The second NBA 2K League combine is off to a rough start.
The first two combine windows have been essentially wiped out with users stuck on loading screens and unable to find a match. Numerous users have also reported that despite fulfilling all their qualifying requirements, the NBA 2K League Combine tab hasn’t appeared in their in-game menu.
What’s the latest? What sort of fix is in the works? Let’s answer those, and try and assuage some fears.
The league does not develop the combine. 2K does. The two work very closely on it, but the developers behind the scenes work for 2K. Users experiencing real problems should address them to 2K Support.
UPDATE: The combine is working. The league has also added two playing windows on December 10 to compensate for missed early windows:
NBA2KLeague on Twitter
We have also extended today’s window until midnight and will be adding playing windows tomorrow (12/10) from 2-8am/et and 1-7pm/et #NBA2KLeague
UPDATE: The combine appears to have opened up again, for a 4:35pm EST – 12:00am EST window.
That’s the original list of combine window times. The league recognized that the first combine window wasn’t working, announced that they would create a new window to make up for it:
NBA2KLeague on Twitter
We will be adding an additional playing window for Combine to replace today’s playing window. That date and time will be announced at a later date. Stay tuned to @NBA2KLeague for all Combine updates #NBA2KLeague
That’s in response to the first combine window. The league expected things to have been fixed for the second window, but unfortunately the 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. window passed without much more success.
NBA2KLeague on Twitter
We are truly sorry with the Combine not working properly. We are working to get it fixed and will keep you updated on the progress. Rest assured, we will make sure everyone has enough Combine playing windows to complete your tryout. We appreciate your patience. #NBA2KLeague
That’s a response to the second combine window. The third window is slated to be open at 2 p.m. today; we’ll see how that goes, and we will of course keep you updated. Multiple managers have told DIMER that they wouldn’t get their hopes up.
UPDATE: The league announced that the second playing window of the day will be closed.
NBA2KLeague on Twitter
UPDATE: We are closing today’s playing window until a fix is implemented. We’ll provide an update via @NBA2KLeague when the patch is live, and update the in-game Combine calendar automatically. Thanks for your patience. #NBA2KLeague
This isn’t the worst thing in the world. It’s frustrating to be sure, but it does give players a chance to familiarize themselves with the combine parameters (Hall of Fame badges?? Really??) and figure out their own best practices on how they want to keep track of things.
The time off also gives players who were unable to submit their application due to technical problems, the ability to do so again:
NBA2KLeague on Twitter
Due to some issues players had submitting their applications, we are reopening the application period from Monday, Dec. 10 at 1pm/et to Friday, Dec. 14 at 11:59pm/et
According to the league: “Any players who apply during this time and who also fulfilled their gameplay requirements will be given access to the combine as soon as possible. If you have issues submitting your application, please email 2K Support (https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us ) with a description of the problem and your gamertag. Players who have successfully submitted their application will see a submission confirmation page.”
The league has absolutely no intentions of opening up the draft pool to the thousands of players who applied. The resources, will and rationale aren’t there for that. It’s not worth overreacting to the combine’s slow start, especially since the league has indicated that they will make up for the loss of playing time. Patience is key.
Brendan Donohue on Twitter
@Gliz2k I promise you the @NBA2KLeague shares your frustration and the best people are working to fix this. After we get past this, this will be an incredibly strong combine. Our changes to the qualifier will make a huge difference.