“NBA 2K18” is a couple of months away from its official release in September and 2K Sports announced last month that Cleveland Cavalier’s point guard Kyrie Irving is the latest title’s cover star. But now, it looks like this year’s iteration of the NBA 2K series will possibly have a weird cover as Irving is about to change teams.
The unforeseen dilemma
Fans of Irving must have been thrilled when 2K Sports confirmed that their most loved basketball superstar will grace the “NBA 2K18” cover. The game publisher made the big announcement in time for the NBA Finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers pitted against the Golden State Warriors for the coveted NBA championship. Irving delivered an awesome play in the court all through four of seven that made him one of the pillars of the team together with its main man, LeBron James.
But it’s true that no one can precisely predict what the future holds and things can take an unexpected turn. Irving could be leaving Cleveland Cavaliers anytime time now that he asked to be traded, ESPN reported.
Sources of the sports publication revealed that the reason behind this decision is that he is not happy being on the same team with celebrity player, LeBron James. In addition, he is scouting for a team that will make him the star player instead, just like the special treatment that James is receiving from the Cavs.
San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat are among the few teams that Irving has his eyes on.
The effect on the game
If ever Irving’s trade will indeed happen, the game will consequently have a weird cover, wherein the cover star is still wearing his old team’s jersey. Moreover, 2K Sports could be facing quite a hard time in marketing, especially that the game is not out yet in stores.
Alternatively, fans still have a couple of options in case Irving’s trade will ever come to fruition. They can either get the Canada Edition of the “NBA 2K18” featuring a different cover athlete, Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan or they can buy the Special Edition that has Shaq O’Neal on the cover.
Pre-order bonuses
Meanwhile, 2K is offering a bunch of freebies when fans pre-order the game.
They can enjoy a four-day early access to the game beginning Sep. 15.
Pre-purchase will also entitle players to 5,000 VC points, with 10 weekly MyTeam packs and the Kyrie Outfit Pack.
Developed by VIsual Concepts, “NBA 2K18” comes into two editions - the Standard Edition and the Legend Edition. It will be launched on PS4, Xbox One, Windows PC, PS3, Xbox 360 as well as Nintendo Switch.