Why Jalen Brunson Should Be the Face of NBA 2K26

Every year when NBA 2K teases a new cover, fans start debating: “Who’s next?”

And with NBA 2K26 on the horizon, it’s time to talk about the next face of the franchise. We’re not just talking about the best player—we’re talking about who represents the moment, the fans, and the future of basketball.

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Now let’s break down the Top 3 players who should be on the cover of NBA 2K26—and one legendary name we can’t leave out.

1. Jalen Brunson – The Hero New York’s Been Waiting For

Let’s be honest—Jalen Brunson earned it.

This man just led the New York Knicks on a historic run to the Eastern Conference Finals. He wasn’t just hooping—he was putting the team on his back, night after night, dropping 40-point games like it was nothing.

What makes Brunson so cover-worthy isn’t just the stats.

It’s the story.

The Knicks are one of the most iconic franchises in NBA history, but they haven’t had a player featured on a 2K cover—ever.

Brunson could change that.

The city loves him. The league respects him. And the fans? They’re showing up and showing out like it’s the 90s again.

Putting Brunson on the cover would feel like a love letter to the heart of basketball: New York City.

It’s time.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) – MVP, Finals Star, Silent Killer

SGA is having the kind of year you dream about.

League MVP. First-team All-NBA. And—let’s not forget—he’s probably about to win the NBA Finals.

He’s got the bag, the stepback, and that calm, killer energy that you can’t teach. Watching SGA break down a defense is like watching poetry on hardwood.

So what’s holding him back from being a guaranteed cover star?

One word: market.

He plays in Oklahoma City, which isn’t the biggest spotlight city in the league. But let’s be real—greatness doesn’t need a big market.

And if 2K wants to highlight the next generation of quiet superstars who let their game speak for them, there’s no better pick than Shai.

From a gameplay perspective, he’s a dream build—length, smooth ball-handling, elite finishing, and lockdown defense.

He’s literally a walking 2K archetype.

3. Caitlin Clark – The WNBA’s Jordan Moment

Let’s not beat around the bush—Caitlin Clark has changed the game.

She’s not just a rising star in the WNBA. She’s a movement.

We’re talking:

• Sellout crowds

• Record-breaking college numbers

• Massive viewership for her pro debut

• And a whole new generation of fans, especially young hoopers, watching women’s basketball like never before.

Now in her second year, Clark is still shaking up the league and growing the game like nobody else.

She’s continuing to prove that she’s not just hype—she’s the real deal.

2K would be crazy not to capitalize on this moment.

Clark deserves her own special edition cover—one that celebrates not just her rise, but the overall growth of women’s hoops.

Her logo threes, fiery personality, and undeniable star power make her the face of a new era.

And just like how NBA 2K had different editions for Kobe, Jordan, or special All-Star themes—this is Clark’s moment.

The WNBA is in its most exciting era ever, and Caitlin Clark is the one leading the charge.

🕊️ Honorable Mention: LeBron James – While He’s Still Here

Now look—we all know LeBron has already been on the cover.

But let’s take a second and really think about it…

LeBron is still active and still producing at an elite level. But he’s also entering the twilight of his career.

And as we look at 2K26, this might be one of the last years we get to honor King James while he’s still in the league.

A legend edition cover for LeBron would be perfect.

Not a goodbye—but a “thank you.”

Thank you for 20+ years of dominance, highlights, titles, and unforgettable 2K moments.

It’s a way to give him his flowers while he’s still hooping—and still inspiring a whole new wave of MyCAREER builds and GOAT talk.

🎮 Final Thoughts – Who Should Really Be on the Cover?

All four of these picks bring something special to the table:

• Brunson represents the fire of the league’s biggest market

• SGA is the MVP and the face of the league’s new wave

• Caitlin Clark is bringing the WNBA to the mainstream

• LeBron James is still here—and deserves his moment

Here’s what I’d love to see:

• Brunson on the standard edition

• Clark on the WNBA special edition

• LeBron on a Legend Edition or GOAT cover

• SGA as a global edition option or alternate art cover

Either way, one thing’s clear: NBA 2K26 has no shortage of deserving cover athletes.

Now let’s just hope 2K listens to the fans.

🎁 Stack Up VC for NBA 2K26 Early

Don’t wait until you’re a 60 OVR out there in brown shirts.

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Whether you’re rocking Brunson’s handles, SGA’s finesse, or Clark’s deep range, your MyPLAYER deserves to shine from Day 1.