Michael Jordan is no stranger to lending his likeness to 2K Games’ popular NBA 2K sports series. The legendary player first graced the covers of NBA 2K11 and NBA 2K22, after which the six-time NBA champion became the cover of the Special and Collectors editions of NBA 2K16. Some seven years later, the GOAT returns to be on the cover of NBA 2K23’s “Michael Jordan Edition” and “Championship Edition”. 2K Sports also dropped a gameplay trailer featuring the Chicago Bulls legend, including a look at his earlier years when still had a bit of hair. At the same time, 2K also revealed that NBA 2K23 will take notes from WWE 2K22’s Showcase Mode. Similar to Visual Concepts’ latest WWE 2K title, NBA 2K23 will let players live through 15 of the most iconic moments in Jordan’s storied career. The Charlotte Hornets owner isn’t the only athlete that will be on the cover of NBA 2K23. 2K also confirmed that Phoenix Suns guard and NBA All-Star, Devin Booker, will be the cover athlete of the Standard Edition of NBA 2K23. In addition to this, the WNBA version of NBA 2K23 will feature both Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. The former is the all-time WNBA assists leader while the latter is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer. It only feels natural to include both as the cover of NBA 2K23 alongside Michael Jordan. 2K Sports has done an excellent job using the cover to market the game. Since NBA 2K13, NBA 2K has had multiple cover athlete box arts for physical versions. There’s no doubt that this helps drive up the annual sales of the best-selling franchise. As the number 23 has become synonymous with Jordan, it’s a no-brainer that he is on the cover of the more expensive versions of NBA 2K23. Many are speculating that next year’s NBA 2K game will feature Kobe Bryant. Just like Jordan with the number 23, the number 24 has become synonymous with the Black Mamba. The late Los Angeles Lakers legend has had his numbers, 8 and 24, “retired” by teams that he never played for following his death on January 26, 2020. NBA 2K23 is part of Take-Two Interactive’s massive slate of upcoming games between now and 2025. NBA 2K23 is set to launch on September 9 and might be the first NBA 2K game to be exclusive to the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X.
