Using a small forward is something of a lost art in both the NBA andNBA 2K25.Most teams focus on havinga stellar point guardand center play, instead of focusing on this supporting role. However, with the right kind of small forward,a team can go from good to great in an instant. This is due to how versatile they can be and how they offer substantial play on both offense and defense. When a team has a player that can score and then hustle back to shut an opponent down, it is truly a game changer for the season.
Crafting a small forward in the MyCareer game mode inNBA 2K25can beone of the best ways to experience the game. It absolves the player of having to worry aboutsetting the play up as a point guard, while also allowing for more movement than they would get as a center underneath the basket. For any players looking to pursue a career as a small forward, this guide is here to help them craft the perfect player.
Updated by Shane Black on July 02, 2025:There is a lot of room for different kinds of players in the NBA at every position, which is why it isn’t fair to limit just one build to each position in the game. With this in mind, this guide has been updated to provide another option for anyone looking to build out a formidable small forward in NBA 2K25. Additionally, more in-text links were added to the body of the text to give players access to more information that could help them become the best players possible. This all aims to help provide the most extensive information possible for the game.
Best Overall Small Forward Build In NBA 2K25
This build starts with the physical dimensions, which should be the following:
With those out of the way, it’s time to set the proper skill ratings to bring this small forward build to life:
74
53
62
72
46
89
83
77
65
68
96
91
25
60
85
84
Vertical
75
This build creates a truly versatile small forward. The player may not be an expert in one specific area, but can excel in several different ones. It’s a Swiss army knife build. It starts with the mid-range and three-point shot being solid, along withusing the Deadeye and Set Shot Specialist Badgesthat will make it more than likely to hit the shot than miss it. It won’t be able to do much damage underneath the basket, butthat is the center’s forte anyway. However, if a lane opens up, this small forward’s driving dunk is vicious and can get the crowd on their feet.
This build can also defend well, both from the arc and in the paint. While it does better when it is farther out from the basket, it can be more than solid when closer.The On Ball MenaceandImmovable Enforcer Badgeswill help with this aspect of its play. All of this combines to give the small forward the chance to be a true shutdown defender and then get to the other end of the court to put on an offensive clinic.
Finally, the speed of this build will help set it apart from other players andcreate some match-up nightmares. Being able to blow by another player with this speed can be the difference that creates score after score.
Best Catch-And-Shoot Small Forward Build In NBA 2K25
The second build for small forward will use the following physical dimensions:
These will form the foundation of this shooting threat build that uses the following attributes:
73
95
58
51
78
79
80
71
76
This build is not an interior presence;its biggest weakness is its rebounding ability. This is a player that is going to stick to the perimeter on both the offense and defense. With the ability to launch a shot immediately after getting the ball and some great perimeter defense, this small forward will dominate the three-point arc on both ends of the court.
Further, they are a very quick and agile player despite their size, allowing them to maneuver around the arc easily to get themselves open fora quick pass and shoot. This agility is also going to help this small forward make some moves on the inside. While these stats show that this build won’t be a dominant presence under the hoop, they are more than capable ofmaking a cut to the rimfor a dunk.
This build can do a lot to score for their teamand be a pinpoint three-point shooter. Even though they are going to suffer in terms of carving out their place in the lane, if they stick to the arc andmake cuts when they present themselves, this small forward can quickly become the star of their team.
