NBA 2K26 Olivier Rioux MyCareer: How to Turn a 7'9" Giant into a Demigod Ball Handler

Summary

Welcome back to the Olivier Rioux MyCareer series. At 7'9", Rioux is already a physical anomaly in the NBA. But in this episode, we're taking things to another level by transforming him into something the league has never seen: a 7'9" demigod with elite ball handling and playmaking. We're now in Rioux's sophomore season, sitting at a 92 overall with a new running mate in Luka Dončić. The question is simple: can this duo accomplish what Rioux and Kevin Durant couldn't-winning a championship or even escaping the second round? We're about to find out.

In this guide, we'll break down the key strategies, gameplay adjustments, and attribute investments that turned a giant center into a point-forward nightmare.

Part 1: The New Look Nets

The Nets have assembled an intriguing roster around Rioux, featuring Luka Dončić as the new co-star alongside Carlos Boozer, Jonathan Kuminga, and Anthony Black. The goal is simple: prove this new-look squad can compete with the Eastern Conference champions and Western favorites.

Our test games pit us against the Pistons, reigning Eastern champs with Cade Cunningham and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Spurs, Western favorites led by Victor Wembanyama. These matchups will reveal whether Rioux and Luka have what it takes to make a deep playoff run.

Part 2: The Giannis Test

The first major test comes against Giannis and the Pistons. This is a battle of duos: Cade plus Giannis versus Luka plus Rioux.

Defensive Strategy: Boozer guards Giannis on the perimeter while Rioux plays help defense at the rim. The goal is to funnel Giannis toward Rioux for blocks. This strategy forced Giannis into difficult shots and contributed to Rioux's dominant defensive presence.

Offensive Approach: Rioux posted up against Giannis, using the Dirk fadeaway when doubled. When Giannis was off the floor, Rioux attacked mismatches aggressively. The 95 block rating was a game-changer, altering countless shots even when some blocks were controversially called as goaltends.

The Clutch Factor: Rioux hit game-tying and go-ahead free throws, showing he can handle pressure. Despite a rare miss on a game-winning attempt, he delivered in overtime with composure.

Game Stats: Rioux finished with 40 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks. Luka added 24 points but had 5 turnovers. Kuminga contributed 23 clutch points. The duo comparison was close-Rioux and Luka combined for 64 points while Cade and Giannis combined for 65. The Nets proved they could hang with the East's best.

Part 3: The Wembanyama Test

The second test is against the Western favorites, led by 7'4" Victor Wembanyama. This is the true test of Rioux's evolution as a ball handler.

The Ball Handling Breakthrough: With newly upgraded attributes-Ball Handle from 70 to 80, Speed with Ball from 71 to 80, and Steal from 80 to 82-Rioux unlocked a new dimension to his game. At 7'9", he can now blow by defenders off the dribble, use behind-the-back moves to create separation, and spin past slower big men.

Key Offensive Moments: Against Wembanyama, Rioux attacked left with a behind-the-back dribble and blew past the Defensive Player of the Year for a layup. He also showed range by hitting step-back threes, forcing Wembanyama to respect the jumper and creating driving lanes for future possessions. His post-dribble combos-behind-the-back into a spin or spinning between defenders-created space for mid-range jumpers.

Even with new ball handling skills, Rioux's post game remained elite. Against Wembanyama, he used the Dirk-style one-legged fadeaway when the defense sagged off.

The Finish: Rioux came through in the clutch, hitting a go-ahead free throw to tie the game and making the game-sealing free throws. He secured the rebound over Wembanyama on the final possession.

Game Stats: Rioux finished with 47 points, 18 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Wembanyama had 39 points and 23 rebounds. Rioux went 2 of 3 from deep. The verdict was clear: Rioux outplayed the unanimous Western favorite.

Part 4: Attribute Strategy - How to Build a Demigod

Post-Game Investment Strategy: After the Pistons game, we made strategic upgrades. Block went from 95 to 99, a significant investment that made Rioux the ultimate rim protector. Ball Handle jumped from 70 to 80, unprecedented for a 7'9" player. Speed with the ball increased from 71 to 80, allowing him to blow by slower big men. Steal rose from 80 to 82, improving simulation performance for Defensive Player of the Year consideration.

Why These Upgrades Matter: A 99 Block rating means any shot in the paint is at risk of being swatted, changing how opponents attack the rim. An 80 Ball Handle combined with Rioux's size allows him to attack mismatches and create his own shot from anywhere. An 80 Speed with Ball lets him keep up with guards in transition. And an 82 Steal improves his defensive impact in simulated games.

The Sig Change: We also gave Rioux the KD escape moves for his signature size-up. This creates instant separation against any defender, including Wembanyama.

Badge Investment: After the Spurs game, we invested in playmaking badges. Ankle Assassin was upgraded to Silver, while Handles for Days, Unpluckable, Lightning Launch, Strong Handle, Shifty Shooter, and Limitless Range were all added at Bronze. The result is that Rioux now has every playmaking badge except Bailout, making him a complete ball-handling threat. Having plenty of NBA 2K26 MT can be a great help to you.

Part 5: Gameplay Adjustments for a Giant Ball Handler

With 80 ball handling, Rioux can now use advanced moves like behind-the-back into blow-by, spin moves between defenders to create space in the paint, step-back jumpers to force defenders to respect the shot, and crossovers into post-ups that combine handle with traditional size.

Against Smaller Defenders: Attack immediately off the catch, use size to see over the top, and back down if the lane is congested.

Against Wemby-Type Defenders: Use space creation before attacking, don't force the issue in the post, and use screens to get Wemby moving laterally.

Off Screens: Rioux's Hall of Fame Brick Wall creates separation. Pop out for mid-range jumpers or roll to the rim for easy finishes.

Part 6: Duo Chemistry - Luka and Rioux

Luka and Rioux complement each other well. Luka creates shots with his handle while Rioux dominates the paint, and both can pass out of double teams. However, Luka's efficiency needs improvement-in the Pistons game, he had 5 turnovers and struggled from the field. If this duo is going to win a championship, Luka needs to perform better in big moments.

Rioux dominated the Spurs game with 47 points, which is great, but keeping Luka involved will be crucial for a balanced attack. The plan moving forward might be to simulate the playoffs, as the regular season is proving that this team can beat anyone. The real test comes in the postseason.

Part 7: Key Takeaways

Prioritize Ball Handling on Tall Players: The combination of height and handles is broken. At 7'9", Rioux's 80-ball handle makes him unguardable in certain matchups.

Don't Neglect Rim Protection: Even while improving offense, Rioux's 99 blocks remain his foundation. He can guard the rim and then run the break.

Invest in Playmaking Badges: Badges like Ankle Assassin and Lightning Launch transform a player. Bronze versions alone make a significant difference.

Test Your Build Against Elite Competition: Playing the Pistons and Spurs back-to-back revealed what this build is capable of. Test your MyCareer against the best teams to identify weaknesses.

Use the Clutch Moment: Rioux delivered in late-game situations. Confidence matters. Don't shy away from the big shot.

The Big Picture

Rioux is now a 93 overall with 99 Block, 80 Ball Handle, 80 Speed with Ball, every playmaking badge except Bailout, and KD escape moves. At 7'9" with these tools, he's approaching demigod status. The Nets are 4-0 to start the season and look like legitimate contenders.