10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

As a die-hard basketball fan and longtime player of NBA 2K, I couldn’t be more excited for the upcoming release of NBA 2K25. With each new installment, I eagerly anticipate the addition of classic teams that bring unique stories and challenges to the game. Having grown up watching some of these iconic moments unfold, it would be a dream come true to relive them in NBA 2K25.


In advance of NBA 2K25’s release on September 6, there are several enticing features proposed for this installment of the popular basketball simulation game. These include Connected MyCareer mode, a revival of the Olympics and representing Team USA, and the possibility of experiencing the Bill Russell Era in MyNBA. Nevertheless, as we anticipate NBA 2K25’s arrival, let us not forget about ten historically significant teams deserving of inclusion:

NBA 2K25 Needs To Consider Adding These 10 Historic Teams

10. 2009-10 Charlotte Bobcats

10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

In the 2009-10 NBA season, the Charlotte Bobcats, known for their modest fan base, showcased impressive skills and earned a place among basketball history’s great teams in NBA 2K25. With a solid record of 44 wins and 38 losses under Head Coach Larry Brown, they secured the 7th position in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Notable players on this team included Tyson Chandler, an NBA Champion, All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, and two-time All-Defensive Second Team member. Chandler’s defensive prowess was a significant asset to the team. Additionally, D.J. Augustin, Boris Diaw, Raymond Felton, Gerald Wallace, and Stephen Jackson, who led the team in scoring with an average of 21.1 points per game, were essential contributors to their success.

The Bobcats boasted the strongest defense in the NBA, limiting opponents to an average of 93.8 points and a defensive rating of 102.8, placing them at the top of the league. However, their impressive defensive skills were not enough to carry them far in the playoffs, as they were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the first round. The Bobcats’ offense left much to be desired, with an average of only 95.3 points per game and an offensive rating of 104.4, ranking them 24th and 28th in the league. Regardless, for basketball enthusiasts who relish playing defense, the Bobcats presented an enjoyable challenge. This was a record-breaking season for the franchise, with no other classic Charlotte teams available in NBA 2K besides the 1992-93 Hornets.

9. 2004-05 Seattle SuperSonics

10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

The Seattle SuperSonics from the 2004-05 NBA season are strong contenders for inclusion in the classic teams featured in NBA 2K25. With a remarkable record of 52 wins and 30 losses in the Western Conference, they secured the third position. Notable players on this team included Ray Allen, a two-time NBA champion, ten-time All-Star, member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, and Hall-of-Famer. Rashard Lewis, another key player, was a two-time All-Star and NBA champion as well.

Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis formed an impressive duo for the SuperSonics, making around 13 attempts for three-pointers per game, with conversion rates of 37.6% for Ray Allen and 40% for Rashard Lewis. With this shooting accuracy, the team ranked second in the league for offensive rating (112.2) and scored an average of 98.9 points per game. They were also second in the league with an average of 8.1 three-pointers made per game. Unfortunately, the SuperSonics were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs.

8. 2013-14 Portland Trail Blazers

10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

In the 2013-14 NBA season, the Portland Trail Blazers are worth acknowledging for their impressive performance. With a remarkable record of 54 wins and 28 losses, they secured the fifth position in the Western Conference – an achievement that ranks among the finest in the team’s history under Head Coach Terry Stotts. This success was largely due to Damian Lillard’s breakthrough year. Following his rookie season in 2012-13, Lillard significantly upped his game and earned his first All-Star nod and a place on the Third Team All-NBA. Joining him were notable teammates like LaMarcus Aldridge, a seven-time All-Star and three-time Third Team All-NBA selection, as well as CJ McCollum, Nicolas Batum, and Wesley Matthews.

The Trail Blazers scored an average of 104.6 points per game, which was the fourth best in the league, and had an impressive offensive rating of 111.5, second only to some teams. However, their defensive performance slipped, allowing opponents to score 102.8 points per game (22nd in the league), and their defensive rating was 107.4, ranking them 16th. Despite being a well-balanced team during Lillard’s tenure, they didn’t reach their target and were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs in five matches. A memorable scene from this postseason was when Lillard clinched the series against the Houston Rockets, led by James Harden and Dwight Howard, with a three-point shot in the final 0.9 seconds, enabling the Blazers to progress to the semifinals for the first time in 14 years.

