Top ‘NBA 2K20’ Cover Candidates Include Kawhi Leonard And Donovan Mitchell

The cover for the NBA 2K20 Legend Edition appears to have leaked, with the great Dwyane Wade apparently on the cover in the new fan-favorite Miami Heat Vice uniform.

 

https://twitter.com/mikescriburner/status/1134185288954208256?s=20

 

However, there’s likely to be a separate NBA 2K cover athlete for the normal edition of the game (just as there was last year with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the regular edition while LeBron James was on the 20th Anniversary Edition). These guys are the potential favorites to be on the normal cover of NBA 2K20.

 

Kawhi Leonard

Being on the cover of a video game might not be something Kawhi Leonard is interested in, but he’s a mysterious guy that keeps his intentions shielded, and maybe he’d like headlining 2K20. Leonard figures to either re-sign in Toronto or sign with the Clippers, so he’ll either be representing an entire nation or one of the largest markets in the world as the face of the best-selling video game. It’s possible this is only something Leonard would entertain if his Raptors are able to upset the Warriors in the Finals.

 

James Harden

James Harden was on the cover of EA’s NBA Live 18, but 2K shouldn’t let that dissuade them from putting the former league MVP on the cover of their game—if anything, having Harden grace the cover of NBA 2K would show that 2K doesn’t consider EA a real competitor for best basketball game and basically ignores them. “The Beard” is one of the most recognizable figures in the world of sports, which would be good for sales among average fans.

 

Joel Embiid

Also a former NBA Live cover athlete (this past year on NBA Live 19), Joel Embiid will almost certainly be on the cover of NBA 2K at some point. The Cameroonian big man might be the best personality in the NBA, and he’s arguably the league’s most impactful defender, so perhaps the game could highlight improvements in gameplay on the defensive end of the court if he’s on the cover.

 

Damian Lillard

Someone that called Dwyane Wade, “Mr. Wade”, out of respect probably wouldn’t have any issue being on the cover of the lower-end edition of NBA 2K while D-Wade is on the Legend Edition. It helps that Damian Lillard’s Trail Blazers advanced to the Western Conference Finals after a first-round exit in 2018, and Lillard is a player that most fans and peers around the league appear to hold in high regard.

 

Donovan Mitchell

Jazz star Donovan Michell has gotten Dwyane Wade comparisons, so he might be the best player to be on one of the NBA 2K20 covers along with the Heat legend. Wade has a ton of respect for Mitchell, and the trajectory the six-foot-three guard is taking (from 20.5 points per game as a rookie to 23.8 points per game last season) could lead him into the MVP conversation next season—a move that 2K could project themselves as they determine their next cover athlete.

 

Luka Doncic

It’ll likely be close, but the Mavs’ Luka Doncic is the favorite to edge out the Hawks’ Trae Young for Rookie of the Year from this season. The crafty European has an all-around game suited for 2K, though he might have been a better fit for the cover if it was Dirk Nowitzki on the Legends Edition. Ultimately, an appearance on an international version of the game might be more likely for 2K20.

 

Zion Williamson

The hype is real for presumptive No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson, and he has the talent to immediately be put on the cover of NBA 2K20. The NBA would probably like if the Pelicans (the team almost certain to select Williamson) franchise receives some love with the former Duke star on the cover while Anthony Davis attempts to push his way out of New Orleans. Williamson on the 2K cover as a rookie isn’t likely, but it should be a possibility.