NBA 2K23 Player Indicators Explained: Icon Meanings, How to Change Them, Meters, PlayVision, More

December 8, 2022

Ever wondered what all those player indicators, meters, and icons that appear by a player mean in NBA 2K23? Well look no further, we’ve got you covered with the complete NBA 2K23 Player Indicators Guide. Learn what each NBA 2K23 player indicator means, how to change your player indicators, PlayVision overlays, meters, and more!

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How to Change Your MyPLAYER Indicators

From the main menu, go to MyCAREER > MyPLAYER > Animations
Scroll to ‘Gameplay Effects’
Here you can change Player Indicators, Perfect Release, Sounds Effects, and Jump Shot Meter indicators, sounds, and colors.

Player Indicator (Regular)

The standard player indicator appears below a player to indicate the specific player that a user is currently controlling (usually a circle, but it can be changed to other shapes / indicators in MyCAREER).

Shot Meter

The shot meter can be initialed by taking a jump shot (X / Square or RS) and then releasing it when the marker reaches the ideal point.

Dunk Meter

The dunk meter appears for skill dunks, performed by pressing RT / R2 + move RS up then quickly release and move and hold RS down. Release RS to neutral to time the dunk.

Player Rhythm: Cold

This means the player’s Rhythm is currently Cold. Attributes will receive a noticeable performance drop.

Player Energy: Adrenaline Boosts

New this year, you will have 3 boosts at your disposal to move quickly on offense, which are activated when pressing RT / R2. Once you use up all 3, you will notice your player becomes less explosive for the remainder of the possession.

Player Energy: Short-Term

This meter shows a players’ short-term energy level. It drains when performing intense or physical moves.

Player Energy: Exhausted

When you see the Gatorade icon, it means the player is exhausted. It’s best to give them a breather by subbing them out or calling a timeout.

Player Ability: Star

This player is known for being an elite player on offense, defense, or both. If elite offensively only, the star appears only while the player is on offense. If elite defensively only, the star appears only while the player is on defense. If the player is elite on both sides of the ball, then the star appears at all times.

Player Ability: Dunker

This player is known for their dunking ability.

Player Ability: Three-Point Shooter

This player is a good three-point shooter.

Injury: Playable

This indicates that the player currently has a Playable injury. They can remain in the game, but will not be at peak performance level.

Injury: Unplayable

This indicates that the player currently has an Unplayable injury. They will be taken out of the game during the next game stoppage.

Injury: Recovering

This indicates that the player is recovering from a previous injury. They can play in games, but not yet at peak performance level.

Defensive Shading Indicator

When playing defense, there are 3 different ways to play your man. You can shade them to go right, left, or play them straight up. You an tap the Left Stick to adjust the way you are shading against your matchup.

Who-To-Guard Indicator

Use the indicator arrow as an aid when playing on defense. It points to who you are matched up with or where on the floor you need to be.

Icon Pass Indicator

Press RB / R1 then press the button of the desired receiver. Use LS to lead the receiver in any direction.

Takeover Indicator

Takeover unlocks the full potential of each archetype. It gives players special boosts, skills, and animations unique to their primary archetype when they’re hot.

PlayVision: Start Location

This is where your player needs to be for the current part of the play. It also shows you where to be to start a play.

PlayVision: Move Line

This line indicates player movement, with the arrow showing direction of movement. The destination is where the line ends.

PlayVision: Pass Line

This line signifies a pass, showing which direction that pass needs to go.

PlayVision: Screen Line

A solid line with a ‘T’ at the end represents a screen. The screen should be set at the end of this line.

PlayVision: Pass

When a pass needs to be made, a basketball Icon will appear above the designated receiver. Wait until the ‘A’ button (Xbox) or ‘X’ button (PS) is shown before making the pass.