BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

'NBA 2K18' Cover Athlete Predictions: 5 Players Who Could Be The Next Face Of The Franchise

Following
This article is more than 7 years old.

It's just March, but I'm already thinking about NBA 2K18.  I already penned a healthy wishlist for this year's game, but the first piece of news we'll get on the game will probably come in June when the cover athlete is announced.

image: NBA 2K18

That's when 2K announced Indiana Pacers star Paul George would be gracing the cover of NBA 2K17. I had an opportunity to speak with George in July and he told me he'd known for months that he would be the cover athlete.

If the process is the same this year, chances are the athlete chosen has already been notified. So who is it? I don't know, but I have five guesses.

Kawhi Leonard

The Claw is a sleeper pick. He's had the type of prolonged individual and team success that would qualify him for such an honor. Leonard is obviously not the most flamboyant superstar, but make no mistake about it, he is one of the world's best players.

Leonard is still just 25-years-old and his point-per-game average has increased each of the last five years. He's a real MVP candidate this season and he'd make a great cover guy. Still, this is the most unlikely selection.

If 2K did tab Leonard, expect to see a bunch of advertisement spots poking fun at his quiet demeanor.

James Harden

image: NBA 2K17

After having one of the three covers for NBA 2K16, Harden is clearly a part of the 2K family. The Beard is my pick for MVP and he'll likely lead the NBA in assists and finish in the top 3 in scoring. His personality is ideal for the role of cover athlete.

The only issue is, he was just on the cover in 2015. Would 2K turn to the same player just two years later?

Kyrie Irving

image: NBA 2K17

One of the NBA's coolest players in the league. On the NBA Store at NBA.com, Kyrie's Cleveland Cavaliers jersey is the fourth most sold behind the Golden State Warriors' Steph Cury (1st) and Kevin Durant (3rd) and LeBron James (2nd).

Irving's handle and clutch shooting have endeared him to young hoops fans. Having Uncle Drew on the cover makes all the sense in the world. That said, he was on the cover of NBA Live 14. Would 2K want to use the same cover guy that their "competitor" has used?

In fact, this has only happened twice in the two games' history. NBA Live 96 featured Shaquille O'Neal with the Orlando Magic. 2K would use O'Neal as their cover guy for NBA 2K6 and 2K7 while he was with the Miami Heat, back when they used the same player for consecutive years.

Also, NBA Live 2001 featured Kevin Garnett with the Minnesota Timberwolves. 2K tabbed KG as the cover athlete with the Boston Celtics for NBA 2K9.

Still, if 2K went with Kyrie Irving as the cover athlete, it would be the first time they used a player Live had already tabbed while the player was still on the same team.

Russell Westbrook

Well on his way to make history, Westbrook is the most ideal active candidate for the NBA 2K18 cover. He's almost certainly going to average a triple-double for the season and he'll either win MVP or finish second in the voting.

Most fans love and appreciate his relentless style on the court and everyone respects his numbers. That said, like Irving, Westbrook has been a cover athlete for Live. In fact, Westbrook may still be under contract with EA Sports because he just appeared on the cover of NBA Live 16.

That might be way too soon for 2K to look to immortalize Westbrook on the cover of their game.

Allen Iverson

This is my pick for the cover. A.I. was just inducted into the Hall of Fame, so his name is hot at the moment. One look at this heartfelt and emotional induction speech and it's easy to see why Iverson on the cover would be a great choice.

2K had Kobe Bryant on the cover of The Legends Edition last year and they have reached back for nostalgic purposes in the past.

Also, Iverson was the series' original cover athlete from NBA 2K to NBA 2K4. Iverson still has the cool factor to resonate with virtual hoops fans of all ages. He's the one I'm hoping for and betting on – even if it's just a special Hall of Fame edition.

Follow me on Twitter