NBA 2K, the popular basketball video game franchise, has become synonymous with the sport itself.
While the gameplay and graphics have continuously evolved over the years, one aspect that has captivated fans and collectors alike is the iconic 2K cover art.
Since it first started in 1999, the NBA 2K series has featured some of the most iconic figures in basketball history on its cover.
From Allen Iverson's dynamic playing style to Michael Jordan's legendary confidence, every cover athlete has symbolized the highest level of basketball excellence during their respective periods.
The 25th-anniversary edition of NBA 2k24 featured Kobe Bryant, paying tribute to his iconic legacy in the basketball world.
Bryant will appear in both the Kobe Bryant Edition and the unique Black Mamba Edition of the game. This marks the second occasion that the Black Mamba is showcased on the primary cover of a game in the series, following its appearance on the 2K10 cover.
On the other hand, Sabrina Ionescu graces the front cover of 2K24 WNBA Edition.
Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker is prominently featured on the cover of the standard and digital deluxe versions, exuding a confident and commanding presence.
Meanwhile, NBA Hall Of Famer Michael Jordan graces the covers of the Michael Jordan and Championship Editions with his iconic stature in the basketball world.
The WNBA cover edition showcases stars Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, capturing their remarkable contributions to women's basketball.
2K introduces six distinct cover athletes for the first time in the series. Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks graces the standard and current-gen editions.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets adorn the 75th Anniversary Edition.
The Special WNBA 25th Anniversary Edition showcases Candace Parker of the Chicago Sky. Parker achieved a historic milestone as the first WNBA player to feature as the cover athlete for the NBA 2K series.
Debuting globally on September 4th, 2020, NBA 2K21 features Damian Lillard as the cover athlete for the standard edition of the current console generation.
Meanwhile, Zion Williamson, the then-rising star of the NBA, was chosen as the prominent face adorning the standard version of the highly-anticipated next console generation of 2K21.
Meanwhile, in a poignant tribute to his legendary legacy, Kobe Bryant graces the cover of the coveted Legend Edition for current and upcoming console generations.
The cover athletes for the standard and deluxe editions of NBA 2K20 are Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers, whereas the Legend Edition features Dwyane Wade, a former Miami Heat player.
The unveiling of the covers took place on July 1, 2019. Even though Davis is depicted as a Lakers player in the game, he sports a nondescript jersey on the cover.
This is because the cover was released before Davis's official transfer from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, representing the Milwaukee Bucks, is featured as the cover athlete for the standard edition of NBA 2K20, whereas LeBron James takes the cover spot for the 20th Anniversary Edition.
Meanwhile, in North America, both Antetokounmpo and James are showcased on the cover, while Ben Simmons, a native of Australia playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, is featured on the cover specifically for Australia and New Zealand.
The regular edition of NBA 2K18 features Kyrie Irving from the Boston Celtics as the cover athlete.
Shaquille O'Neal is the cover athlete for the special editions, and DeMar DeRozan from the Toronto Raptors graces the cover of the Canadian version.
Despite being chosen as the cover athlete while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics before the game was released.
NBA 2K17 features four different cover athletes. The regular edition of the game features Paul George from the Indiana Pacers as its cover athlete.
Meanwhile, the 'Legend Edition' features Kobe Bryant as the cover athlete, embodying his legacy in the game.
In Italy, Danilo Gallinari graces the cover as a testament to his impact on basketball in his home country, while Pau Gasol takes center stage as the cover athlete in Spain.
NBA 2K16 offers three distinct covers, showcasing Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors, Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans and James Harden from the Houston Rockets.
Additionally, a special edition of the game has been launched, featuring Michael Jordan on its cover.
Likewise, Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Dennis Schröder, and Tony Parker are on the front of different country editions.
Kevin Durant, the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, serves as the cover athlete for NBA 2K15.
Durant was an integral part of the Oklahoma City Thunder at that time. Notably, he had also been selected as one of the three cover athletes for NBA 2K13.
Starting from 2K15, the game features pre-game presentations hosted by Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal.
LeBron James, the iconic player of the Miami Heat, not only graced the cover of NBA 2K14 but also played a pivotal role in curating its soundtrack which boasted a lineup of 20 licensed songs.
