
Basketball GM is a free single-player basketball management simulation video game. In the game, players can build their own teams and draft players with different attributes. Each player has a potential (pot) rating, which is an estimate from scouts of how good a player can become. Additionally, players have key skill symbols that provide an overview of their capabilities. These symbols have no impact on gameplay. Players can also be sorted by specific attributes, such as strength, height, and rebound. The game allows for customization, including the option to overwrite draft classes and create custom league files. While there is no defined way to win at Basketball GM, players can set their own goals, such as winning championships or making profitable decisions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Game type | Single-player basketball management simulation |
| Player attributes | Height, strength, rebound, speed, jump, 3-point shot, offensive IQ, dribbling, passing, defence IQ, athleticism |
| Player potential | Depends on current ratings, age, and coaching rank |
| Player salary | Minimum contract: $750k/year; Maximum contract: $30 million/year |
| Player contract length | Minimum: 1 year; Maximum: 5 years |
| Salary limit | Minimum: $60 million |
| Draft type | Customizable |
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What You'll Learn

Look for athletes with high stats
When it comes to drafting the right players in Basketball GM, one of the most important considerations is to look for athletes with high stats. While there is no single formula for winning in this game, as it depends on your specific goals, drafting strong players can significantly impact your success.
Athletes with high stats in key areas can be game-changers for your team. For example, a tall rebounder with impressive strength and height stats can be a valuable asset, providing quality minutes on the court. Similarly, a stretch big who excels in defence and can stretch the floor on offence is another excellent archetype to consider. If you're looking for a player who can make a difference on the perimeter, focus on their speed and look for well-developed defensive skills.
It's worth noting that athleticism and physical attributes are not the only factors to consider. Basketball IQ, or OIQ (Offensive IQ) and DIQ (Defensive IQ), play a crucial role in a player's performance and overall contribution to the team. While young players typically start with lower IQ values, their intelligence and understanding of the game tend to improve with experience. Therefore, if you spot a player with impressive skills and a low IQ, they could become even more valuable as their IQ increases over time.
Additionally, when evaluating potential draftees, consider their "pot" rating, which represents an estimate from your scouts about how good a player might become. While it doesn't directly influence player development in the game, it provides valuable insight. Players with higher POT ratings have historically had a better chance of improving. However, keep in mind that a player's development is also influenced by their current ratings, age, and your coaching rank.
By focusing on athletes with high stats, you increase your chances of drafting players who can make an immediate impact on your team's performance. Combine this with a keen eye for potential and room for growth, and you'll be well on your way to drafting a winning team in Basketball GM.
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Draft a strong, tall rebounder
While there is no real way to "win" at Basketball GM, you can set your own goals, such as winning as many games as possible, making as much money as possible, or drafting a player and winning them as many championships as possible.
To draft a strong, tall rebounder, you should sort draft prospects by strength and look for players with a 48+ height, 50+ strength, and at least a 48+ rebound rating. Size and athleticism can help in rebounding, but they are not the only factors that make a great rebounder. Having the right mentality and technique are also crucial.
When it comes to technique, it is important to not just out-jump or out-tall everyone for the rebound. Instead, focus on boxing out your opponent effectively and pursuing the ball. Use your forearm to locate the offensive player, and then drive them backward with your hip or backside while maintaining a low, strong base. Keep your arms up and out, and grab the ball at its highest point.
In addition to drafting a strong, tall rebounder, you might also consider drafting athletes, who tend to have valuable stats that remain relatively stable throughout their careers. Another archetype to consider is a stretch big, who can provide great defense and stretch the floor on offense. For this type of player, look for 48+ height and 49+ three-point shooting.
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Pick a versatile, tall point guard
When it comes to drafting in Basketball GM, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy, and the game never really ends. Your goal might be to win as many games as possible, make as much money as possible, or draft a player and help them win multiple championships.
One archetype that is often considered a good draft pick is a tall, versatile point guard. Point guards typically have a specialized role and are usually the shortest players on the court, with the role of controlling the pace of the game and running the team's offense. They are generally valued for their passing and assist skills, ball handling, and court vision. While they are usually shorter, there have been some notable tall point guards in the NBA, such as Ben Simmons (6'10') and Magic Johnson (6'9"). These tall point guards offer versatility and are often found at the top of draft boards.
When considering a tall point guard, look for players with good height, speed, and jumping ability. A player with these attributes and low IQ stats has the potential to become great as their IQ improves over time. A tall point guard with good speed can create separation and space off the dribble, giving them more room to work with. Additionally, look for players with good passing skills, as this is crucial for controlling the flow of the game and getting the ball to the right player at the right time.
