Zion Williamson is already on an NBA 2K cover. He had a lot to say about it
New Orleans Pelicans rookie forward Zion Williamson was named one of three cover athletes for the NBA 2K21 video game on Wednesday, multiple outlets reported.
“It’s one of those emotions I’m still processing,” Williamson told The Undefeated, according to ESPN. “It’s a dream come true. At those AAU tournaments, you’re looking at the cover thinking, ‘That’s gonna be me.’ For it to happen that fast, it’s a huge honor.”
Williamson joins Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers as one of the three players featured on the cover for the next-generation systems PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The third NBA player will be announced on Thursday.
“It’s always been a fun game, especially when you’re with you’re friends at AAU tournaments,” the former Duke University superstar said. “It’s nothing but 2K, 2K tournaments and whoever thinks they’re the best. Sometimes it’s meeting up with other teams at the same hotel and seeing how far your 2K skills carry.”
It was Williamson’s mother who broke the news to him, according to Sports Illustrated.
“It was one of those subtle things like, ‘Hey Mom, how is it going?’ And she was like, ‘Yeah, 2K is going to put you on the cover.’ And it was one of those things that just grab your whole attention, and you’re like, ‘What, for real? Nah, you’re playing,’ ” Williamson said. “And when my agent and my team confirmed it ... like I am still processing it. That game is global.”
“For the cover of the next-generation version of NBA 2K21, we wanted to find someone who could represent the next generation of NBA superstar,” said Alfie Brody, VP of marketing at NBA 2K, according to Bleacher Report. “Zion is one of the few young players who has met the hype and can be considered a standard-bearer for the next generation. We’re thrilled that he is representing the 2K21.”
Williamson had played in 19 games before the 2019-20 season was put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic. He averaged 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists after returning from a knee injury.
The Pelicans (28-36) are 10th in the Western Conference standings and will go to Orlando, Florida, and fight for a spot in the top eight for the playoffs. The season is scheduled to resume on July 30.
This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 9:09 AM with the headline "Zion Williamson is already on an NBA 2K cover. He had a lot to say about it."