10 most questionable NBA 2K covers

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As a lifelong video game enthusiast and avid basketball fan, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing and participating in the evolution of the NBA 2K series over the years. While some covers have been iconic, others have left us scratching our heads, wondering why certain choices were made.

2K Sports launched NBA 2K25 on September 6, 2024. Over the years, the NBA 2K series has provided basketball enthusiasts a platform to experience the sport digitally. This virtual environment also enables fans worldwide to engage in games alongside or against their favorite NBA legends.

As a dedicated gamer and basketball enthusiast, I can’t help but share my thoughts on the NBA 2K series and their cover choices over the years. While they’ve managed to snag some of the biggest names in basketball for their game covers, there have been instances when their choices left me scratching my head. Here’s a rundown of the 10 most questionable NBA 2K covers that I’ve come across.

Jayson Tatum – NBA 2K25

According to reports, NBA 2K is expected to reveal the cover athlete for NBA 2K25 and pre-order details by this coming Friday.

Jayson Tatum is the expected cover athlete, per sources.

*Remember to follow @JABridgeforth for ALL NBA 2K25 NEWS!

— JA Bridgerton (@JABridgeforth) July 8, 2024

It’s clear that Jayson Tatum is a top-tier superstar. Yet, during their latest NBA Finals, it was evidently Jaylen Brown who outshone him as he claimed the NBA Finals MVP award, demonstrating his status as the Boston Celtics’ standout player.

As a gamer putting in my two cents, getting benched during the Olympics for Team USA didn’t exactly boost Jayson Tatum’s reputation. Even though he’s got the coveted spot on the cover of NBA 2K25 this year, it’s clear that he wasn’t the go-to guy in terms of recognition or impact.

Devin Booker – NBA 2K23

Be Legendary in #NBA2K23

Introducing our NBA 2K23 Cover Athlete @DevinBook

Pre-order now:

— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 7, 2022

Despite Devin Booker being a highly esteemed scorer in the NBA, his selection has sparked questions, considering there are other MVP-worthy candidates like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. However, the cover for this two-time Olympic gold medalist remained exceptional, both in terms of its design and graphics.

Zion Williamson – NBA 2K21

The future is here @ZionWilliamson is our Cover Athlete for Next Gen #NBA2K21

Pre-orders begin July 2nd

— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 1, 2020

Zion Williamson transitioned from a star player at college to an NBA All-Star center. Despite displaying glimpses of exceptional talent in the professional league, Zion’s health issues have been a persistent challenge for his basketball career in the NBA.

Consequently, his appointment as one of the players featured in NBA 2K21 raised some doubts. In fact, during the 2019-2020 season, Zion Williamson played just 24 games in his rookie year and also lost out on the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

Dennis Schroeder – NBA 2K16 Germany Edition

Dennis Schröder on the Cover of #NBA2K16 … in Germany

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) August 5, 2015

Initially, finding Dennis Schröder on the NBA 2K cover might take you by surprise. Yet, understanding it was a special German edition helps explain the choice. Still, one can’t help but feel that having Dirk Nowitzki as the cover star could have been a more impactful decision.

To this point, the German Basketball Hall of Famer hasn’t graced any NBA 2K video game cover alone. However, Schroder remains a beloved figure among German basketball enthusiasts.

Danilo Gallinari – NBA 2K17 Italy Edition

Danilo Gallinari is on the cover of NBA 2K17 in Italy because why not? (via @gallinari8888)

— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) July 22, 2016

It came as a surprise that Danilo Gallinari, frequently considered underestimated and disregarded, was chosen for the cover of NBA 2K. Despite being widely recognized as one of the top Italian players in the league, his achievements don’t seem substantial enough to earn a spot on the cover. However, Gallinari’s appeal among Italian basketball enthusiasts remains undeniable.

DeMar DeRozan – NBA 2K18 Canada Edition

I’m thrilled to adorn the Canadian edition of NBA 2K18! I believe you’ll find it terrific. This year’s version of 2K18 promises to surpass all previous ones!

— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) July 6, 2017

As a dedicated fan, I have to say that while DeMar DeRozan’s cover for NBA 2K was commendable, it seemed peculiar to pick him for the Canada Edition of NBA 2K18. Though he was a star player for the Toronto Raptors, it’s important to note that DeRozan himself isn’t Canadian by birth.

Moreover, you might consider alternative Canadian basketball stars like the two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash. Notably, despite his impressive accolades, he hasn’t been featured on the cover of an NBA 2K video game up until now.

J. Cole – NBA 2K23 Dreamer Edition

This shit crazy. NBA2K23 cover. DREAMER @NBA2K

— J. Cole (@JColeNC) September 1, 2022

Initially, the decision to feature J. Cole on the cover of NBA 2K might seem surprising, given that he is not an actual NBA player. This choice may undoubtedly spark questions among fans, as it involves him over numerous MVP contenders in the league.

Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – NBA 2K22 75th Anniversary Edition

75 years since the NBA was born
3 legends of their era

Introducing our #NBA2K22 75th Anniversary Cover Athletes @KDTrey5 @swish41 @kaj33

Pre-order now

— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 14, 2021

Despite being adorned with renowned figures, the arrangement on this poster sparked curiosity among fans. Even today, they ponder over the rationale behind assembling Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the cover. Given that there were 72 other players to select from, alternative pairings might have been more compelling for this particular edition’s design.

Chris Paul – NBA 2K8

#2KFest #Sweepstakes NBA 2K8 Chris Paul

— Kzeshini (@ohdiorvii) November 21, 2020

It’s undeniable that including Chris Paul in NBA 2K8 was an excellent choice since he was at the pinnacle of his career. Yet, the rather simple design used on the game cover didn’t appeal to all video game enthusiasts.

Without additional design elements, it appears that NBA 2K merely used one photo of CP3 and placed their emblem on it to create an improvised-looking promotional poster. Many video game enthusiasts and NBA fans would likely concur that the NBA 2K8 poster is one of the poorest in the series’ history.

Shaquille O’Neal – NBA 2K7

NBA Twitter Reacts to the cover of NBA 2k7 (2006)

— Old NBA Tweets (@oldnbatweetz) September 5, 2023

During the early 2000s, Shaquille O’Neal ruled the NBA, helping the Los Angeles Lakers secure three consecutive championship titles. He then won his fourth title in Miami. However, although it was alright for him to be featured in NBA 2K6, fans weren’t too pleased with his appearance on the cover for a second consecutive year. It might have been more fitting for the NBA to feature another star at that time instead.

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2024-12-15 02:09