When I first booted up NBA 2K19's My Career mode, I found myself completely overwhelmed by the team selection screen. Much like that poorly attended global conclave that reportedly cost P2 billion to host - you know, the one that struggled with everything from high ticket prices to embarrassingly empty arenas - choosing the wrong NBA team for your point guard can leave you feeling like you're playing in front of nobody. After spending roughly 200 hours across multiple My Career saves, I've identified five teams that genuinely transform your virtual basketball experience from that disappointing empty arena into an electric playoff atmosphere.
The Golden State Warriors stand out as my personal favorite destination, and here's why they're absolutely worth considering. Playing alongside Stephen Curry might seem counterintuitive for a point guard, but the spacing and offensive opportunities he creates are simply unmatched. In my primary save, I joined the Warriors and saw my scoring average jump from 18.3 points per game to 24.7 almost immediately. Curry's gravity pulls defenders away, creating driving lanes and open shots that you simply won't find elsewhere. The Warriors' motion offense perfectly complements a scoring point guard, and having Klay Thompson spotting up on the wing means defenses can't double-team you without paying the price. I remember one particular game where the defense kept collapsing on me in the paint, only for me to kick it out to Thompson for three consecutive corner threes. The basketball IQ on that team makes your life significantly easier, though I will admit it sometimes feels like you're riding coattails rather than building your own legacy.
If you're looking to be the undisputed floor general, the Los Angeles Lakers provide the perfect canvas for your masterpiece. With LeBron James still in his prime during the 2K19 timeline, you'd think there might be conflicts, but the reality is quite the opposite. LeBron's versatility allows him to play effectively off the ball, meaning you can truly run the offense through your created player. During my Lakers save, I averaged 11.2 assists per game - my highest across all teams I've tried. The roster construction with shooters like Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram spacing the floor creates driving lanes that feel like highways to the basket. What surprised me most was how effective LeBron is as a pick-and-roll partner - his basketball intelligence in the game is programmed to perfection, making those two-man games absolutely devastating against any defense.
Now, the Philadelphia 76ers might not be everyone's first choice, but they've grown on me tremendously. Playing with Ben Simmons presents a unique challenge because he's essentially a point forward who needs the ball in his hands, but this forced me to develop my off-ball skills in ways I hadn't considered. I learned to become a more effective catch-and-shoot threat, which ultimately made me a more complete player. The real gem here is Joel Embiid - his pick-and-pop game is borderline unfair in 2K19. Defenses have to respect his mid-range jumper, which creates just enough space for driving lanes. In my 76ers career, I recorded 15 games with 30+ points, largely thanks to the defensive attention Embiid commands. The growing pains were real initially - my player struggled to find rhythm in the first 10 games, averaging just 14.5 points on 42% shooting - but once we figured out the chemistry, it became one of my most enjoyable My Career experiences.
The Milwaukee Bucks offer something different entirely - a chance to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo's unique skill set. What I love about playing with Giannis is how he compensates for your weaknesses. Not a great defender? Giannis covers for your mistakes. Struggling with playmaking? He can initiate the offense when needed. During my Bucks tenure, I focused on becoming an elite three-point shooter to complement Giannis's driving game, and the results were spectacular. My player's three-point percentage jumped from 34% to 41% over the season simply because the looks were so clean. The spacing Giannis creates is different from traditional stars - it's not about him standing on the perimeter, but rather defenders being so terrified of his drives that they leave shooters open. This unconventional dynamic creates offensive opportunities I haven't found anywhere else.
Finally, the Boston Celtics deserve mention for their perfect balance of youth and experience. Kyrie Irving's presence might seem problematic, but the game's programming actually makes him an incredible backcourt partner. His off-ball movement is intelligent, and he rarely makes poor decisions with his shot selection. What makes Boston special is their defensive infrastructure - with players like Al Horford and Marcus Smart covering for your mistakes, you can play more aggressively on offense without worrying about getting burned defensively. In my Celtics save, I managed to make the All-Defensive Second Team while still averaging 22.4 points per game, something I couldn't accomplish with any other team. The practice facilities in the game might be identical across teams, but something about Boston's organization just feels more professional, which strangely translates to better development for your player.
Choosing the right team fundamentally changes your My Career experience, transforming it from that poorly attended conference nobody wanted to be at into the must-see event of the season. Each team offers distinct advantages that cater to different playstyles - whether you want to be the primary scorer, the playmaker, or a complementary piece that grows into a star. The beauty of NBA 2K19's system is how these team dynamics feel authentic to their real-life counterparts, creating meaningful decisions that extend beyond simple ratings. After all my experimentation, I've found that success isn't just about finding the best team on paper, but rather finding the team that best complements how you want to play the game. That's when virtual basketball becomes truly magical.