Update: As expected, Zion Williamson has been announced as the cover star for NBA 2K21 on PlayStation 5. "His game seems built for the next-generation of NBA superstar; fittingly, a perfect choice to usher in the next-generation of sports gaming with NBA 2K21 on PS5," publisher 2K Sports announced.

“Being on the cover of NBA 2K has been a dream since I was a kid and to be the first NBA 2K21 cover athlete for the next-generation of gaming is really special,” said Zion Williamson. “Since the day I joined Team 2K, I’ve wanted to make an impact on basketball culture both on and off the court, and being the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 on next-gen consoles lets me do that. I can’t wait to be part of this global phenomenon and hoop with all the ballers out there on NBA 2K21.”

Original Story: Damian Lillard must feel pretty conflicted right now. Obviously, it’s a huge honour for any sportsperson to be on the cover of a video game, but the Portland Trail Blazers guard will only front NBA 2K21 on the PlayStation 4; there’ll be another cover star – presumably New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson – on the PlayStation 5.

“It means a lot,” said Lillard. “It's one of those things like a signature shoe, not just anybody gets it. Every time I come across a game that is my favourite year of a game, the way that you recognise it is by Al [Iverson] was on the cover, or Kobe [Bryant] was on that cover.”

Coronavirus has thrown the NBA season into disarray, and while a new NBA 2K title would typically release in October, publisher 2K Sports is yet to confirm when we can expect to play NBA 2K21. There’s also been no word on a next-gen upgrade path, so it’s currently unclear whether purchasing the game on PlayStation 4 will net you the PlayStation 5 version for free.

[source twitter.com]