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Rumor: Michael Jordan to grace the cover of NBA 2K11

by David Hinkle on May 27th 2010 1:20PM

You know that little dude doing a slam dunk on your shoes? That's not like some kind of corporate logo or something -- that's MIchael Jordan. Oh, you knew that? Well, thanks for ruining our opening paragraph. We guess we'll just get right to it then.

Sources close to ESPN say the legend himself will grace the cover of NBA 2K11, marking the first time a retired player and team owner has appeared on the cover of an NBA 2K title. Jordan recently became majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Further tantalizing "Jumpman 23" fans is the prospect of an in-game Mike, which ESPN posits is a strong possibility. This has supposedly lead to 2K pursuing other players from the past in an attempt to recreate some of Jordan's highlights in the game. With E3 fast approaching, we're certain we'll have confirmation one way or the other soon enough. We'll keep you posted.

[Via Eurogamer]

Source

Tags: 2k-sports, espn, michael-jordan, Microsoft, nba, nba-2k11, rumor, sports, take-two, Xbox-360

Reader Comments (39)

I'd stay a bit skeptical. Even NBA 2k10 had some legends from the past (Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, etc.), but even though there was a Team Jordan, Michael wasn't in the game at all. I'm assuming getting Michael Jordan in your game is quite hard/expensive as far as licensing goes.

isn't it just needing to license the team?

He's retired, he doesn't play on any team. He's not part of the NBA Players Association (or whatever the hell it's called) anymore. They can't just use your image without your consent.

Sorry, but the capitalized "i" in your "MIchael Jordan" ruined your opening paragraph, not our foreknowledge of his Airness.

And really, when it comes right down to it, Jordan IS basketball, so nobody yet is as qualified to grace the best-hoops-game-around's cover.

Yeah, basketball hasn't been the same with out Michael Jordan flying over his stunned opponents. . . There is Coby, ehhh it's not the same.

Give HInkle a break, it's tough for anyone on Joystiq to talk about sports games.

@That Burning Sensation
LOL "coby"??!!

that burning sensation is your brain frying

coby is pretty good. but if they put jordan in this game it will be like bo jackson in tecmo bowl all over again.

I think NBA 2K11 is the transitional game where you're no longer playing the players but just coaching them, watching them, and telling them what to do indirectly, hoping that they do it right. The cover will not have MJ in a jersey, but rather him in a coaching uniform and whistle.

"....2K pursuing other players from the past in an attempt to recreate some of Jordan's highlights in the game."

Craig Ehlo confirmed!

Yeah, I'm a Cavs fan :-(
and Browns :-(
and Indians :-(
I know, I know...

Shit luck man. I live in Akron so i feel ya on that one.

+1. because as a broncos/elway fan i pity you..

Hopefully Jordan is a playable character.

Didn't think I was gonna get 2K11 after getting 2K10 but this has started to get my attention.

New Space Jam game now!!!!!!!!!!

Who?

Who? Really? Michael Jordan was and still is the greatest basketball player in history having won many championships and being an elite in the game.

You seem to be lost.... this is a post about a basketball game, and rumour of one of the greatest professional basketball players ever! to be on the cover of that game. Its ok...everyone gets lost at some point in time. Now, if you'ld be so kind as to be on your merry way. :)

this is weird...IGN has an article about NBA live changing their name to NBA Elite from next season....the thumbnail for the article has a picture of Michael Jordan.

Wow NBA 2K10 was the best BBall game to date. Hopefully this game will take it to the next level.

I hope 2k does not completely focus on just integrating Jordan into the game but also remember to fixed bugs and make general improvements to the core game.

Just like the last 3 years this will be a day 1 purchase.

Wow, must have really liked it to make it your avatar.

Lots of bugs though.

Yeah theres a few (is there a game without them?) but I still think its the best bball game. I play it almost every night.

Yes, there's a lot of games with no [noticeable] bugs... why 3D sports games can't get it right is beyond me.

True. It does seem odd that they don't have it down at this point.

I mean its a fixed sized playing field (court). Its only approx. 95 feet. Very focused 3d world. At most 10 inhabitants.They should be able to get it right.

it's a basketball sim, theres a lot more intricacies than that

Jordan looks like he's down an arm in the picture.

Has anyone played the last couple of versions of this franchise???

Look at the reviews, rather bad, and I tried playing 2k9 for a couple days and put it right back in my gamefly return mailer and waited for EA's NBA game to show up instead. A much better game.

I don't care if they put jesus on the cover and as a player, I'm done with the 2k franchise.

Sorry to break it to you but the 2k series has consistently scored higher than the Live series.

Not saying your opinion is wrong, mind you. But saying "Check the scores" really doesn't help your case.

Yes how can you put down an entire franchise after playing it for a few days.

You not a true BBall (video game) player, lol. NBA 2kxx is currently the best series (with in the last 4 years of course).

Yeah, guess your right, the reviews from the sites I usually read had it scored fairly low, but I never looked at the scores for live, which are worse.

To me the graphics are superior and the pace of the game is simply more exciting than 2k, critics be damned!

Although that live DNA junk to force you to buy a new copy is a scam.

NBA 2K series has been the better series for 10 years really, but I agree with you about the 2010 game year... NBA Live '10 was a better game than NBA 2K10, but, over the last five years... it's not even close, 2K series far exceeded Live.

This is pretty significant and a good coup for 2K Sports. EA used to have Jordan and debuted him in NBA Live 2000 I believe... And he also appeared in the first NBA Street, but not since then I think. After he left the Wizards they lost the license deal.

Good pick up for NBA 2K11, although I'm hoping 2K does a bit to revitalize the series... it's grown very stale and the more glitchy game, NBA Live '10 was the more enjoyable of the two NBA games this year.

THough, this was the last year of NBA Live unfortunately... which will now become NBA Elite. New path for the game.

Jordan and other players from his era (Ewing, Barkley, Malone, Olajuwon, etc) would make this game an insta-buy for me. And I don't even like basketball that much!

Wonder if he will sport his ridiculous Hitler mustache.

You mean The Chaplin?

Damn You 2K I wasn't Buying 2K11 now I'm interested.

Well this blows NBA LVE name change to crap,looks like NBA2K just busted NBA LIVE/ELITE in the face & made them bleed like a little b****.

Is there a code to unlock Charlie Sheen as a secret teammate?

a little late to put him in the cover..

Breaking News

Rumor: Michael Jordan to grace the cover of NBA 2K11

Reader Comments (39)

Posted: May 27th 2010 1:27PM MystileArmor said

Posted: May 27th 2010 1:34PM BrianH said

Posted: May 27th 2010 1:39PM MystileArmor said

Posted: May 27th 2010 1:27PM MGTrey said

Posted: May 27th 2010 1:52PM That Burning Sensation said

Posted: May 27th 2010 1:53PM MikeShannahan said

Posted: May 27th 2010 3:25PM chex said

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Posted: May 27th 2010 8:17PM eat it said

Posted: May 27th 2010 1:33PM Morisato13 said

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Posted: May 27th 2010 2:17PM Acosta02 said

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