Aside from this, NBA 2K14 marked a significant milestone by introducing "EuroLeague teams" to further expand its immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, it was during this year that "The Park" made its debut as an innovative mode where players could take their MyPlayer to different urban courts and engage in thrilling matches with fellow gamers.
Cover athletes: Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant, and Derrick Rose
Released: September 19, 2012
In mid-June 2012, 2K Sports introduced a 'Reveal the Cover' campaign, wherein an increasing number of tweets with the hashtag #NBA2K13 would lead to the disclosure of additional hints regarding the cover athletes.
Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers, Kevin Durant from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls grace the cover of NBA 2K13, each depicted in the act of dunking.
Cover athletes: Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
Released: October 4, 2011
Featuring three distinct covers, NBA 2K12 becomes the first installment in the series to showcase multiple athletes on its covers.
These cover athletes include Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan (for the second consecutive year). The game introduces the "NBA's Greatest" mode, allowing players to engage with a diverse selection of historical players and teams.
2K10 features Kobe Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers as its cover athlete. Fans had the opportunity to vote for their preferred image among four options to be used as the cover.
Aside from the regular launch, there was also a special edition of the game called NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition that was released.
Moreover, before the official launch of the primary game in August 2009, NBA 2K10 Draft Combine was released with Derrick Rose on its cover.
Former Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett is on the cover of NBA 2K9.
The commentary is provided by Harlan and Clark Kellogg, and Cheryl Miller serves as the sideline reporter. The soundtrack includes 24 licensed songs and one original composition.
The worldwide release of NBA 2K9 took place in October 2008 for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Notably, it marked the first PC release in the NBA 2K series.
Chris Paul, an NBA star is prominently featured as the cover athlete of NBA 2K8.
The game boasts a carefully curated soundtrack with a diverse selection of 23 licensed songs, reflecting various genres to cater to different music preferences among players.
Besides, the introduction of the Slam Dunk Contest game mode adds an exciting new dimension to gameplay.
Shaquille O'Neal, the former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat star center is once again gracing the cover as the featured athlete for NBA 2K7.
It marks the initial release for the PlayStation 3 in the series and serves as the concluding release for the original Xbox.
Besides, NBA 2K7 stands out as the series' first game to incorporate a licensed soundtrack, departing from the tradition of previous games that exclusively featured music created specifically for the gaming experience.
Shaquille O'Neal, the renowned Miami Heat NBA center is showcased as the cover athlete for NBA 2K6.
Apart from his appearance on the cover, O'Neal played a role in enhancing the game's low post-gameplay by offering his expertise, thereby improving the authenticity and precision of the in-game mechanics.
Furthermore, NBA 2K6 marks the initial release of an NBA 2K title by 2K Sports.
The only installments in the series that have ESPN licensing are ESPN NBA 2K5, with Ben Wallace from the Detroit Pistons as the cover athlete.
In contrast, the initial five games showcased Allen Iverson from the Philadelphia 76ers on their covers.
Additionally, 2K5 marks the final installment in the series released by Sega Sports prior to the sale of Visual Concepts to Take Two Interactive, leading to the creation of 2K Sports.
The cover of ESPN NBA Basketball (also known as NBA 2K4) features basketball legend Allen Iverson, marking his fifth and final appearance as a cover athlete for the NBA 2K series.
It is the initial game to consistently showcase the ESPN logo and stands as the sole game without the inclusion of "2K" in its title; instead, the cover art highlights "2K4."
NBA 2K2 hit the market in the latter part of 2001 and the early months of 2002, making its way to Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube.
Allen Iverson once again graced the cover as the featured athlete. Alongside the regular roster of players and teams from the 2001-02 NBA season, NBA 2K2 introduced legendary players like Bill Russell, Julius Erving, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, each associated with their respective teams.
NBA 2K1 made its debut in October 2000 on the Dreamcast, featuring Allen Iverson from the Philadelphia 76ers on the cover.
The game introduced new elements, including a street basketball mode and a managerial mode where players could take on the role of a team's general manager.
Also, NBA 2K1 marked the series' first foray into online play, enabling up to 8 players to participate together in online matches.
The original NBA 2K Game made its debut in November 1999, with Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers gracing the cover as the featured athlete.
Notably, the first four installments of the NBA 2K series boasted commentary from fictional announcers Bob Steele and Rod West, brought to life by none other than Bob Fitzgerald and Rod Brooks.
