Playing as a favorite team in NBA 2K25 May require more nuance than players may have originally planned. The game is missing multiple favorites favorites, such as Blake Griffin, John Wall, and Andre Iguodala, among several others. The absence led to backlash and questioning why the players were no longer an option for the game, but the answer is relatively simple.
NBA 2Ks removal of specific players is a practical move, not a personal one. The players are missing because the company simply lost the right to use their likeness in the game. The absent players have retired from the NBA, and so the rules have changed about using their images.
He shoots, he retires, he disappears from NBA 2K
Retired players’ facilities are no longer licensed by the Players Association
Athlete retirement is normal in the sports world, but often overlooked in the gaming world. Blake Griffin, for example, retired from the NBA in April 2024. In 2023, Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodala retired after almost 20 years in the NBA. Because of the long-spanning career and respect in the sports world, their absence is felt in NBA 2K25. However, the fact that they are missing has to do with the fact that they, or the NBA Retired Players Association, were the ones to make the call to be removed.
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Notable players missing from 2K25 |
Team |
|---|---|
|
Charles Barkley |
Phoenix Suns |
|
Reggie Miller |
Indiana Pacers |
|
Blake Griffin |
Los Angeles Clippers |
|
Andre Iguodala |
Golden State Warriors |
|
Tayshaun Prince |
Detroit Pistons |
|
Rashid Wallace |
Detroit Pistons |
|
Serge Ibaka |
Oklahoma City Thunder |
|
John Wall |
Washington Wizards |
|
Goran Dragic |
Miami Heat |
|
James Jones |
Miami Heat |
When a player retires, NBA 2K Had to ask permission to get their picture. According to 2 writingThe retired player has either declined their figure to be reused, or the National Basketball Retired Players Association has made the call. NBA 2K Ultimately must cut players who no longer want to be in the game, even if it initially appears to be a misstep to remove them.
There are still many improvements with NBA 2K25
Gameplay advancements
Although some familiar faces are missing, the overall gameplay is vastly improved NBA 2K25. The clerk NBA 2K The website notes using ProPLAY, which it sees as “The future of sports sim technology.” This feature integrates actual footage from NBA games into the gameplay, creating a truly engaging experience for players – similar to EA FCs HyperMotion technology, which was extended to the women’s game in FIFA 23. They also included brand new offensive plays, improved visuals and better use of AI. NBA 2K25 is a truly immersive experience meant for fans not only of gaming but of the sport itself.
Although there are players missing who are fan favorites, their absence was a choice made either by the retired players or on their behalf. When players retire or move on from the NBA, there is the potential that they may be missing games, but that doesn’t ultimately take away from NBA 2K Games as a whole. The players are missed, but the gameplay in NBA 2K25 Seems to be drastically upgraded and could set the standard for sports gaming.