NBA 2K14: Players Who Exemplify Each of the New Signature Skills

Stylish passes in the NBA 2K series are what the instant replay suite is made for. Of all the animation eye candy in NBA 2K13, these occurrences drew the most "oohs" out of me. In NBA 2K14, the ability to drop a flashy dime has been enhanced with all new animations and the advent of a new signature skill.

The Flashy Pass is one of seven new signature skills added to the game to further distinguish players' style. The information was released live from the PAX Prime gaming convention on the 2K Sports' Twitch.tv channel. Here's a video of the transmission from YouTube.

In the official trailer, Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio can be seen demonstrating the ability.

The players who will be given the skill haven't been named, but it would seem a given that Rubio would be one of the players with the gift.

A player with this skill is defined and affected as follows, via the Twitch transmission. (Images from Chris Sanner of Operation Sports, via YouTube personality and NBA 2K14 Community Team-Up member, IPodKingCarter).

I'd say that accurately defines Rubio. Not only will gamers have access to seven new skills, all the ones from NBA 2K13 have been tuned, enhanced and will return in this year's game.

Here's a look at the six other signature skills and one player who embodies its principles.

One Man Fastbreak - Derrick Rose

Critics can say what they want about Rose not returning to the Chicago Bulls during the 2012-13 season, but there is no doubt that, when healthy, Rose is a blur from end-to-end.

Assuming he hasn't lost a step, there is no player in the NBA who is more deserving of this signature skill.

Pick Dodger - Avery Bradley

As one of the game's best on-ball defenders, picks are often used to free ball handlers from Bradley's clingy defensive style. The Boston Celtics guard is so relentless, athletic and instinctual; he is often able to elude the overtures from big men who attempt to throw him off course.

It is great to see the defense get a distinction like this, and Bradley would be the perfect recipient.

Screen Outlet - Blake Griffin

The jump shot isn't exactly a major weapon for Griffin, but his ability to finish makes him a prime target in the pick-and-roll game.

If you allow Griffin to take one dribble and explode, you're going to be in a lot of posters and he'll grab his share of and-one's.

Pick-and-Roll Maestro - Chris Paul

If Griffin is the man for Screen Outlet, the man that generally delivers the ball to him in these scenarios is ideal for this signature skill. Throughout his career, Paul has made a name for himself by setting up big men for easy buckets.

He helped raise Tyson Chandler's game when both were members of the New Orleans Hornets organization. Now he has orchestrated symphonic instances of Lob City with Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

Tenacious Rebounder - Kenneth Faried

The "Manimal" has earned the right to be known as a tenacious rebounder. At only 6'8", Faried averaged 9.2 rebounds per game in only 28 minutes of action per contest. He snatched down 11.2 boards per 36 minutes played.

Faried plays with passion and intensity. His ferociousness on the glass makes him a perfect player for the new rebounding skill.

LeBron Coast to Coast (Pre-Order Bonus)

This one is pretty self explanatory. Cover athlete LeBron James' uncanny ability to snatch a rebound, take the ball coast-to-coast and finish is captured here. Per 2K Sports, this combines the traits from One-Man Fastbreak and Finisher—which is a holdover signature skill from NBA 2K13.

I'm getting more hyped by the day.

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