Portland Trail Blazers Star Damian Lillard Selected as NBA 2K21 Cover Athlete
The highly anticipated video game NBA 2K21, developed by 2K Sports, has recently announced that Portland Trail Blazers’ All-Star player, Damian Lillard, will grace its cover. This exciting news has sent shockwaves through the Twitterverse, igniting excitement among fans. Pre-orders for the game will begin on July 2nd, with the official release scheduled for October 2020.
Joining the Elite Group of NBA 2K Cover Athletes
Lillard’s selection marks a significant milestone in his career, as he becomes the first member of the Portland Trail Blazers to receive such an honor. His appearance on one of the three covers for NBA 2K21 solidifies his status as one of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA. As a player with a 94 rating on NBA 2K20, Lillard ranks as the ninth-best player in the league overall.
While Lillard’s achievement of being featured on the cover is remarkable, it is worth noting that he is not the only esteemed athlete to grace the cover of NBA 2K. In the previous edition, NBA 2K20, the cover featured the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis, who boasts an impressive 96 rating, positioning him as the fourth-best player in the game.
When it comes to ratings, several players, including James Harden, LeBron James, and Giannis “Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo, boast a prestigious rating of 97, the highest in the game. Lillard’s ascendancy to the cover spot of NBA 2K21 serves as a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport.
A Dream Come True for Lillard
For Lillard, being selected as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 is a dream realized. He took to social media to express his excitement, stating, “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 ⌚ 🎮”
Lillard’s journey to this point is a remarkable one. From his early days as an avid gamer to his rise in the NBA, the odds of achieving such a feat are akin to winning the lottery. As a child, Lillard spent countless hours immersed in the virtual world of basketball. Now, over two decades later, he finds himself on the cover of the most popular basketball video game globally.
In an official statement, Lillard expressed his gratitude for being selected as the cover athlete. He acknowledged his long-standing admiration for the NBA 2K franchise and its ability to authentically represent all aspects of basketball culture. Lillard, an avid player of NBA 2K, feels honored to join the ranks of other legendary NBA players who have graced the cover, and eagerly anticipates the game’s release later this year.
A Standout Career on and off the Virtual Hardwood
Lillard’s accomplishments extend far beyond his virtual representation in NBA 2K21. Since winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2013, his star has continued to rise. In his impressive career, Lillard has been selected to five NBA All-Star teams, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite players.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic halting the NBA season, Lillard was making a significant impact on the court. He ranked fifth in the league in scoring, averaging an impressive 28.9 points per game. Furthermore, he showcased his versatility by ranking sixth overall in assists with 7.8 per game.
Beyond traditional statistics, Lillard’s advanced metrics impress as well. As measured by the Player Efficiency Rating (PER), Lillard ranks sixth in the NBA with a remarkable 26.25 PER, demonstrating the extent of his impact on the game.
The NBA’s Dedication to Virtual Entertainment
This year, the NBA demonstrated its commitment to providing entertainment during the challenging times brought about by the pandemic. During the hiatus of the regular season, the league organized a players-only NBA 2K tournament. This captivating event saw NBA stars compete in NBA 2K20, with the proceeds going towards charitable causes.
Phoenix Suns’ standout player, Devin Booker, emerged as the champion, defeating his teammate Deandre Ayton in the finals. The tournament not only entertained fans craving basketball action but also highlighted the connection between professional athletes and the virtual world of basketball.
Conclusion
Damian Lillard’s selection as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 is a well-deserved accolade for the Portland Trail Blazers star. As an outstanding scorer and playmaker, Lillard has captivated fans with his performance on the court. His appearance on the cover of NBA 2K21 further solidifies his standing among the league’s elite players.
As we eagerly anticipate the release of NBA 2K21, fans of the game and basketball enthusiasts alike can look forward to experiencing the virtual world of basketball through Damian Lillard’s sensational gameplay.
FAQs
1. Can I pre-order NBA 2K21?
Yes, pre-orders for NBA 2K21 will begin on July 2nd, allowing fans to secure their copy of the highly anticipated game before its official release in October.
2. Will there be different covers for NBA 2K21?
Yes, NBA 2K21 will feature multiple covers. Damian Lillard is the first member of the Portland Trail Blazers to grace one of the covers. Rumors suggest that Zion Williamson will appear on the “Next Gen” cover.
3. Who appeared on the cover of NBA 2K20?
The cover of NBA 2K20 featured Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis boasted an impressive 96 rating and was considered one of the top players in the game.
4. Has Damian Lillard appeared on NBA 2K covers before?
No, Damian Lillard’s selection as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 marks his first appearance on the cover of an NBA 2K game.
5. Will NBA 2K21 pay tribute to Kobe Bryant?
The official NBA 2K21 cover has not been revealed yet. However, there is anticipation among fans and analysts that 2K Sports may honor the late Kobe Bryant with a legends cover.
