Following the suspension of the NBA season, a player-only “NBA 2K” tournament was announced. “NBA 2K” is one of the most popular video games played today and is available on Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The “2K” tournament will be headlined by Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets in the top spot, Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz, Andre Drummond from the Cleveland Cavaliers and DeMarcus Cousins. Other notable players include Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks, Devin Booker from the Phoenix Suns and Harrison Barnes from the Sacramento Kings.
The official bracket is based on “NBA 2K” rating and tenure. All 16 participants can be found here.
The tournament started on Friday, April 3 and will span over 10 days. Viewers can watch the action on ESPN, ESPN 2, NBA.com and ESPN, NBA and 2K apps, and social media channels. Along with ESPN, the NBA is also working with the NBPA to make this happen.
This is a way for players and fans alike to still get their NBA fix as post-season games would be starting around this time. The game will be played on Xbox One in single-elimination fashion until the semi-finals, which will be best of three.
The winner of the tournament will be named the ultimate NBA 2K20 champion and receive $100,000 that can be donated to a charity associated with coronavirus relief efforts.
The league was searching for ways to keep NBA fans entertained with the season suspended. They followed the footsteps of NASCAR, who had their drivers compete in internet racing games that aired on FS1.
NBA Senior Vice president of Global Partnerships Matt Holt made a statement following the announcement of the tournament.
“We are excited to tip off the first ‘NBA 2K Players Tournament’ in partnership with the NBPA and 2K, continuing an ongoing effort to stay connected with NBA fans around the world while also giving back in this time of need,” Holt said.
Jason Argent, the 2K senior vice president, also expressed his excitement.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the NBA and NBPA to bring basketball back to fans throughout the world and to help those in need during these uncertain times,” Argent said.