Who will be the NBA Live 09 cover athlete?
May 3, 2008 by pastapadre
It’s that time of the year when the cover athletes for the upcoming NBA games become a topic of discussion. Given that the NBA Live cover is expected to be announced first and that 2K has shown the tendency to stick with one guy for multiple years (considering the season Chris Paul had that seems likely to continue) this will be a breakdown of the most likely candidates for the NBA Live 09 cover.
Over the past three years the cover of NBA Live has been announced between late April and mid-June. In 06 it was Dwayne Wade (May 9th), in 07 it was Tracy McGrady (June 21st), followed by 08’s Gilbert Arenas (April 28th). Typically they’d like to announce it when interest in the NBA is high and that certainly is never more than during playoff time. It wouldn’t be surprising if the news came out as early as this week.
The Live covers have generally gone to players who have been high profile, successful, and relatively young. With that in mind lets take a look at the top eight possibilities for the cover of NBA Live 09.
First some eliminations: Kobe Bryant (Sony NBA series), Amare Stoudemire (Sony NBA Series), Chris Paul (NBA 2K series), Steve Nash (not interested in being on a cover), Kevin Garnett (NBA Live 2001), Shaquille O’Neal (NBA 2K series), Carmelo Anthony (NBA Live 2005/Street), Dwayne Wade (NBA Live 06), Tracy McGrady (NBA Live 07), Gilbert Arenas (NBA Live 08), Tim Duncan (NBA Live 2000), Allen Iverson (NBA 2K/ESPN series 99-03), Dwight Howard (NBA Ballers)
Outside shot: The potential is there to (for the first time) present the cover to someone who has previously been on. With the attention that the Boston Celtics got this year and the MVP type season that Kevin Garnett had it would be difficult to dismiss him completely as a possibility.
8- Kevin Martin - Sacramento Kings
Martin earns his way onto the list thanks to his 23.7 points per game and that he is an up-and-coming star. He now has two consecutive seasons of over 20 ppg. On the downside he only played in 61 games, the Kings didn’t make the playoffs, and he isn’t recognizable enough yet. He could be someone to watch in future years.
7- Carlos Boozer - Utah Jazz
Boozer is an All-Star that produced 21.1 ppg and 10.4 rpg resulting in the second straight year averaging over a double-double. The Jazz went to the Western Conference Finals last year and have advanced to the second round this year. He would potentially be near the top of this list if it weren’t for being somewhat overshadowed by teammate Deron Williams.
6- Michael Redd - Milwaukee Bucks
In the top 10 in scoring with 22.7 ppg which was actually a drop in production over previous years. Still he is one of the best 3pt shooters in the league and fun to watch. Playing for one of the worst teams though makes him more of a long-shot within this list.
5- Joe Johnson - Atlanta Hawks
If the Hawks were a better team Johnson would be the prototypical NBA Live cover representative. He is on his way to becoming a superstar and made his second All-Star team this year. Leading the Hawks to a surprising challenge of the Boston Celtics in the first round helps his stock but the decision may have already been made. He should be considered one of the leading contenders going into next year.
4- Brandon Roy - Portland Trailblazers
In his first two years Roy has won the Rookie of the Year and been selected to the All-Star team. He has the type of profile (both on and off the court) that would make a company comfortable with having as a representative for their game. He averaged 19.1 ppg and 5.8 apg for a Portland team that surprised many with their competitiveness.
3- Chris Bosh - Toronto Raptors
The video that Bosh made campaigning for All-Star votes probably garnered more attention than his play this year. He did make it for what became his third appearance. Playing in Toronto leads to him being overlooked in a sense but he has the stats to justify being considered for the cover. This is the third straight year that he has averaged over 22 ppg and he also added 8.7 rpg. However he did miss playing in 15 games.
2- Lebron James - Cleveland Cavaliers
There is really no more obvious choice than James for the cover. He is the most marketable player in the league and has transcended the sport like few have since Michael Jordan. But there is a reason why he hasn’t been on a cover yet. He doesn’t need it. He has all the endorsements he wants and video game covers aren’t about the money, they are about the exposure. That could change though if EA ponied up the cash to make him interested. This year he led the league in scoring coming off a season in which he almost single-handedly carried his team to the NBA Finals.
