Alexis Kestler
Hey hoopers! If you want to truly master dribbling in NBA 2K23, you need to have the right size-up escape package equipped. Size-up escapes are combo moves that branch out after a size-up, giving you devastating counters to destroy your defender.
Trust me, once you learn how to chain size-up escapes together, you‘ll be breaking ankles and scoring at will! In this guide, I‘ll break down the most lethal size-up escape packages in 2K23 for guards, wings, and bigs. Let‘s get into it!
A Quick Intro to Size-Up Escapes
Before we get into the top packages, let me quickly explain what size-up escapes are for you new ballers.
Size-up escapes are extra dribble moves that combo out of your equipped signature size-up. After performing a standard size-up move, you can flick the right stick in any direction to chain into an escape.
This quick change of pace allows you to counter the defense and maintain your dribble. Time it right after your size-up and the defender won‘t know what hit em!
Size-up escapes basically give your dribble game a double threat. You can hit ‘em with the size-up to get ‘em leaning, then the escape finishes them off. It‘s a nasty combo that the best dribblers use to cook defenders.
The most popular escape packages are the signature ones modeled after NBA stars‘ go-to moves. But there are also basic fundamental escapes anyone can equip.
Overall, size-up escapes make your handles more dynamic and unpredictable. Let‘s get into the best packages to equip in NBA 2K23!
Deadly Size-Up Escapes for Blazing Fast Guards
If you‘re a speedy guard build looking to break ankles, these are the best size-up escape packages in NBA 2K23 to dominate with:
Damian Lillard – The Best Overall Guard Escape
Alright listen up, because Lillard‘s escape package is an absolute MUST-EQUIP for guards this year. Equip Dame‘s sig escape and you‘ll have the best handles in the park, guaranteed.
His signature move branches into an ultra-quick between the legs crossover with a crazy fast animation. It just flows so smoothly after the size-up and defenders can never keep up with the change of pace.
I asked legendary 2K dribbler PowerDF what he thought of Lillard‘s escape package this year:
"Once you get the timing of Lillard‘s size-up to escape combo down, it‘s unstoppable. The behind-the-back size-up flows seamlessly into the between-the-legs escape and just leaves defenders in the dust every time."
For pure playmakers, Lillard‘s escape package gives you the perfect counter for breaking ankles on command. It‘s so fast and unpredictable that no defender can stick with you. If you want to be an elite dribbler, Dame‘s sig escape is a necessity.
Kyrie Irving – Most Stylish Escape Package
If humiliating defenders with stylish dribbles is your thing, then Kyrie Irving‘s escape package is as good as it gets. Equip Uncle Drew‘s signature size-up escape to perform the sickest double behind-the-back combo that will have ankles cracking coast to coast.
Kyrie‘s go-to escape branches into a slick between-the-legs move into a zig-zag behind the back. Chaining these moves together is straight disrespectful to any defender trying to guard you. I asked skilled 2K dribble god Swante how he makes use of Kyrie‘s escape package:
"Kyrie‘s got the best looking size-up escape combo in 2K. I‘ll hit ‘em with the behind the back size-up to get ‘em leaning, then branch into the between-the-legs behind-the-back escape. Defenders can‘t keep up with the zig-zags. It‘s too nasty!"
So if you really want to humiliate your defender while looking stylish, equipping Kyrie‘s signature escape is a no-brainer. Those ankle breaker animations never get old!
Stephen Curry – Fastest Escape Package
Of course Chef Curry has one of the nastiest size-up escapes for guards in 2K23. His signature escape branches into a lightning quick sideways hop into a stepback jumper, giving you an extra burst to get open from three.
As soon as you hit the escape you get that explosive sideways burst behind the arc so you can catch and shoot before the defender can recover.
I got insight fromthree-point sniper Embrace on how he utilizes Curry‘s signature escape package:
"Curry‘s escape is lightning fast, perfect for shooters who just need a tiny bit of extra space for threes. I‘ll use the sideways hop to reposition behind the arc, then the stepback is money to create even more space for the jumper."
The only downside is you can‘t spam Curry‘s escape too much or defenders will catch on. But use it strategically as a three point threat and it‘s impossible to guard. If you‘ve got a shooting guard or spot up build, definitely equip Chef Curry‘s escape package.
Kobe Bryant – Most Well-Rounded Escape Package
The Black Mamba‘s size up escape is a simple yet deadly combo that all guard builds need in their arsenal. The signature move perfectly mimics Kobe‘s trademark turnaround fadeaway jumper that was impossible to defend.
As soon as Kobe hits the escape, he flows right into that smooth pull up fadeaway animation. Time it well after the size-up and you can consistently hit difficult shots from mid-range that defenders can‘t contest.
I got some great insight from skilled 2K scorer Embrace on why he loves having Kobe‘s escape package equipped:
"Kobe‘s escape into the fadeaway jumper is money everytime. There‘s no sweeter feeling than hitting a defender with the combo to sink a contested mid-range green release. The move is impossible to defend and you get that signature Mamba animation too!"
Kobe‘s size-up escape is a bit slower than Lillard or Kyrie‘s, but the unguardable fadeaway jumper is 100% worth it. Equip it on any guard build and you‘ll have the ultimate counter to create and hit tough shots. Vino style!
Well-Rounded Escape Packages for All-Star Wings
Wings need size-up escapes that attack from all angles to complement their versatility. Here are the best wing packages in NBA 2K23:
Paul George – Most Dynamic Wing Escape Package
Pacers Paul George was one of the craftiest wings in basketball, and his 2K23 escape package reflects that perfectly. His signature move combos into a deadly crossover or behind the back allowing you to either attack the rim or drive and kick to open shooters.
