Roster Edges

Talent-shape edges a team picks up automatically when its roster fits. Play-style themes (Run-and-Gun, Lockdown, etc.) live under Strategy below.

• Rim Wreckers A trio of high-flyers run, dunk, and tilt the pace.
• Glass Eaters Crashing the boards generates extra possessions and second-chance buckets.
• Block Party Multiple shot-blockers turn the paint into a no-fly zone.
• Superstar Stack Two or more 90-overall stars bend games to their will on both ends.
• Balanced Five A starting five that covers every position with even talent finds a synergy edge.

Momentum

Form-driven streaks and swings reflecting recent results.

• Catching Fire Riding a 4+ game winning streak — confidence is high.
• Buzzsaw An 8+ game winning streak — they cannot be stopped (until the league catches up).
• Ice Cold On a 4+ game losing streak — shots aren't falling.
• Crashing An 8+ game losing skid — heads are down, both ends suffer.
• Bouncing Back A winning team just got tripped up — expect a response.
• Statement Win Last time out, a 20+ point beating sent a message.
• Heartbreak A gutting last-second loss — revenge is on the menu.

Chemistry

Locker-room mood swings that turn on once team chemistry tips into elite or rift territory.

• Tight-Knit Locker-room chemistry is humming — extra trust on every possession.
• Locker-Room Rift Tension in the locker room — poor ball movement and streaky play.

Strategies

Manager-chosen play-styles. Each strategy favors a particular roster shape — pick one whose fit signals match your team and you'll get a small in-game boost; pick a mismatch and you'll pay a small penalty. Balanced is always neutral.

• Run and Gun Push tempo every possession, get out and run. Rewards a fast, athletic rotation.
  Fit: pace +4, own_offense +2 · Mismatch: pace -1, own_offense -2
• Three-Point Assault Hunt threes, space the floor. Rewards a roster stacked with shooters.
  Fit: own_offense +3 · Mismatch: own_offense -2
• Inside-Out Bully ball through the paint, kick out for open looks. Wants finishers and creators.
  Fit: own_offense +2, own_defense +1 · Mismatch: own_offense -2
• Lockdown Smother every possession. Rewards defenders, awareness, and quick hands.
  Fit: opponent_offense -3, variance -1 · Mismatch: opponent_offense +2
• Glass and Grit Crash the boards, contest at the rim, win the ugly possessions. Wants size and bounce.
  Fit: own_defense +2, opponent_offense -2 · Mismatch: own_defense -2
• Veteran Savvy Slow it down, run sets, take care of the ball. Wants a battle-tested core.
  Fit: own_offense +1, own_defense +1, variance -3 · Mismatch: variance +2
• Balanced No fixed identity — let the talent on the floor decide each night.

Storylines

The league occasionally weaves a dramatic storyline into a season. They're rare, they're random, and they reveal themselves through the news wire when the moment is right. Watch the headlines.

• Cinderella A team of destiny — quietly catches fire as the season wears on.
• Sleeper Underrated and overlooked — they were always quietly better than the box scores said.
• Veteran's Last Ride An aging star chases one final shot at glory — the postseason is theirs to seize.
• Phenom Rising A young star is breaking out — the league is starting to take notice.
• Defensive Stand A team that has decided nobody scores easy — the identity is forged on D.
• Road Warrior A team that travels like it's never left home — hostile gyms don't faze them.

Utilization

On the Coach page, each player on your roster has a Less / Balanced / More utilization toggle. Pick how heavily you want to lean on each guy — calls that fit your Strategy give your team a small offensive edge; calls that fight it cost you. Balanced is always safe. After every game, the After-Action Report will hint whether your utilization choices paid off. The mechanic is a no-op while your strategy is set to Balanced.

• Dialed In Net positive: per-player utilization calls aligned with the team's strategy — the rotation is paying off.
• Crossed Wires Net negative: per-player utilization calls fight the team's strategy — revisit the dials on the Coach page.

Player Abilities

Superstar ability badges shown on player cards.

• Dunker Explosive finisher / high-flyer who can throw down strong dunks and poster attempts.
• Blocker Elite rim protector / shot blocker with strong swat and contest ability.
• Defender Lockdown defender with strong perimeter defense, steals, and on-ball pressure.
• 3PT Reliable perimeter shooter / deep-range scoring threat.