CLEVELAND (AP) — Kyrie Irving’s basketball wizardry isn’t exclusive to the
court. He breaks ankles on the couch, too.
“I’m a huge gamer,” Irving said of his passion for playing video games at home.
“There’s always competition going on in my house. Me and my friends have these
unbelievable competitions, and my competitive streak sometimes gets the best of
me.”
Irving’s gaming hobby has turned into an honor.
Cleveland’s talented point guard has been chosen to be on the cover of NBA 2K18,
the next edition of the wildly popular video game series enjoyed by fans – and
even NBA All-Stars like Irving, who has an uncanny ability to get to the basket
and score over taller defenders.
Irving said he was both surprised and humbled by the selection.
“It’s pretty cool that they even considered me for the cover,” he said over the
phone from California as the Cavs prepared to face the Golden State Warriors in
the NBA Finals. “To be gracing the cover is pretty amazing. I’m glad that I can
share it with not only my teammates but the organization, our Cleveland fans and
just NBA fans in general.”
One of the game’s best dribblers, Irving has an array of spins, hesitations and
crossovers nearly as spectacular and illogical as the ones performed by video
holograms. Irving has spent countless hours perfecting his moves, which he can
sometimes make look routine.
Irving said he has a mental image of some of his best.
“I think the hardest thing to do, and I don’t want this to be construed as
arrogant, but I don’t necessarily get impressed with all my moves,” he said.
“I’m just glad that the things that I’m practicing are actually translating into
the game because I spend a lot of time working on all those moves and
combinations and having the imagination to go out there and try them. It’s one
thing to work on them in the gym and make a layup over an imaginary defender and
there’s another thing going in on Hassan Whiteside or making a move on the
perimeter and going against great shot blockers like DeAndre Jordan and you have
to use special finishes.
“I’m glad that I’m able to do that.”
NBA 2K has been the top-rated and top-selling NBA video game for 16 years. The
2K18 edition will be available worldwide in on Sept. 19.
