There is never a perfect answer to the question of which badges you need to unlock first for your player in MyCareer, but most of the time, this is the build you envision. NBA 2K20 has an improved badge progression system that helps players earn points for any unlocks they want faster than in 2K19.
As long as you have an idea of the type of player you want to create, this guide should help you find the badges you need for each of the main categories - Finishing, Shooting, Crafting, and Defense / Bounce. Pick your player's specialties and get ready to step on the sticks and grind the best starter badges in the game.
Best badges to unlock in NBA 2K20
Best Finisher Badges
All of these options are great for almost any gamer, but they are especially useful for cutting guards and wings who like to bring their man to the rim or run a lot of choice plays. There are better options for paint-dominant players, but for the most part it's a good start.
Best shooting badges
Again, these are all of the options that best suit each player rating. If you're planning on being a three-point line sniper, Corner Specialist and Quick Draw might be faster than your go-to speed with Catch & Shoot.
Best gaming badges
These are probably the most important badges in the game, mainly because 2K always seems to screw up something when it comes to holding the ball. Handles for Days is extremely helpful in reducing the new endometrium that prevents you from using multiple consecutive dribbling moves. The rest are just ways to stop the help, to stop the Cheesy General 2K from losing the ball when he meets an opponent or gets knocked off long passes frequently.
Best defensive / bouncing badges
Technically, it could be two categories, but they play a lot of the same roles. Defense is much less based on numbers and more on the offensive side of the ball, which means player reflexes are much more important here. Things like clamps and light reflexes make it easier for players to work, while Rebound Chaser allows the in-game tracking system to expand more for bounces, meaning fewer missed open panels.
