Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard will appear on the next cover of the popular video game NBA 2K21 by 2K Sports. Lillard, one of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA, earned his first spot on an NBA 2K cover.
2K Sports dropped the trailer for the upcoming version of NBA 2K21 and all of #NBATwitter went bonkers over the news. Pre-orders will begin on July 2. NBA 2K21 will be released in October 2020.
The LA Lakers’ Anthony Davis appears on the current cover of NBA 2K20. Davis boasts the fourth-best rating on NBA 2K20 with a 96. Three players including James Harden, LeBron James, and Giannis “Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo have ratings of 97, the highest in the game.
With a 94 rating on NBA 2K20, Lillard ranks #9 overall in the NBA, trailing Luka Doncic (96), Kevin Durant (96), and Steph Curry (95).
Lillard will appear on one of three covers for NBA 2K21. He’s the first member of the Portland Trail Blazers to earn that distinction.
Rumors suggest that Zion Williamson will appear on the “Next Gen” cover.
Dwyane Wade appeared on NBA 2K20’s “Legend Edition” cover. Who will it be this season? Fans anticipate that 2K Sports will honor the late Kobe Bryant with a legends cover.
Being on the cover of @nba2k is a dream come true. I've been playing 2K since the Dreamcast days! Hyped to be the #NBA2K21 Current Gen Cover Athlete. #YKWTII #DameTime ⌚ 🎮 pic.twitter.com/d1bPKTm0je
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 30, 2020
Dame 2K21
It’s one thing to be an avid gamer and hoopster and go on to play in the NBA. That’s like a one in a million shot. It’s even rarer that you find yourself on the cover of the most popular basketball video game on the planet.
As a wee one, Lillard logged countless hours on the virtual hardwood. More than 20 years later, Lillard will appear on the cover.
“This is a special moment for me in my NBA career,” said Lillard in an official statement. “I’ve been a fan of NBA 2K for years and love how they represent all aspects of basketball culture. I’m an avid 2K player, so I’m honored to join the other NBA greats who have been on the cover. I’m grateful to all my fans and can’t wait for everyone to experience the game later this year.”
Lillard won the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2013. Since then, he’s appeared on five NBA All-Star teams.
When the NBA season shut down on March 11, Lillard ranked #5 in the league, averaging 28.9 points per game. He also ranked #6 overall in assists with 7.8 dimes per game. In terms of advanced metrics, Lillard ranked #6 in the NBA with a 26.25 PER.
Following the NBA shutdown, they hosted a players-only NBA2K tournament with all proceeds going to charity. Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker defeated teammate Deandre Ayton in the finals.