The escape gives wings the perfect counter to beat their defender and make a play. I got insight from elite 2K player BasketballSean on why he loves PG‘s escape:
"Paul George‘s escape is dynamic. I‘ll hit the crossover escape to blow by my defender and euro-step layup finish. Or I‘ll take the behind the back escape to drive and kick out for open catch & shoot threes. Keeps defenders guessing!"
PG‘s combo is ideal for wings who want the counters to either score themselves or create for teammates. You truly unlock the full offensive arsenal with this escape package equipped.
Carmelo Anthony – Best Mid-Range Escape
Melo‘s been one of the NBA‘s deadliest mid-range scorers for decades. Naturally, his signature size-up escape in 2K23 is perfect for wings who want to dominate from the free throw line extended.
As soon as Melo hits the escape, he flows into a smooth stepback jumper animation that‘s perfect from 15-feet. The sudden change of pace throws off defenders every time.
I got Carmelo‘s biggest fan Casual‘s take on the signature escape package:
"Melo‘s got the best mid-range escape package in 2K hands down. One jab step has defenders expecting a drive, but then you hit the stepback for an easy bucket. It‘s a deadly combo for wings who want easy points from mid-range."
For wings with high difficult shots and mid-range deadeye badges, Carmelo‘s escape package is an absolute must-equip. You‘ll be scoring from the elbow at will!
Jayson Tatum – Best Attacking Wing Escape
Tatum broke out as an elite wing scorer in the NBA last season, and his 2K23 escape package reflects his attacking style. The signature move utilizes quick spins, jab steps, and hesitations to fake out defenders and drive into the lane.
As soon as Tatum hits the escape, you get a burst toward the rim and open driving angles. It‘s perfect for bigger wings who want to overpower smaller guards.
I asked elite guard breaker HankDaTank how he makes use of Tatum‘s escape package:
"Tatum‘s escape is great for hybrid wings who want to attack the paint. I‘ll use the hesitation or quick spin escapes to catch guards off balance, then explode to the rim before they can react. It‘s so hard to defend as a smaller guard."
Wings looking for new ways to beat defenders off the dribble and finish strong at the rim need Tatum‘s escape package immediately. It finally gives you quick attacking counters from the perimeter.
Unstoppable Size-Up Escapes For Bigs
Last but not least, we can‘t forget about the big fellas! Stretch bigs, finishers, and post scorers can all dominate with these size-up escape packages in NBA 2K23:
LeBron James – Most Explosive Big Man Escape
King James has been the gold standard size-up escape for big men for years, and 2K23 is no different. Every center build needs LeBron‘s signature escape package equipped at all times.
As soon as you hit the escape, you get a burst toward the rim for a crazy body-contorting dunk animation. We‘re talking violent cockbacks, reverses, windmills, the works!
I got elite big man scorer BigMane‘s thoughts on LeBron‘s money escape combo:
"After the size-up, I hit Lebron‘s escape and instantly explode to the rim for a crazy poster. The animation blows smaller defenders back every time for a guaranteed bucket. It‘s an essential combo for bigs who want to overpower guards."
Take it from a big man legend, every center build needs LeBron‘s escape equipped if you want to brutally finish over and around smaller defenders. It‘s a true MJ dunk contest spectacle!
Joel Embiid – Best Post Scoring Big Escape
As one of the craftiest bigs in the NBA today, JoJo‘s signature size-up escape perfectly mirrors his slick post game. The signature move counters into Embiid‘s deadly "dream shake" post move leading to easy hook shots and fades over defenders.
I got elite post scorer Shaqnosis‘ take on why Embiid‘s escape is so lethal:
"Embiid‘s got the best post-scoring escape in 2K, hands down. I‘ll hit the dream shake escape to completely fake out defenders under the rim, then it‘s an easy bucket with the fadeaway jumper. No center can guard that combo consistently."
For any back-to-basket bigs, Embiid‘s escape package is an absolute necessity this year. You‘ll have a counter for every guarding technique down low. Dream shaking defenders into oblivion is extremely satisfying!
Nikola Jokic – Most Skilled Big Man Escape
Reigning back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic has unlocked a new dimension for centers with his passing and playmaking ability. In 2K23, his signature size-up escape perfectly complements his unique skillset.
The escape branches into tricky hesitations, drop steps, and pivot fakes allowing you to create passing lanes from the high post and elbow.
I asked elite playmaking big HankTheTank how he utilizes Jokic‘s escape package:
"Jokic‘s escape opens up way more options for bigs to distribute. I‘ll use the quick fake escape to bait help defenders, then either attack the rim or kick out to open shooters. It makes playing in the high post way more dynamic."
For any bigs trying to take their playmaking to the next level, Jokic‘s signature escape is an absolute must-add. It really completes the rare playmaking center build.
Wrap Up – Get Your Escape Package Equipped!
Alright ballers, that wraps up this comprehensive guide on the best size-up escape packages you need to equip in NBA 2K23!
I gave you the top signature escapes for guards, wings, and bigs along with tips from comp stage experts on how to utilize each one.
Equip the right size-up escape for your position and you‘ll have unmatched handles that break ankles and score at will. Combine it with your favorite signature size-up combo and you‘ll be shimmying on defenders in no time.
Let me know which NBA star has your favorite escape package in the comments! I love chatting hoops with you all. Enjoy cooking defenders and I‘ll see you in the next one!
