NBA 2k has been around for years and has been the go-to video game for the highest quality basketball simulation (Sorry NBA Live). On November 10th, 1999, NBA 2K released their first game on Dreamcast. One of my favorite guards of all-time, Allen Iverson, graced the first-ever cover. The first 10 covers obviously were not modern, so I want to look at the last decade of covers. Let’s rank them shall we:
10) NBA 2K18
I still don’t understand the background here. Other than capturing a great Kyrie pose, this cover is underwhelming.
9)NBA 2K13
This cover doesn’t hold any substance to me. You have 3 really good players in their prime, but other than that no correlation between the superstars. The background just looks like the artist did not put in any effort.
8)NBA 2K15
This cover is solid. It offered some hidden clues for MyPark which was exciting. However, the color scheme with OKC jersey and the red background just throws it off for me.
7)6NBA 2K11
This was MJ’s debut cover. Overall great cover with the iconic tongue out. This would be the first of several you will see on this list.
6)NBA 2K17
Paul George graced this cover after his gruesome leg injury with Team USA. It holds emotional value here as you feel the passion with the middle image. This cover is simple but very clean.
5) NBA 2K14
The King finally had been introduced to the 2K cover. I love this cover because it is clean but very iconic. I just wish the background image of Lebron’s face wasn’t there. It simply feels unnecessary.
4) NBA 2K12
I thought this cover was cool with the blurred effects. Bird and Magic were also honored with covers using the same style as well.
3) NBA 2K16 LEGEND EDITION
What is there to dislike about this cover? I love the color scheme and the journey taken leading to one of the most iconic images of MJ ever.
2) NBA 2K19 LEGEND EDITION
This cover is fantastic and creative, telling everyone what is most important to Lebron. You get a sense that the cover is a way to connect with fans on a personal level too. I love the black and gold color scheme as well.
1) NBA 2K20 LEGEND EDITION
The best cover of the decade goes to NBA 2k20 Legend Edition featuring D-Wade. This was a tribute to his Hall of Fame career and shows his connection to the city of Miami. The cover just screams “Wade County,” from the artwork to hidden messages like “Next” on the right palm trees just above his son Zaire’s name. This cover art is just perfect.
