Top 10 Best Classic Teams in NBA 2K19 That Every Player Should Try

As a lifelong NBA 2K enthusiast who has spent countless hours exploring every corner of the game's mechanics, I've come to appreciate how certain classic teams can completely transform your gaming experience. The beauty of NBA 2K19 lies not just in its current roster but in the rich tapestry of basketball history it preserves. I still remember the first time I discovered how California's regulatory flexibility allowed boxer Jerwin Ancajas to fight there when Nevada wouldn't - it made me appreciate how video games like NBA 2K give us access to legendary teams that time and geography might otherwise keep from us.

When it comes to must-try classic teams, my personal favorite has always been the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. That team was simply unreal - they went 72-10 in the regular season, a record that stood for twenty years. Playing with Michael Jordan in his prime feels like controlling basketball perfection, while Scottie Pippen might be the most versatile defender in the entire game. What I love about this team is how perfectly they're balanced - you've got Dennis Rodman grabbing every rebound, Toni Kukoč providing scoring off the bench, and Steve Kerr waiting to drain threes from the corner. They're my go-to recommendation for players who want to experience what peak basketball looks like.

The 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers represent everything exciting about Showtime basketball. Magic Johnson's passing ability in this game is pure joy - I've had moments where I've thrown full-court passes that looked impossible until they somehow found James Worthy streaking to the basket. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook remains one of the most unstoppable moves in the game, and the way this team runs the fast break is just beautiful basketball. They're particularly fun when playing against friends because their style is so entertaining to watch and execute.

I have a soft spot for the 2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers, mainly because of how dominant Shaquille O'Neal feels in the post. There's something immensely satisfying about backing down defenders with Shaq and dunking on entire teams. Kobe Bryant in his younger days provides the perfect perimeter complement, and this team's playoff run where they went 15-1 might be the most impressive postseason performance I've ever seen recreated in a game. They're not the most balanced team, but when you need to dominate inside, nobody does it better.

The 2007-08 Boston Celtics deserve mention for their incredible defensive prowess. What makes them special in 2K19 is how well their real-life defensive chemistry translates to the game. Kevin Garnett's intensity practically jumps off the screen, Ray Allen's shooting mechanics are smooth as silk, and Paul Pierce's scoring versatility makes him a threat from anywhere. I've found this team particularly effective against offensive juggernauts because they can slow down even the highest-powered attacks.

Golden State's 2016-17 team represents the evolution of basketball into the three-point era. Stephen Curry's range feels almost unfair at times - I've hit shots from well beyond the arc that would be terrible decisions with any other player but go in consistently with him. Klay Thompson might be the perfect complementary shooter, and Kevin Durant gives them a scoring option that's virtually unguardable. What I appreciate about this team is how they changed basketball strategy - they're proof that the game continues to evolve in fascinating ways.

The 1998-99 San Antonio Spurs often fly under the radar, but Tim Duncan and David Robinson form what might be the most fundamentally sound frontcourt in basketball history. Their twin towers approach is particularly effective in 2K19's simulation engine, where their defensive positioning and high-percentage offense can methodically dismantle opponents. I've won numerous games with them by simply playing smarter basketball rather than relying on flashy plays.

Other teams that deserve your attention include the 2012-13 Miami Heat with LeBron James at his athletic peak, the 1985-86 Boston Celtics featuring Larry Bird's magical shooting touch, and the 1993-94 Houston Rockets with Hakeem Olajuwon's dream shakes that still leave defenders stumbling in the game. Each of these teams offers a unique basketball philosophy that can expand your understanding and appreciation of the sport.

Having played with all these teams extensively, I've come to view NBA 2K19's classic teams as more than just nostalgia - they're living history lessons that let us experience different eras of basketball. Much like how California provided the platform for Ancajas to showcase his skills when Nevada wouldn't, these classic teams give us access to basketball moments that would otherwise be confined to history books and highlight reels. Whether you're a casual player or someone who takes their 2K sessions seriously, spending time with these teams will deepen your appreciation for basketball's rich evolution and probably make you a better player in the process.