7. 2015-16 Oklahoma City Thunder

10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

The 2015-2016 NBA season was a standout one, filled with unforgettable moments such as the Golden State Warriors’ record-breaking 73 wins, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals, and Kobe Bryant’s final season in the league. The Oklahoma City Thunder shone among the other teams during this time. They ended the regular season with a remarkable 55-27 record in the Western Conference, earning them the third spot. With the duo of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant finally healthy after years of injuries, the Thunder aimed to return to the NBA Finals since their last appearance in 2012 and win the championship.

The Thunder ranked second in league offense, scoring an average of 110.2 points per game and boasting a 113.1 offensive rating. Their defense was middling, allowing opponents 102.9 points per game and a defensive rating of 105.6. With a net rating of +7.5, the Thunder placed third in the league. Durant and Westbrook were joined by an impressive roster including Serge Ibaka, Dion Waiters, D.J. Augustin, Andre Roberson, Enes Freedom, and Steven Adams. Reaching the Western Conference Finals, they defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games and the San Antonio Spurs in six. However, their journey ended at the hands of the formidable 73-9 Warriors after taking a 3-1 lead. This was Durant’s last season with the Thunder before moving on to win consecutive NBA Championships with the Warriors.

6. 2015-16 Toronto Raptors

10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

As a dedicated gamer of NBA 2K, I’d like to propose another legendary team deserving recognition in NBA 2K25: the 2015-16 Toronto Raptors. While 2K has already included the championship-winning 2019 squad, the roster of the 2016 team stands out uniquely.

As a passionate Raptors fan, I’d rephrase it this way: Last season, our beloved team averaged 102.7 points per game, ranking us 14th in the league. However, what truly set us apart was our impressive offensive rating of 110, which placed us fifth best in the NBA. Known for our tenacious defense, we held opponents to a meager 98.2 points per game, securing us the third-best defensive record in the league. Our defensive rating stood strong at an admirable 105.2. Moreover, we boasted an impressive net rating of +4.8, which was the fifth-best in the league. Despite having one of the most successful seasons in franchise history, Toronto unfortunately fell short of securing the championship title. We faced LeBron James and the formidable Cleveland Cavaliers in our first-ever Conference Finals appearance, marking the start of what is now affectionately known as the ‘LeBronto era.’

5. 2012-13 Denver Nuggets

10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

The Denver Nuggets of the 2012-13 NBA season, which holds the record for the most wins in the franchise’s history with 57-25, might be a team that current NBA fans are not familiar with anymore. This team, led by Head Coach George Karl, managed to secure the third seed despite not having a clear superstar on their roster. Andre Iguodala, a four-time NBA champion, Finals MVP, and one-time All-Star, was one of the key players alongside Kenneth Faried, JaVale McGee, Corey Brewer, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, and Ty Lawson, who averaged 16.7 points per game and served as the team’s top scorer.

Despite their top scorer only managing 16.7 points per game on average, one might assume that the Nuggets had a hard time putting points on the board. However, this assumption would be incorrect. In fact, the Nuggets boasted the best offense in the league with an average of 106.1 points per game and a fourth-best offensive rating of 110.4. Unfortunately, their defense took a hit, ranking 23rd in the league, allowing opponents 101.1 points per game with a defensive rating of 105.1. The Nuggets’ impressive net rating of +5.3 placed them fifth best overall. Regrettably, despite their balanced team performance, the absence of a star player proved detrimental in their first-round playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors, who defeated them in six games.

4. 2014-15 Atlanta Hawks

10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

The 2014-15 Atlanta Hawks is one of the most forgotten teams in NBA history. The 2015 Hawks finished with a franchise-best 60-22 record under Head Coach Mike Budenholzer, securing the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks were firing on all cylinders during the regular season, averaging 102.5 points per game (10th in the league) with the 6th best offensive rating at 108.9. They also had the second-best three-point shooting percentage at 38%, just behind the eventual NBA Champions, the Golden State Warriors. The Hawks’ defense was equally impressive, holding opponents to 97.1 points per game (5th in the league) while having the 6th best defensive rating at 103.1. They also had the 4th best net rating at +5.8.

