Core goal: climb the draft board as high as possible, ideally #1 overall, during the Fire and Concrete prelude so you control your landing spot. Or skip the slog and just pick your team. Then get through the 11 chapters without wasting hours on failed objectives and bad AI teammates. Draft position is no longer locked. Performance in the high school, Rucker Park, and G League prelude moves your stock. Dominate and you can earn the actual #1 pick. You can always manually select any team at the draft regardless of where you land.

The Start Decision

Option A
Start from Chapter 1
Full story, Rucker Park games, cousin Cam (Vince Staples), and the best chance at #1 overall. This is the only way performance actually moves the board. Once you start Chapter 1 you cannot easily jump ahead later. Many players who began the full story later regretted it because of the length and forced objectives.

1How to Climb the Draft Board

Draft override: regardless of where you land on the board, you can manually select any team at the draft. You are never forced to a specific franchise.

2After the Draft

Video Walkthroughs

Full playthrough of the Fire and Concrete storyline

How to get all stars and Level 40 rewards

Common Mistakes

Play the prelude on a manageable difficulty, complete the listed goals, and you will control the board or just pick your team and move on.