Ever since NBA 2K was launched back in 1999, it has used the biggest names in basketball to advertise the game in the form of a cover star. Allen Iverson made it his own domain in the first five years of the game, but since then, only Shaq and Michael Jordan have enjoyed back-to-back years.
With the launch of the special and WNBA editions, there are now more chances for the top female athletes and icons of the game to receive the cover star treatment. The honor of being chosen is now a real thing for the athletes and many of those tipped to win championships have featured over the last 25 years.
NBA 2K likes to share the honor around, of course, so a player like LeBron doesn’t get his face on the cover every year, with the decision to feature ballers who have just enjoyed standout seasons a particular favorite way of choosing. SGA was the perfect choice for NBA 2K26, after his performances for OKC as it won its first-ever championship. But which NBA stars might we get to see on the cover of NBA 2K in the next few years?
Victor Wembanyama
His arrival in the NBA was the most eagerly anticipated event in the sport for quite a while, and Victor Wembanyama did not disappoint. Although he has not been able to produce the impossible and lead the Spurs to the playoffs yet, he has started this season off in red-hot form, proving that his past performances were not a fluke.
It seems inevitable that Wembanyama will feature as a cover star fairly soon. The Spurs look like they will be a real threat in the playoffs for the next few years (as long as he stays in San Antonio) and Wembanyama is undoubtedly going to be the focal point of the charge. You can bet your money on a Wembanyama cover in the next few years.
Nikola Jokic
This is another NBA legend and obvious future Hall of Famer who, a lot of people might be surprised, hasn’t graced the NBA 2K cover yet. A three-time league MVP, it might only be because of Jokic’s personality that he has not been chosen up until now. There are other players who are far more attention-seeking than the Joker – but not many more talented.
It probably doesn’t help that Jokic doesn’t play his basketball in one of the big TV markets, but he certainly warrants a cover star appearance soon. He will go down as one of the greatest ever to play in the NBA, and if he does manage to lead the Nuggets to another championship, he would surely be a top contender for the next NBA 2K cover.
Anthony Edwards
It could be argued that it might have been Anthony Edwards on the cover of NBA 2K6 if OKC wasn’t so dominant last season. The Minnesota Timberwolves were the other story of the playoffs, with Anthony Edwards being the main reason why they upset the Lakers in the first round, and then saw off Steph Curry and his Warriors in the second.
SGA and the Thunder were just far too strong in the Western Conference finals, though, leaving the T-Wolves to regroup over the offseason. Edwards remains one of the most explosive players in the league, however, and he will be looking to go at least one better this year. If he does end up a champion soon, there is no doubt he might be chosen for NBA 2K too.
Jalen Brunson
Knicks fans have had a tough time over the last few decades. It seems inconceivable that this team hasn’t won a championship since the early 1970s, and we’re not sure New York City is ready for the celebrations when and if they do. One thing is almost guaranteed, though, the Knicks franchise player at the time will become a cover star.
Jalen Brunson is the current New York hero. After arriving from Dallas in 2022, he has become the go-to player, scoring a whole heap of points, with the team noticeably weaker when he is out injured. There will be many hoops fans trashing the idea of the Knicks winning a championship, but Brunson will be everywhere if they do.
V.J. Edgecombe
NBA 2K likes to go for up-and-coming stars and award winners when it comes to choosing a cover star, and the latest rookie to make a big impression is Philly’s V.J. Edgecombe. After barely a month in the league, he won’t make the cover soon – but keep an eye on how he goes over the next few years.
Cooper Flagg attracted most of the rookie attention in the offseason, but V.J. Edgecombe scored 34 points in his first-ever NBA game and is with a team that has struggled in recent years. If he and the 76ers can reach a point where they are challenging for titles again, it might only be a matter of time before this talented young baller becomes a cover star too.
