NBA 2K23 capitalized on the lack of basketball games to generate hype and excitement for its launch this offseason. It was one of the most significant events of the year for hoops fans as they eagerly waited for the popular video game to give them some basketball action.
One of the most anticipated moments prior to the game’s release is seeing which player makes it onto the cover. They are chosen by the 2K Sports team and are often players who have had memorable seasons or are icons in the game.
2K23’s cover athlete is Devin Booker and this marked the first time a Phoenix Suns player made it to the front cover of the video game. The backdrop of his photoshoot was the Arizona Desert as the game celebrated the city of Phoenix.
Additionally, there is also a “Michael Jordan Edition” in 2K23 because who better to celebrate the number 23 than his Airness?
NBA 2K23: Michael Jordan Edition will feature His Airness along with a rebuilt version of the beloved Jordan Challenges from NBA 2K11, featuring 15 iconic moments from his career. bit.ly/3y6wwGP https://t.co/yZ7cmXYuv2
Which player has been on the cover of NBA 2K the most?
Several players have been on the cover of NBA 2K but only a handful have had the privilege to be on the cover more than once.
LeBron James, arguably the greatest player of this generation, has notably been on the cover just twice. He was the primary cover athlete in NBA 2K14 after his historic 2013 MVP and championship season, and in 2K19 after he joined the LA Lakers.
Let’s take a look at some of the NBA superstars who have been on the cover of 2K the most.
#5 Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant on the NBA’s 75th anniversary edition cover of NBA 2K22 https://t.co/dGeP12wlAX
Durant’s first-ever appearance on the cover was in NBA 2K13. He shared the cover with Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin, with the trio viewed as up-and-coming superstars at the time. Durant was the sole athlete on the cover of 2K15, after his 2014 MVP campaign.
#4 Shaquille O’Neal
Funny moment from NBA Awards @NBAonTNT: @TheJetOnTNT to @SHAQ: ‘Have you ever been on the cover of a video game?’ ‘I don’t think so.’Shaq has been on the cover of NBA Live 96, NBA 2K6, NBA 2K7, NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC, NBA Hoopz, NBA Inside Drive 2004, NBA 2K18, & Shaq Fu. https://t.co/tmJssGZXrU
 at Madison Square Garden and the Flu Game in the 1997 NBA Finals.</p>
<p>The game didn’t exist during Jordan’s playing days, but 2K Sports have certainly shown him respect over the years. He was first featured in NBA 2K11 and was the only athlete on the cover. 2K11 was the first time the game introduced the “Jordan Challenges.” </p>
<p>2K Sports released three covers for 2K12, starring Hall of Famers Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.</p>
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 and then made the cover for the next four years in a row until 2K4.</p>
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