Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant is going to participate in the first-ever ‘NBA 2K Players Tournament.’
Though it’s unlikely we see Kevin Durant in a Brooklyn Nets uniform this season playing, you know, actual real-life basketball, fans of the franchise will receive a consolation prize of sorts. The NBA announced in an official release that Durant will be featured in a players-only NBA 2K tournament.
The league plans to begin festivities this upcoming Friday, April 3, with the 16-player tournament spanned out over 10 days.
The NBA suspended operations indefinitely following news that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had tested positive for the coronavirus. Amongst several other players, Durant was another that contracted the virus.
Since the postponement of NBA basketball, fans across the league have resorted to early-season highlights, or electric moments of yesterday to help fill the void. Such an event—which will be aired on ESPN—is a unique way to give fans excitement and spark general interest.
Durant, who donned the cover of NBA 2K15, and who has become known as a gamer in his own right, comes into the tournament as the No. 1 seed set to due battle against Miami Heat’s Derrick Jones Jr. The seedings were based on the respective athletes’ 2K ratings, in which Durant scored a 96 overall.
Not only will the winner receive bragging rights that he is the king of the virtual court amongst his peers, but will also “receive a $100,000 donation from 2K, the NBA and the NBPA in support of ongoing coronavirus relief efforts” to their charity of choice.
Fans of the Nets, or maybe exclusively of Durant, can tune into his opening round matchup on April 3 between 7:30-8:30 p.m ET where he’ll play with one of his pre-selected teams: Nets, Mavericks, Bulls, Warriors, Rockets, Clippers, Thunder, or Jazz. Here is hoping that aggregators don’t look too deep into his selection. Best of luck, Kevin!