An overview of the NBA 2K game covers over the years, including NBA 2K24, 2K19, 2K23, 2K22 and 2K22 Cover.
Basketball video game enthusiasts always look forward to the latest edition of the NBA 2K franchise, and the excitement often begins with a single image — the cover athlete. From the legendary NBA 2K19 cover to the celebrated NBA 2K23 cover, each edition showcases iconic players and tells a visual story of the season. This article dives deep into the NBA 2K24 cover, compares it with 2K19, 2K23, and NBA 2K22 covers, and provides insights that fans, collectors, and gamers shouldn’t miss.
Whether you’re a PlayStation or Xbox fan or prefer PC gaming, the cover is more than just artwork — it’s a statement of the year’s MVP or breakout player. Let’s explore the NBA 2K cover evolution, see who’s graced the game’s front pages, and what it tells us about basketball history and branding.
🏀 Quick Reference: NBA 2K Covers Summary Table
| Game Title | Release Year | Cover Athlete(s) | Special Edition Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA 2K19 | 2018 | LeBron James (Anniversary Ed.) | Giannis Antetokounmpo (Standard) |
| NBA 2K22 | 2021 | Luka Dončić | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dirk Nowitzki, KD |
| NBA 2K23 | 2022 | Devin Booker | Michael Jordan, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi |
| NBA 2K24 | 2023 | Kobe Bryant | WNBA: Sabrina Ionescu |
Source: Wikipedia – NBA 2K
🖼️ The Iconic NBA 2K24 Cover Featuring Kobe Bryant
The NBA 2K24 cover pays a heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest players of all time — Kobe Bryant. Released in 2023, the edition celebrates Mamba’s enduring legacy both on and off the court. The game’s developers went beyond just a tribute; they designed two versions: the Kobe Bryant Edition and the Black Mamba Edition, both showcasing Kobe in his signature Laker purple and gold.
What Makes the NBA 2K24 Cover Unique?
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Emotional Connection: Honoring Kobe resonates deeply with fans globally.
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Dual Editions: Offers varied designs, increasing collector appeal.
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Launch Hype: Generated huge pre-release excitement across the NBA 2K community.
Kobe was previously featured on the NBA 2K10 and NBA 2K21 Mamba Forever Edition covers, but NBA 2K24 is uniquely symbolic due to the jersey number “24” aligning with his iconic number.
📘 NBA 2K19 Cover: LeBron James and the Crown Era
The NBA 2K19 cover was another legendary moment — LeBron James appeared on the 20th Anniversary Edition, while Giannis Antetokounmpo took the Standard Edition. This was more than just showcasing players; it was a celebration of impact, evolution, and dominance.
Key Features of the NBA 2K19 Cover:
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Graffiti-style graphics surrounding LeBron with words like “Strive for Greatness.”
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High resale value for collectors of the 20th Anniversary steelbook edition.
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Symbolic timing as LeBron transitioned to the Lakers.
The 2K19 edition marked a pivotal shift in the gaming experience — from cover art to gameplay, it was about greatness, both on-screen and in design.
🔥 NBA 2K23 Cover: Booker, Jordan, and a Tribute to Legends
NBA 2K23 embraced youth and legacy, showcasing Devin Booker on the standard edition. However, it also included a nostalgic twist — a Michael Jordan Edition, rekindling memories for long-time fans.
Breakdown of the NBA 2K23 Cover Designs:
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Devin Booker: Rising star representing the NBA’s next generation.
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Michael Jordan: A GOAT tribute, reflecting the game’s classic moments.
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Sue Bird & Diana Taurasi: Historic inclusion of WNBA legends for inclusivity.
This multi-cover approach extended the reach of the game to new and returning audiences, making NBA 2K23 a landmark release in diversity and nostalgia.
🌟 NBA 2K22 Cover & NBA 2K22 Cover Special Editions
The NBA 2K22 cover featured Luka Dončić, the Slovenian sensation taking the NBA by storm. Known for his calm but deadly skill set, Luka was a fitting face for a dynamic gameplay upgrade.
Special Covers That Made NBA 2K22 Stand Out:
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NBA 75th Anniversary Edition: Legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Durant.
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Candace Parker WNBA Cover: The first woman ever to be on an NBA 2K cover — a monumental achievement.
This edition merged modern talent with basketball heritage, making the NBA 2K22 cover one of the most versatile in franchise history.
🧠 What’s the Importance of NBA 2K Covers?
Game covers aren’t just packaging — they are brand-defining moments. They offer insight into:
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The NBA’s marketing direction for that year
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Recognition of excellence and emerging talent
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Fan connection through personal heroes
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Collectibility and resale appeal
🎮 Evolution of NBA 2K Covers Through the Years
Let’s quickly trace the design evolution:
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Early 2Ks (1999–2005): Minimalist design, mostly gameplay-focused.
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Mid Era (2K10–2K15): Realism and player heroism began to emerge.
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Modern Era (2K16–2K24): Artistry, storylines, and collector editions exploded.
Each edition has become part of the culture — not just of the NBA, but of gaming as a whole.
🌍 External Reference for Historical Accuracy
You can explore more about the NBA 2K series and its development timeline via Wikipedia.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is on the NBA 2K24 cover?
Kobe Bryant graces the NBA 2K24 cover in both the Standard and Black Mamba Editions.
Who was on the NBA 2K19 cover?
LeBron James featured on the 20th Anniversary Edition, while Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared on the Standard Edition.
What makes the NBA 2K23 cover special?
It features Devin Booker, Michael Jordan, Sue Bird & and Diana Taurasi, celebrating NBA and WNBA legends.
Is there a difference between the NBA 2K22 cover and NBA 2K22 special editions?
Yes. While Luka Dončić is on the standard cover, the 75th Anniversary Edition and WNBA Edition feature multiple legends and Candace Parker, respectively.
Which NBA 2K cover was the first to feature a woman?
NBA 2K22, with Candace Parker, made history as the first to feature a WNBA athlete.
✅ Final Take
The journey from NBA 2K19 cover to the NBA 2K24 cover showcases not only a visual evolution but a cultural shift in how the game reflects its stars. From celebrating GOATs like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to welcoming new talent like Devin Booker and Luka Dončić, these covers are more than images — they’re a timeline of basketball greatness.
If you’re a fan, gamer, or collector, understanding the meaning behind each NBA 2K cover adds depth to your appreciation of both the NBA and its digital twin.
Tip: Always get the special editions — they are future collectibles!