He was already on the twilight of his career so the cover honors from NBA 2k just came in time for The Big Ticket.

After bringing home the Larry O’Brien trophy and winning the league’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, NBA 2k chose the South Carolina-native to be the cover athlete for NBA 2k9. And yes, even being part of NBA 2k’s cover athlete history is possible if you’re KG. “Anything is possible”, cried Boston Celtics superstar Kevin Garnett after he led the Celtics to a historic championship run in 2008. It was another smart pick by the brand as “The Greek Freak” would go on to dominate the 2018-2019 regular season, finishing 12th in blocks, 7th in points, 6th in rebounds as that year’s league MVP.

It was also the first time the brand decided to feature words and phrases as a background to the superstar (also seen in that year’s Anniversary Edition cover featuring LeBron James).

NBA 2k19 broke a lot of boundaries in the franchise and one of which was picking their first-ever international player to be that year’s cover athlete – none other than Milwaukee Bucks franchise player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Iverson would also end up as the only player that season to receive an MVP vote aside from Shaquille O’Neal. It was the perfect timing for the brand as AI would have himself his breakout season that year, making it to his first all-star team and leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the playoffs. NBA 2k, which was initially released for Dreamcast, broke out and immediately set the tone for the franchise and picked the up and coming Iverson to spearhead their brand. Though AI was 2k’s cover athlete for four straight years (1999-2002), his very first stint as the cover athlete is definitely the most iconic one. We have to start in the very beginning – NBA 2k’s first-ever cover athlete, Allen Iverson. Let’s take a look at the most iconic NBA 2k covers since it’s 1999 debut. The unveiling of their annual cover athlete has been a major event and has given gamers something to look forward to come Fall. “Giannis is the future of the NBA and his drive and athleticism have made him an undeniable force in the league,” said Alfie Brody, Vice President of Marketing for NBA 2K. “He’s the perfect cover athlete and we’re excited to feature him as our very first international cover star, as NBA 2K has a strong following with fans all over the world.”Īll of you gamers can pre-order the game right now before it releases to the public on September 11, 2018.The NBA 2k brand has dominated the virtual arena and has captured basketball fans from across the globe. He has also gained the respect of his fellow players, earning multiple honors, including All-Rookie Second Team, NBA All-Defensive Second Team, All-NBA Second Team (twice) and Most Improved Player. I have worked hard to earn recognition in the NBA and being on the cover of NBA 2K19 is a dream come true.”Ĭoming from humble beginnings selling watches on the streets of Athens, Antetokounmpo has quickly won over NBA fans with his tremendous skill and genuine personality. “I love playing NBA 2K so this means a lot to me. “I am honored to be the first international player featured on the cover of NBA 2K19,” said Antetokounmpo. Keeping with the NBA 2K19 creative theme, the cover features key words and phrases which hold significance for Giannis, including “Father’s Legacy,” “Fear the Deer,” “Phenom” and of course “Athens,” paying homage to his hometown in Greece. After LeBron James was named the cover athlete of the 20th Anniversary Edition of NBA 2K19 last month, 2K today announced that the NBA 2K19 Standard Edition will feature Milwaukee Bucks standout and two-time NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo on the cover.

Nba 2k19 cover player