An extra noteworthy fact about the Hawks is that they joined eight other NBA teams with four All-Stars in a campaign. Paul Millsap, a four-time All-Star and defensive second team member, averaged 16.7 points per game for the team. Joining him were Al Horford, set to become an NBA champion, Kyle Korver with his remarkable 49.2% three-point shooting percentage, and Jeff Teague, another potential NBA champion. Supporting this star-studded lineup were role players including DeMarre Carroll, Dennis Schröder, and Thabo Sefolosha. The Hawks excelled during the regular season but faced challenges in the playoffs, narrowly defeating the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards before being eliminated by LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

3. 2003-04 Indiana Pacers

10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

In the 2003-04 NBA season, Indiana Pacers, led by Head Coach Rick Carlisle, boasted a remarkable record of 61 victories against just 21 defeats, placing them atop the Eastern Conference standings. Defensively, they were among the most formidable teams in the league, keeping opponents to an average of 85.6 points per game (third best) and boasting a defensive rating of 97.2 (also third best). Nevertheless, offensively, they underperformed, ranking 20th in the league with 91.4 points per game and possessing the ninth-best offensive rating at 103.8.

In the prime of their success, the Pacers were spearheaded by Jermaine O’Neal, an accomplished six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team member, who boasted impressive averages of 20.1 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Joining forces with him were Metta World Peace at his best, Al Harrington, and a declining Reggie Miller. Boasting the top record in the league, this Pacers squad came up short against the Detroit Pistons, who eventually claimed the NBA title. Integrating this historic team into NBA 2K25 offers fans a chance to revisit the intense rivalry between the Pacers and Pistons at their zenith prior to the notorious ‘Malice at the Palace’ incident.

2. 2017-18 Houston Rockets

10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

The Houston Rockets of the 2017-18 season are often seen as one of the greatest teams never to have won a championship. This team set a franchise record with their 65 wins and 17 losses, achieving the best record in both the Western Conference and the NBA as a whole during the Kevin Durant era of the Golden State Warriors. Their offense was the second most effective in the league, scoring an average of 112.4 points per game and boasting an impressive offensive rating of 114.7. Defensively, they were also formidable, allowing opponents an average of 103.9 points (7th best) and a defensive rating of 106.1 (6th best). The Rockets had the highest net rating in the league, at a strong +8.7.

As a gamer, I can tell you that leading this team in NBA 2K25 would be an unforgettable experience. I, James Harden, brought my A-game with a monstrous season, averaging an impressive 30.4 points and 8.8 assists per game, earning me the MVP award. My teammate Chris Paul contributed significantly with 18.6 points and 7.6 assists on a regular basis. We had a powerhouse squad with Eric Gordon, Clint Capela, Gerald Green, Trevor Ariza, Ryan Anderson, and P.J. Tucker.

1. 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers

10 Historic Teams That Would Transform NBA 2K25

The Los Angeles Lakers from the 2019-20 season, just four years old in NBA 2K25’s timeline, deserve recognition as a legendary team. This Lakers squad boasts impressive credentials, having claimed one of the most memorable championships recently. Despite the challenges posed by a shortened season caused by COVID-19, they managed an exceptional 52-19 record and the best Western Conference standing under Frank Vogel’s guidance. The roster was spearheaded by LeBron James, who recorded a career-best average of 10.2 assists per game, while Anthony Davis topped the team in scoring with an average of 26.1 points per game. Key contributors included Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Avery Bradley, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, Danny Green, JaVale McGee, and Alex Caruso.

In the 2019-2020 NBA season, the Lakers scored an average of 113.4 points per game, ranking them 11th in the league. Their offense was effective with a rating of 112.0. On the defensive side, they excelled, keeping opponents to an average of 107.6 points per game, which ranked them 4th in the league. With a defensive rating of 106.3, they were the third best defensive team in the league. The Lakers had an impressive playoff run at the Orlando Bubble, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat in five and six games respectively to secure their 17th NBA Championship. Introducing this Lakers squad into NBA 2K25 would offer fans a chance to reexperience an iconic season.

Reliving Iconic Moments: Historic Teams To Enhance NBA 2K25’s Gameplay Experience

As NBA 2K25 draws near, the possibility of featuring these ten legendary basketball teams adds an extra layer of excitement for fans and players alike. Ranging from defensive powerhouses like the 2009-10 Charlotte Bobcats to high-scoring machines such as the 2017-18 Houston Rockets, each team offers a distinct playing style and captivating backstory. By incorporating these teams into the game, NBA 2K25 not only pays homage to their accomplishments but also provides players with diverse gameplay experiences and strategic challenges, ultimately heightening overall satisfaction with the upcoming release. With the launch date just around the corner, the eagerness to revisit iconic moments and historic seasons continues to build, making NBA 2K25 a highly anticipated addition to the franchise’s legacy.

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2024-07-23 00:46