: AI-controlled players were given more unique motion styles and shooting profiles to better mimic their real-world counterparts. NBA 2K21 Next-Gen AI: A Deep Dive - Operation Sports

: A major addition that allowed both players and AI to execute specific, star-focused game plans.

: A specific AI strategy that auto-selects the best post scorer to run exclusive post actions.

: The engine was updated to automatically identify and "Play Through Star" players, setting the tempo and rebounding to match their style.

Based on the release period around , the core AI features for the upcoming NBA 2K21 and the "next-gen" transition were centered on deep game planning and more responsive defensive logic. Key AI Features (2020 Release Period)

: Introduced refined off-ball collisions and more intelligent AI defensive rotations to better counter user dribble moves.

: AI teams gained access to 8 pre-selected game plans that they could cycle through dynamically during games.