Today we're diving deep into one of the most exciting parts of NBA 2K26 right now: the new limited-time event players. This batch isn't just solid - it's stacked. Whether you're trying to dominate Tier 1 Showdown or want high-value budget beasts for Salary Cap, these players can hoop at every level NBA 2k26 MT.

These are the Top 10 players you absolutely need to get from this event. And trust me, from Galaxy Opals to Amethysts, this list proves you don't need a team full of Invincibles to stay competitive.

Top 10 Players You Must Get

10 - Steve Novak (Diamond Tier)

6'10" sniper with a 98 three-ball and solid defense. Sure, he's got a negative wingspan and isn't going to break anyone down off the dribble, but that's not why you pick up Novak.

He is chicken. The man has a super high release point and greens everything if he's even slightly open. Run him off floppy or flare screens, and Novak becomes a nightmare from deep. With hot zones everywhere and a good leaner, Novak is the perfect 3-and-D stretch forward for only four diamond tokens. Absolute steal.

9 - Larry Sanders (Galaxy Opal)

Remember when Sanders was a defensive beast in old 2K titles? He's back. 6'11" with a 7'6" wingspan, 99 defense, and elite athleticism. He's got an 87 three-ball and every key defensive badge.

His jump shot - a bit of a "chess pass" motion - might not be perfect, but it's still very greenable, especially for button shooters. He's long, he's fast, he locks up, and he finishes inside. What more do you want from a power forward? An absolute anchor on defense for any budget squad.

8 - Bismack Biyombo (Amethyst Tier)

Sleeper alert: This card is ridiculous. 6'9" with a massive 7'6" wingspan, he's got 98 block, 97 interior, 94 perimeter defense, and 90 speed. And somehow, they also gave him an 89 three-ball, Limitless Range, and Deadeye?

Think of him as Joakim Noah 2.0 - with the exact same jumper as Bob Pettit/Bonga from back in the day. That buttery smooth base with insane defense makes Biyombo one of the most versatile bigs in the game. Don't let the Amethyst tag fool you. This dude will dominate Salary Cap and even hold his own in Showdown.

7 - James Jones (Pink Diamond Tier)

A criminally underrated shooting guard. 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan, elite release, and lockdown defense. He's everything you want in a 3-and-D wing - and more.

He doesn't need to dribble or create; just give him space and let it fly. With top-tier animations and the ability to clamp up the best guards in the game, James Jones is plug-and-play elite. Budget KD-type vibes.

6 - Peja Stojakovic (Dark Matter)

6'10" shooting guard. Let that sink in.

Peja has elite defensive stats, all the best badges, and a custom jumper that turns him from a standstill shooter into a dynamic weapon. His dribbles are solid (not elite), but he doesn't need flashy combos to kill you from deep. With size, shooting, and solid movement, Peja is arguably the best 2-guard in the game if you value height and shooting above all else.

5 - Matt Bonner (Galaxy Opal)

The "Red Rocket" somehow got blessed by 2K. He's 6'10" with one of the best releases in the game - a Matt Ryan base (same as the 100 OVR Jordan) paired with an elite upper. Bonner's got a 96 three-ball, a wide player build, and 13 Hall of Fame badges.

He's got Buckets written all over him. Yes, his wingspan isn't ideal, but his body type and jumper more than make up for it. Add in Buckner dribble style and you've got a high-IQ stretch big who can light it up from deep and hold his own on D.

4 - Ben Wallace (Pink Diamond Tier)

This is not your typical undersized forward. This is a Patty Mills base, 95 three-ball, and 99 everything on defense version of Ben Wallace. He's fast, clamps everything, and splashes threes.

Honestly, he might as well be an Invincible. If he could play small forward, he'd be SG1 or SF1. The only reason he's not higher on the list is due to position restrictions. But if you can fit him into your lineup, he might be the most valuable card in the entire event.3 - DeSagana Diop (Amethyst Tier)

Say it with me: 7'0" height, 7'7" wingspan, 93 three-ball, 90 speed, 95 block, and every key defensive badge.

You should not be able to get this kind of build for eight Amethyst tokens. His release feels like set shot 25 mixed with a LeBron upper - super clean and easy to green. He's got the Garland behind-the-back and can shock create if needed. This guy is better than 100 overall Patrick Ewing, no joke.

If you're playing Salary Cap, he's your anchor. Don't even think about skipping him.

2 - Sasha Pavlovic (Diamond Tier)

Another budget beast. 6'8" shooting guard with a 7'0" wingspan, 95 three-ball, 92 speed, 90 dunk, and strong defense.

This is a complete card - with all the key gold and Hoff shooting badges. What separates Sasha is how smooth his jumper is. He feels better than some Dark Matter wings - and I genuinely think he rivals players like James Jones and Peja for SG1 status.

If you're looking for a dominant wing scorer who costs basically nothing, Sasha is your guy.

1 - Anthony Black (Dark Matter Tier)

The best player from the event, hands down.

6'7" PG with elite animations NBA 2K MT, elite defense, and a beautiful jump shot. He's big enough to guard 1 through 3, fast enough to lead transition, and smart enough to run any offense. His handles feel crisp, and he finishes well around the rim.

Whether you're a comp player in Tier 1 Showdown or a casual MyTeam grinder, Anthony Black should be your end goal. There is no better overall value in this event than this card.

Final Thoughts

This event has been a home run for 2K. The blend of elite budget options (like Diop and Biyombo) with genuinely top-tier cards (like Anthony Black, Peja, and Ben Wallace) means you don't have to spend big or chase Invincibles to build a winning squad.Don't sleep on the lower-tier cards. Salary Cap gods like Biyombo, Diop, and Pavlovic will win you games. And if you're aiming high, prioritize Anthony Black and Ben Wallace for long-term domination.

Good luck grinding. These cards are too good to miss.