In Dunk City Dynasty, building the right team isn’t just about collecting famous names—it’s about role synergy, court positioning, and exploiting your opponent’s weaknesses.
Whether you’re looking to dominate ranked matches or climb events with a free-to-play strategy, knowing which players shine in each role is essential.
This tier list breaks down the best offensive scorers, defenders, and big men, and provides practical tips for assembling a balanced and winning squad.
Tier Breakdown
Each player is categorized into one of the following tiers:
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S Tier – Meta-defining. Must-have picks in any serious roster.
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A Tier – Very strong and viable in most team comps.
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B Tier – Requires strategic use or specific synergy to shine.
S Tier – Best in Role (Top Meta Picks)
These players define the meta and deliver consistent impact across game modes.
Offensive Powerhouses
Paul Pierce
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Role: All-around scorer
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Strengths: Balanced 3-point, mid-range, and penetration damage
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Why pick: Versatile and reliable finisher who can carry games without needing heavy setup
Stephen Curry
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Role: 3-point specialist
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Strengths: Deadly from long range with the right screener
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Why pick: Ideal for setups using screens and quick release mechanics
Defensive Anchors
Kawhi Leonard
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Role: Lockdown defender
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Strengths: Generates turnovers, clamps fast guards and wings
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Why pick: Sets the tone for full-court pressure and forces mistakes
Jayson Tatum
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Role: Hybrid defender
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Strengths: Strong rebounder, efficient scorer, and flexible on switches
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Why pick: Excellent for players who want one character to cover multiple roles
Big Men
Ben Wallace
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Role: Defensive center
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Strengths: Elite blocking and rim protection
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Why pick: Dominates the paint and erases driving threats
Dennis Rodman
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Role: Rebound king
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Strengths: Second-chance playmaker through boards and putbacks
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Why pick: Great in scrappy, contested games where rebounding wins possessions
A Tier – Strong but Role-Dependent
Still highly effective, these players can anchor teams with the right support.
Offensive
Kyrie Irving
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Strengths: Tight dribbling and quick bursts
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Weakness: Requires high mechanical skill and lacks range
James Harden
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Strengths: Mix of 3-point shooting and foul baiting
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Weakness: Less effective without off-ball support
Luka Dončić
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Strengths: Pick-and-roll master, great decision maker
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Weakness: Slightly slow on defense without help
Dirk Nowitzki
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Strengths: Post-play, easy to learn
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Weakness: Low mobility, weak help defender
Defensive
Jimmy Butler
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Strengths: Clutch steals, breaks enemy rhythm
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Weakness: Needs matchup-specific positioning to shine
Ray Allen
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Strengths: Fast movement + shooting
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Weakness: Not a full defender, but great hybrid pick
Big Men
Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Strengths: Explosive dunks, strong ultimate
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Weakness: Slightly inconsistent defense without manual input
Joel Embiid
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Strengths: Mid-range handoff plays and strong lane presence
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Weakness: Can be outrun by faster guards
B Tier – Requires Strategy or Setup
These players are serviceable, but may underperform without the right comp.
Offensive
Kevin Durant
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Strengths: Elite mid-range
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Weakness: Lacks creativity and versatility compared to others in his class
Derrick Rose
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Strengths: Exceptional speed
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Weakness: Struggles from beyond the arc
Defensive
LeBron James
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Strengths: All-around stats
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Weakness: Poor shooter compared to other hybrids
Jaren Jackson Jr.
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Strengths: Shot-blocker
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Weakness: Too slow when matched against smaller guards
Best Team Composition Tips
To build a winning team, think in terms of role synergy rather than just raw star power. Here’s a proven structure:
Recommended Balance
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1 Playmaker: Stephen Curry or Luka Dončić
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1 Scorer: Paul Pierce or James Harden
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1 Big Man: Ben Wallace or Giannis
This structure ensures ball movement, scoring pressure, and paint control.
Skill Synergy Example
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Steph Curry + Nikola Jokić (not yet released but expected): Use Jokic as screen setter to unlock Curry’s quick-release 3s from range
What to Avoid
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Don’t rely on LeBron James as your primary scorer—his offense is not optimized
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Avoid stacking multiple low-defense players in the same lineup
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Choose one flexible player per team—don’t overload with generalists
F2P vs Pay-to-Win – Can Free Players Compete?
Yes. Dunk City Dynasty is not strictly pay-to-win. With smart team composition and grinding, free-to-play players can reach high ranks using S-tier characters from limited events or login rewards.
Focus on:
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Mastering positioning and rotations
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Reading the court
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Using team synergy rather than relying on solo plays
Easiest and Hardest Players to Use
Easiest (Beginner Friendly)
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Durant: Simple shot timing and spacing
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Giannis: High damage with minimal input
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Embiid: Easy defense and high hitbox control
Hardest (High Skill Ceiling)
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Kyrie: Dribble mastery required
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Harden: Needs precise spacing and timing
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Kawhi: Most effective with perfect positioning
Final Thoughts
The current meta in Dunk City Dynasty emphasizes role synergy, off-ball movement, and control of the key. Players like Paul Pierce, Kawhi Leonard, and Ben Wallace dominate because they fulfill critical functions without being one-dimensional.
If you’re building your dream team, start with at least one player from each top category and evolve based on your playstyle. This is a game where teamplay beats individual flash, and knowing your role is just as important as mastering it.
Key Phrase: dunk city dynasty tier list
Meta Description: Updated Dunk City Dynasty Tier List (May 2025). Discover the best offensive scorers, defenders, and big men. Build a top-tier team with meta players like Pierce, Kawhi, and Ben Wallace.