From Michael Jordan to LeBron James These are the Best NBA 2K Covers

NBA 2K is the best basketball game series you can get your hands on. Over the years, the developers (2K) have improved gameplay mechanics while expressing a bit more freely in creative terms with their covers. There have been plenty of covers for the series, including some of the biggest names in the sport. In this article, I will hand-pick the top 10 best NBA 2K covers that have been released in the series.

Top 10 Best NBA 2K Covers of all Time

Here are our top choices when ranking the best NBA 2K covers in the series' history. Some of these covers feature notable superstars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.

The NBA 2K has released many great covers. This list only features the top 10; be sure to check our separate coverage of the best covers released last year in the previous edition.

10. NBA 2K10 (Kobe Bryant)

Starting the list of NBA 2K covers, we have the classic NBA 2K10 cover featuring Kobe Bryant. It features explosive athleticism and sharp aesthetics, which helped inspire the series' later covers. Kobe is actually the most featured player on the NBA 2K series. This Kobe cover, however, was the turning point, as the series shifted to more cinematic and creative ones following this.

9. NBA 2K14 (LeBron James)

NBA 2K14 cover features LeBron in his Heat era. It perfectly captures the pre-game LeBron chalk ritual. It remains one of the most iconic pre-game rituals in the sport, if you ask me. Hence, not just cool visuals; it carries some cultural weight as well. The cover balances the narrative well, showcasing his dominance and sportsmanship.

8. NBA 2K17 - Legends Edition (Kobe Bryant)

NBA 2K17 made a tribute to the great Kobe Bryant in their 2K17 Legends Edition. The design looks very classy with minimalist, beautifully done detailing, giving a premium and respectful touch. Many Kobe fans love this cover and often describe it as one of his best features on an NBA 2K cover.

7. NBA 2K19 Standard Edition (Giannis Antetokounmpo)

One of the most creative and modern covers on the list features Giannis Antetokounmpo in his first solo appearance in the series. NBA 2K19 featured him as the rising superstar of that era, surrounded by motivational personal quotes and nicknames. The cover is visually symbolic and motivating, securing a place on my list.

6. NBA 2K9 (Kevin Garnett)

Even though the covers released after 2K10 are more polished and creatively driven, NBA 2K9 holds its own well. It features Kevin Garnett from his famous win in the Celtics’ championship from the “Anything is possible” pose. The cover captures his never-give-up attitude and unbeatable leadership, hence it is one of the best NBA 2K covers of all time.

5. NBA 2K20 - Legends Edition (Dwyane Wade)

NBA 2K20 gave Dwyane Wade a tribute with their Legends Edition on his retirement. It features Miami's cityscape with cool neon lights and a beach backdrop. It perfectly captures the Vice City-inspired Miami theme, with Wade being the centre of attention on the occasion of his retirement. This cover is considered one of the best in the legendary edition of the 2K series and hence deserves a spot in our top 5 covers of NBA 2K.

We also recently ranked the best NBA 2K26 teams on our website.

4. NBA 2K24 Black Mamba edition (Kobe Bryant)

NBA 2K24 gave Kobe fans worldwide a cover to cherish, as they paid a tribute after his passing in 2020. The 2K24 cover features a sleek design with a vibrant colour scheme and the Black Mamba edition branding. Despite having many covers to his name, given the emotional importance, Black Mamba 2K24 is the best Kobe feature by a mile. It is a fitting memorial tribute to one of the best players in NBA history.

3. NBA 2K12 (Michael Jordan version)

NBA 2K12 features the GOAT, Michael Jordan. That title actually released 3 covers together, the other 2 featuring the other greats like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The Michael Jordan one actually stands out due to its explosive athleticism, vibrant appearance and of course, Michael Jordan himself. It deserves a spot in our top 3 picks for the NBA 2K covers.

2. NBA 2K16 - Legends Edition (Michael Jordan)

Another great cover featuring Michael Jordan was released in 2015. The NBA 2K16 Legends Edition is widely considered one of the best covers in the series and a perfect tribute to the GOAT. Based on a golden backdrop of Jordan's great memories, it features his classic pose on the cover. It has now become a fine piece of art for the fans to relive MJ's legacy.

1. NBA 2K19 - 20th Anniversary Edition (LeBron James)

The 2K19 20th Anniversary Edition is my pick for the best covers of NBA 2k. It has a minimalist yet modern look with clever graffiti-styled fonts that describe a part of LeBron's life. The cover scores well because of its artistic depth and storytelling. Due to its creative flair, the poster has a unique touch, and I strongly feel this is the best NBA cover of all time.
Those were my top 10 picks for the best covers of NBA 2K. If you are playing this title, be sure to check the best NBA 2K mods to enhance your gameplay.