San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama will reportedly be revealed as the cover athlete for the upcoming NBA 2K27 video game, as seen in a trending post on r/nba. This marks a historic moment for both Wembanyama and the franchise.
Why it matters: Wembanyama is making waves as one of the brightest stars in the NBA. Being named the cover athlete for NBA 2K27 solidifies his status and highlights the growing global reach of basketball.
Wembanyama is the first center on the cover of a 2K basketball game since Shaquille O'Neal in 2K18.
He is the first Spurs player to appear on the cover since the game's inception in 1999.
The 22-year-old has quickly become a fan favorite, averaging impressive stats over his three-year career.
Wembanyama's performance has made him a prime candidate for such honors, following his Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Driving the news: The announcement comes shortly after Wembanyama agreed to a five-year, $252 million maximum rookie-scale contract extension with the Spurs. This deal includes a player option in the fifth season.
Wembanyama opted for the 25% maximum instead of the 30% supermax escalators, potentially saving the Spurs around $50 million over the next five years.
His contract is now the third-largest rookie extension in NBA history, behind Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley.
Wembanyama expressed his commitment to the Spurs, stating on social media, "Spurs family, I'm here to stay. Whatever it takes."
The contract was finalized just after the Spurs were eliminated by the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.
The big picture: Wembanyama's rise has been meteoric. After winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2024 and the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2026, he is now recognized as one of the league's top talents.
In his first postseason appearance, Wembanyama averaged 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game, shooting 51% from the field.
He had a standout performance in the Western Conference Finals, averaging 27.3 points and earning unanimous MVP honors.
Wembanyama's Game 7 performance included 22 points and 7 rebounds, helping the Spurs reach the NBA Finals.
His averages of 25 points per game and 11.5 rebounds in the past season placed him among the league leaders.
What they're saying: Wembanyama's teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and competitive spirit.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson noted Wembanyama's competitiveness, especially after the MVP award went to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Fans and analysts alike are excited about Wembanyama's potential, with one commenting, "This kid is really otherworldly!"
His recent performances have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in NBA history.
Wembanyama himself has acknowledged the challenges of the season, stating, "It's been hard and full of lessons."
By the numbers: Wembanyama’s stats paint a clear picture of his impact on the court.
He has played 181 games in the NBA, averaging 23.4 points, 11 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game.
In the past season, he recorded eight games scoring at least 40 points and four games with 20 or more rebounds.
Wembanyama has achieved a league-high average of 3.08 blocks per game, underscoring his defensive prowess.
His team, the Spurs, posted a 21-3 record with their starting lineup featuring Wembanyama during the regular season.
What's next: Looking ahead, Wembanyama's focus will be on building a championship-caliber team with the Spurs.
The NBA 2K27 game is set to release in September 2026, and Wembanyama will likely be ranked among the top players in the game.
The Spurs are expected to continue developing their roster around him, aiming for a stronger playoff run next season.
Wembanyama's commitment to the Spurs suggests a long-term partnership that could lead to multiple championship opportunities.
As he continues to develop, fans are eager to see how Wembanyama will evolve his game and lead the Spurs into the future.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.