a $5 game, are you people really nitpicking a $5 game? Wow. No atmosphere, it's the draft combine…have you ever even seen a draft combine? Lol, there's pretty much no one there. Like I said It's your opinion,cool whatever, but you can't be serious acting as if you paid $60 for the game and dissect every little thing, 2k even said it was not going to be anywhere really close to how nba 2k10 is.

Some of you guys are unbelievable….lol talking negative about a $5 game…if I pay $5 for a game I'm just happy it works…
jrr

It's not that hard to get a good rating I avg an A+ over 6 games & if you look at the stat book My numbers are pretty low. You just have to play like you would in a real game.
jrr

It's not that hard to get a good rating I avg an A+ over 6 games & if you look at the stat book My numbers are pretty low. You just have to play like you would in a real game.
jrr

It's not that hard to get a good rating I avg an A+ over 6 games & if you look at the stat book My numbers are pretty low. You just have to play like you would in a real game.
Ob3

who has a created baller on 90
Ob3

who has a created baller on 90
Ob3

who has a created baller on 90
Bruce L

Its 2 funny to hear people bitch and moan about a $5 game. The object isnt to be an all out NBA game. Its to create a prospect and try and improve his draft status. Pasta dont be offended when i say this but your just not a good 2K player. Your numbers were terrible. The object is to get an A+ teammate rating. Your rating started out bad because you picked a "slashing" Type player. They arent more versatile then an all around player. The concept is to play a good team game but there is room for you to shine and you get points for doing so. through 3 games my player has averaged 29 points 6boards and 5 assist per game. Im projected as a 2nd rd 7th pick right now with an overall rating of 49. You just dont know basketball dude.
Bruce L

Its 2 funny to hear people bitch and moan about a $5 game. The object isnt to be an all out NBA game. Its to create a prospect and try and improve his draft status. Pasta dont be offended when i say this but your just not a good 2K player. Your numbers were terrible. The object is to get an A+ teammate rating. Your rating started out bad because you picked a "slashing" Type player. They arent more versatile then an all around player. The concept is to play a good team game but there is room for you to shine and you get points for doing so. through 3 games my player has averaged 29 points 6boards and 5 assist per game. Im projected as a 2nd rd 7th pick right now with an overall rating of 49. You just dont know basketball dude.
Bruce L

Its 2 funny to hear people bitch and moan about a $5 game. The object isnt to be an all out NBA game. Its to create a prospect and try and improve his draft status. Pasta dont be offended when i say this but your just not a good 2K player. Your numbers were terrible. The object is to get an A+ teammate rating. Your rating started out bad because you picked a "slashing" Type player. They arent more versatile then an all around player. The concept is to play a good team game but there is room for you to shine and you get points for doing so. through 3 games my player has averaged 29 points 6boards and 5 assist per game. Im projected as a 2nd rd 7th pick right now with an overall rating of 49. You just dont know basketball dude.
Wiseman2510

How does people get 99 on there i couldnt get mine past 41 lol…add me on live if you can answer this! wiseman2510
Wiseman2510

How does people get 99 on there i couldnt get mine past 41 lol…add me on live if you can answer this! wiseman2510
Wiseman2510

How does people get 99 on there i couldnt get mine past 41 lol…add me on live if you can answer this! wiseman2510
Sicilian803

Look…I feel like sure it does get a little frustrating at times ,and sure the over excessive animations can sometimes seem like there cheating you a little .Almost everyone made good points ,but to those who are just whining and bitching let me say this .IT IS JUST A GAME! I'm sure that it is not easy for the simple reason of giving a you challenge to make your skill improve .If you find yourself getting whooped everytime always remember that if you want to start the game over all you have to do is go back to the dashboard and try again .Overall I would say that it is a fantastic game to whom I praise 2k sports .One thing I do not like though is how it takes a tremendous amount of skill points to upgrade anything ,but then again I'm sure you can keep upgrading your guy after your drafted .Cause lets be real…not everybody is going to be Koby or LeBron going into the draft…Sicilian803
Sicilian803

Look…I feel like sure it does get a little frustrating at times ,and sure the over excessive animations can sometimes seem like there cheating you a little .Almost everyone made good points ,but to those who are just whining and bitching let me say this .IT IS JUST A GAME! I'm sure that it is not easy for the simple reason of giving a you challenge to make your skill improve .If you find yourself getting whooped everytime always remember that if you want to start the game over all you have to do is go back to the dashboard and try again .Overall I would say that it is a fantastic game to whom I praise 2k sports .One thing I do not like though is how it takes a tremendous amount of skill points to upgrade anything ,but then again I'm sure you can keep upgrading your guy after your drafted .Cause lets be real…not everybody is going to be Koby or LeBron going into the draft…Sicilian803