Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies, the next NBA 2K24 cover player? (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Happy new year.
Sports gamers can look forward to the next series of annual release calendars. This is an educated guess about the cover athletes of the most popular sports video game titles expected to be released this year.
NBA 2K24 – Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant can seriously be argued to be the most exciting player in the NBA today. From a sports standpoint, you can count on one hand how many people can pull off some of the aerial moves Morant performs every night.
Morant isn’t just an explosive, he’s also a substance performer.
The 23-year-old superstar has established himself as a legitimate MVP candidate, averaging 27 points, 6.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game this season. Additionally, Morant’s Grizzlies appear primed for a long run in the postseason, which usually helps add to the considerations.Finally, Morant’s style is his 2K main draw. It ties in well with the age group.
Why it doesn’t work
Memphis is still a small market team. As such, 2K could be eyeing someone like Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum.
MLB The Show 23 – Julio Rodriguez
SEATTLE, WA – MAY 28: Julio Rodriguez #44 takes a swing at bat for the Seattle Mariners … [+]
Sony usually likes to target young and up-and-coming stars as well. Los Angeles had his Angels prodigy Shohei Ohtani in last year’s game, and the year before San Diego his Padres Fernando and his Tatis Jr. qualified.
This year’s cover athlete might be Seattle Mariners young star Julio Rodriguez. J-Rod has just turned 22 this week, winning his league MVP of the United States, making him a young and dynamic fit for cover his athletic duties.
Why it doesn’t work
Rodriguez is still really young and this honor may be a year too early.
Madden 24 – Justin Jefferson
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 11: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates his … [+]
The Griddy Dance has become the NFL’s most popular celebration. EA put it on Madden, but it makes sense to put Justin Jefferson, who popularized it in the NFL, on the cover.
Jefferson on the cover will be more than dancing. The Minnesota Vikings star is approaching her record-breaking 2022 season. By Week 16, Jefferson had gained her 1,756 receiving her yards. This means he is 209 yards short of breaking Calvin Johnson’s record of 1,964 receiving yards in one season.
Of course, Megatron achieved his goal in 16 games. Jefferson needs a monster performance against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday to get it done.
Either way, he’s had a great year, and the 23-year-old has a season that could put him on the cover of Madden 24.
Why it doesn’t work
Primarily when QBs such as the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen and the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow are being considered, Jefferson may run into an attractive position in the sport.
NHL 24 – Kare Makar
TAMPA, FL – JUNE 26: H8 #2of the Stanley Cup Carriage following the Colorado Avalanche Series. … [+]
When it comes to young NHL stars, it’s hard to find a more productive and up-and-coming star than Cale McCur of the Colorado Avalanche.
The 24-year-old has averaged more than 1 point per game in his young NHL career and has scored 57 goals. It also doesn’t matter that he’s one of the few really good NHL players to have played a major part in Stanley’s cup winning team in his under 25 years.
Tampa Bay Lightning’s Mikhail Sergachev excelled early in his career and helped the Lightning win two Stanley Cups, but cover athletes are unlikely to be great defensemen, so he went with Makar. increase.
Why it doesn’t work
EA could also opt for a more established star, perhaps a legend like Sidney Crosby on the cover.
EA FC 24 – Kylian Mbappe
MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 7: Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after scoring … [+]
Kylian Mbappe has been a cover athlete since FIFA 21, but shared the honor with Sam Kerr in FIFA 23. Kerr may return to share honors with Mbappe, but the PSG star seems like he’s on the rocks to remain the face of EA’s football title.
Although France fell short of their goal of winning the 2022 World Cup, Mbappe’s tournament performances were legendary.
Mbappe, who scored three goals in the final against Argentina, won the Golden Boot as the best player of the World Cup. Unless EA is going in a whole new direction, Mbappe should be an athlete on the cover of the new game.
Why it doesn’t work
I can’t think of any reason not to.