Another benefit of drafting a tall point guard is their potential defensive ability. They can use their height to guard all positions, providing a strong defensive presence for your team. This versatility can make them valuable starters for your team for 10+ years if they are well-developed.
When drafting a tall point guard, keep in mind that while height is an advantage, it is also important for them to possess good ball-handling skills and quickness to drive to the basket effectively. Their ability to maintain possession of the ball in crowded spaces and advance it quickly is crucial for a successful offense. So, when picking a versatile, tall point guard, look for players with a combination of height, speed, passing skills, and ball-handling abilities.
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Choose a stretch big for defence
In Basketball GM, drafting the right players is crucial to building a successful team. While there is no one-size-fits-all strategy, certain player archetypes can provide advantages on the court. One such archetype is the "stretch big," a player who can provide solid defence while also stretching the floor on offence.
A "stretch big" is typically a power forward or centre player with the ability to shoot from beyond the three-point line. This skill set effectively "'stretches'" the opponent's defence, creating space and opening up driving lanes for teammates to exploit. The presence of a stretch big can cause the opposing power forward defender to leave their position, providing opportunities for your team to attack the rim more efficiently.
When choosing a stretch big for defence, consider players with the following attributes:
- Height and Length: Look for players with considerable height, ideally 7-footers, as they can impact the game defensively and offensively. Their length can be advantageous for blocking shots and altering the opponent's shot selection.
- Shooting Ability: Prioritize players who can shoot three-pointers at a consistent clip. This skill not only stretches the defence but also keeps the defence honest, preventing them from sagging off to help protect the rim.
- Defensive Skills: Ensure that your stretch big can also defend effectively. They should be capable of defending counterparts who can shoot from outside and may also need to defend smaller perimeter players.
- Rebounding: While stretch bigs may not be traditional rebounders, it is beneficial if they can contribute on the glass. Look for players with good rebounding skills and a strong understanding of positioning and timing.
- Athleticism: Prioritize players with good athleticism, including speed and agility. This will enable them to cover more ground defensively and effectively contest shots.
When scouting for defensive-minded stretch bigs, pay attention to their defensive metrics, such as blocks and steals. Additionally, consider their defensive IQ, which can impact their ability to make timely rotations and help defend multiple positions. While stretch bigs may not be elite rim protectors, their combination of size, shooting ability, and defensive skills can make them versatile defenders who can disrupt the opposing team's offensive flow.
Remember, the goal is to find a well-rounded player who can contribute on both ends of the court. By choosing a stretch big with solid defensive skills, you can add a layer of versatility to your team's defence while also benefiting from their offensive capabilities.
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Customise your draft class
To customise your draft class in Basketball GM, you can either download a draft class file or create your own.
Download a Draft Class File
You can download a draft class file from a number of sources, including Reddit. Alternatively, you can use a league file as a draft class file, but this will only take whoever is defined in the first draft and ignore everything else in the league file.
Create Your Own Draft Class File
Creating your own draft class file is similar to defining custom players in a league file. When creating your own file, make sure to give every player a "tid" of -2 and set the draft year of each player to the same as the "startingSeason" in the league file.
Once you have your draft class file, you can upload it by going to Players > Draft > Draft Scouting, clicking "Customize", and uploading the file for the year you want. This will delete all of the current prospects for that draft class, insert players from your uploaded file, and randomly generate new players if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Some players suggest drafting athletes with high stats as they tend to stay with the player for a while. Another archetype is a stretch big who can provide great defence and offence. A third option is to draft tall point guards who are versatile. Additionally, you can draft a strong, tall rebounder for some great low-tier starter quality minutes.
To create a custom draft class, go to Players > Draft > Draft Scouting, click "Customize", and upload a draft class file for the year you want. This will delete all current prospects for that draft class and insert players from the uploaded file. You can download a draft class file or make your own.
Some players must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft. A player who completed basketball eligibility at an American high school must be at least one year removed from graduation. It is also important to note that restrictions on declaring for, then withdrawing from, drafts are mostly enforced by the NCAA rather than the NBA.
To create a new custom league, select the "Enter league file URL" in the "Customize" list with this link: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/alexnoob/BasketBall-GM-Rosters/master/2025-26.NBA.Roster.json.











































