Though NBA 2K22 has not been officially announced, its reveal is anticipated in the coming few weeks. While the NBA 2K franchise hasn't had an official reveal at E3 in years — the last one being in 2013 — E3 seems to double nicely as a reminder that information from the 2K franchise is coming soon. If past years dictate, the announcement of the cover stars should be right around the corner in July, and while NBA 2K21's stars were relatively easy to predict, this year's choices are a bit more up in the air. Still, a few obvious choices stand out for NBA 2K22.
Last year's iteration, NBA 2K21, had three separate covers; including a standard edition that featured Damian Lillard, a next-gen version starring Zion Williamson, and a Mamba Forever edition honoring the late Kobe Bryant. If this pattern holds, fans can expect three distinct titles for NBA 2K22.
Dirk Nowitzki for the Legend Edition
So far, the rumor mill has been relatively quiet surrounding NBA 2K22, but one piece of information that is floating around is a leak that suggests Dirk Nowitzki on the cover of the Legend Edition. To be fair, this one doesn't feel too far-fetched. Nowitzki has the stats to back a campaign for the Legend Edition cover. He ranks sixth in two impressive categories: all-time points, where he sits ahead of Wilt Chamberlain, and in defensive rebounds, ahead of Hakeem Olajuwon.
While he may have only one championship ring to his name, he spent his entire time on the Dallas Mavericks and never moved around. Plus, Nowitzki is a 14-time NBA All-Star which puts him in the company of all-time greats like Karl Malone and Michael Jordan. Sure, there are countless choices for the Legend Edition, but it would be unlikely to hear any complaints if Nowitzki got the honor.
Bradley Beal for Standard Edition
It's hard to believe it, but 27-year-old Beal has already been in the league for nine years. Since he joined the league, Beal has been getting better steadily year by year, and this season, he played his best yet, averaging over 30 PPG in both the regular and post-season. Despite the Wizards being eliminated from playoff contention rather quickly by the 76ers, Beal has emerged as a dangerous scorer and a leader on his team. Since NBA 2K21 featured Damian Lillard, this year could follow suit and choose another player with years in the game.
While there are lots of veterans who fit the bill, many of them have already had their own cover. As such, now may be the perfect time for 2K Sports to show Beal some love, during a personal-best season.
Luka Doncic for Next-Gen Edition
This year's covers might be showing a lot of love for the Dallas Mavericks. While it might seem odd to have two covers featuring players like Doncic and Nowitzki who have such strikingly similar careers thus far, that could also be the exact reason why it works. Since Zion Williamson graced the cover for the next-gen consoles last year, it makes sense that another great player under 25 will be chosen to represent the next-gen this year.
Currently, Doncic is capping off his incredible regular season with a potentially NBA Playoffs MVP-worthy performance in the post-season. If 2K Sports is searching for a young cover star, it won't find one much better than Doncic, but there are arguments to be made for other players like Trae Young, Devon Booker, or Jayson Tatum, among others.