In the world of sports games, being featured on a cover is a coveted honor, reserved for the game’s most iconic stars. Basketball has given us some of the greatest athletes of all time, grantingNBA 2Ka wide selection of cover athletes to choose from. However, there are a select few who, despite their greatness, have yet to grace the cover of NBA 2K.
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Many great stars will likely never be featured on a 2K cover, probably due to falling out of popularity or not having a marketable playstyle. Be that as it may, these players have left an indelible mark on the hardwood and their absence on the game’s cover does not go unnoticed.
10Kawhi Leonard - The Silent Assassin
Kawhi Leonard, the “Klaw,” is a player who lets his game do the talking. Known for his stoic demeanor and stifling defense, Leonard has built a reputation as one of the league’s premier two-way players. With his exceptional scoring ability and lockdown defense, he has earned multiple NBA championships and Finals MVP awards.
Leonard’s ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments and deliver clutch performances is truly remarkable. His silent but deadly approach to the game has enthralled fans and makes him a deserving candidate for a 2K cover.
9Julius Erving - The Pioneer Of Flight
Julius Erving, affectionately known as “Dr. J,” revolutionized the game with his gravity-defying aerial acrobatics. As one of the original high-flyers, Erving showcased an array of ludicrous dunks and awe-inspiring moves that became the blueprint for future generations.
With his trademark afro and stylish flair, Dr. J captivated audiences and cemented himself as one of the game’s greatest ambassadors. His impact on the sport cannot be overstated, and featuring him on a 2K Legend Edition cover would pay homage to his iconic legacy.
8Jayson Tatum - The Problem
Jayson Tatum, called “The Problem” by LeBron James himself, has made waves in the league since his rookie debut with his unconscious scoring ability and all-around versatility. With his lethal scoring arsenal, including a deadly step-back jumper, Tatum has established himself as one of the league’s most adept talents.
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His ability to rise to the occasion in clutch moments and his impressive offensive versatility make him a natural choice for a 2K cover. Over the years though, Tatum continues to get snubbed. Seeing him on the cover would be a testament to his unwavering prowess on the court.
7Joel Embiid - The Process
Joel Embiid, the towering center of the Philadelphia 76ers, possesses a rare combination of size, skill, and personality. With his dominant presence in the paint and smooth shooting touch, Embiid has established himself as one of the league’s premier big men.
Known for his charismatic on-court celebrations and playful trash-talking, he brings a captivating energy to the game. Embiid’s ability to dominate on both ends of the court, coupled with his infectious personality, makes him a strong candidate for a 2K cover. His larger-than-life presence would undoubtedly resonate with gamers andsports enthusiasts alike.
6Carmelo Anthony - The Non-Stop Scorer
A prolific scorer with a trigger-happy jumper, Carmelo Anthony was an offensive juggernaut on the court. Known for his impeccable footwork and deadly shooting strike, Melo’s offensive prowess is simply breathtaking.
From his ability to create his own shot to his clutch performances down to the wire, Anthony’s scoring ability easily deserved a spotlight on the 2K cover. With his signature fadeaways and deep range, he has entertained fans for years, leaving us longing to see him grace the cover of the game.
5Tracy McGrady - The Scoring Machine
Tracy McGrady, the relentless scorer with a fluid shooting stroke, captivated fans with his ability to light up the scoreboard. A seven-time All-Star, McGrady had an uncanny ability to score from anywhere on the court, leaving defenders in his wake.
His offensive repertoire, which included streaking dunks and impossible fadeaways, made him a joy to watch. McGrady’s scoring exploits, combined with his flair and style, definitely made him a deserving candidate for a 2K cover. His impact on the game is undeniable, and featuring him on the cover would be a fitting tribute to his offensive brilliance.
4Russell Westbrook - The Triple-Double Machine
When it comes to sheer force and intensity, few players can match Russell Westbrook. His explosive style of play, combined with his unmatched ability to fill up the stat sheet, made him an exciting choice for a 2K cover.
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Known for his relentless energy and supreme athleticism, Westbrook leaves fans in awe with his thunderous dunks, game-winning shots, and seemingly endless triple-double performances. With his unique blend of speed, power, and determination, he’s easily one of the best to never get featured on a cover of his own.
3Steve Nash - The Maestro
Steve Nash, a true magician with the basketball, has redefined the point guard position with his incredible court vision and impeccable passing skills. A two-time NBA MVP, Nash’s ability to orchestrate an offense and make his teammates better is truly remarkable.
With all his wizardry on the court, it was a bit of a let-down to see him passed up as a cover athlete. Nash would have made for a fascinating choice for a 2K cover. His crafty passes, pinpoint accuracy, and basketball IQ were unparalleled and reminiscent of the flashy guard play often seen on 2K today.
2Dwight Howard - Superman
Dwight Howard has always been a powerhouse in the paint. A three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Howard’s ability to alter shots and control the boards is second to none.
With his high-octane dunks and intimidating presence, he became a household name in the league, especially with his run in Orlando. As a dominant big man with a larger-than-life personality, Howard could have brought an exciting and unique element to the 2K cover, reminding gamers of his unmatched dominance.
1Vince Carter - Air Canada
Vince Carter, the iconic “Half-Man, Half-Amazing,” has wowed fans with his above-the-rim antics and mind-boggling hang time, solidifying his place in basketball history as the ultimate aerial artist.
From his epic 2000 Slam Dunk Contest performance to his game-winning buzzer-beaters, Carter’s electrifying style of play made him a prime candidate for a 2K cover in his heyday. His showmanship alone would have made his selection a no-brainer. As unfortunate as it is, 2K just didn’t have any more room to squeeze him into their line-up of cover stars.