1- Deron Williams - Utah Jazz
If Lebron doesn’t work out for whatever reason that opens the door for Williams. The Williams vs Chris Paul rivalry would then extend to the cover of the two main NBA games. The success of the Jazz can in big part be attributed to the play of Williams. He averaged 18.8 ppg and 10.5 apg this year. It should also be noted that he started every single game. He fits the type of player that has been selected in the past. He is a young exciting player to watch as a leader of a successful team.
yea baby Joe Johnson! GO Hawks!
ehh i think if you wanna mention kevin martin then Andre Iguodala has to have an outside shot as well
I have to go with Paul Pierce. Hes been in ads for live for like 3 years now lol
baron davis could be a underdog
THE HAWKS ARE MY BOI’S……..WE LOVE EM DOWN HERE IN ATLANTA joe joe or josh smith should get the cover
when will info and screens and videos and feature list stuff start popping up for NBA Live 09? or for NBA 2k9?
D-Will BABY! He is a stud.
the best one is AL HORFORD…the real rockie of the year…
It will never go to Boozer. Lying to a blind guy means karma is against you until the end of time. People in Cleveland would buy the game to burn it. My pick would be Chris Bosh or Brandon Roy.
i’d like to choose CP3~
MC Holdon wrote:
He cant hes on the 2k titles. I would like to see Amare Stoudemire. Even though he wont get it.
Deron Williams would be an excellent choice considering their teams can meet in the West Finals.
Hornets (CP3) and the Jazz I mean.
All the past covers have been stars
I think Chris Paul would be the best choise.He is playing very good.
They should do the same thing as Madden and go with the retired player… Isiah Thomas!! He’s been the most talked about person in the NBA! He’d be perfect.
Why not Rudy Gay. Without Pau, he is the obvious leader of the Grizz and is fun to watch. Or Maybe Kevin Durant, as they may want him on another EA Cover besides March Madness.
some of these players are some of the worst possabilities in the league. Micheal Redd? Brandon Roy? Kevin Martin? what are you thinking Pasta? i am sure you know something we dont about this cover but these players are horrible
why would you pick joe johnson, he s nothing special, he s just having a great momentum in the playoff, that s it. If there were any voting, i would pick KOBE BRYANT or DERON WILIAMS,for me of course would be wonderfull to have BENO UDRIHs cover:D cheers
i can see it being joe johnson or chris bosh
NBA LIVE Visuals combined with NBA2K Gameplay and presentation would equal the PERFECT SPORTS GAME possibly ever made
Bosh…because he’s already in Canada where the game is developed
Afrodamus wrote:
AGREED 100%
CHRIS PAUL should be NBA live 09 cover
Kobe all day!!!
Beau wrote:
Media is getting a first look at NBA Live this week. Not sure if there is an embargo but either way that means they’re preparing for the first release of info so it should within the next couple weeks.
C’mon lets see michael Redd Miltown reppin
it dnt matter how many times or how many games you’ve been on cuz i got a n64 game called NBA Courtside w/ kobe on da front
As a disgraced but still Loyal bucks fan i would rather the cover go to the best player on the bucks and that is Andrew Bogut..not Michael Redd…that being said I think its King James..
Carmello Anthony?
WHy wouldn’t they have Dwight Howard? he not only made the biggest impression throughout the world as “Superman”, but has dominated the playoffs… until this series with Detroit. Deetroittt Basketballllll!!!!
Since the NBA is expanding in the Global market and same with EA why wouldn’t you market your audience, China especially, with the high flying Slam Dunk winner such as Dwight Howard and the last time I checked he was young too.
pastapadre wrote:
are you included in that “media”?
hopefully we can hear something by the end of the week!
Hey Pasta, Did you ever get NBA Ballers Chosen One
I think *I’VE* got a better shot of being on the cover than Kevin Martin.
You gotta put KG on the cover man….. CELTICS RULE…. Maybe for the first time you could put the big 3
Joe Johnson
It’s gotta be Deron Williams. Like you said Pasta, Ea is always looking for the young up & coming star. I would’ve said Dwight Howard but he’s on the cover of NBA Ballers. Chris Paul already got the cover for NBA 2k8. Kobe & Amare were already on covers of other games. They could use Lebron but you would think they would’ve used him already if they were gonna use him. So that leaves the only obvious choice Deron Williams.
Steve wrote:
Hes on the cover of NBA Ballers: Chosen One which released just a couple weeks ago. So you can cross him off the list. Otherwise he would’ve certainly been right at the top of the list.
pastapadre wrote:
I was originally presented the opportunity to attend but won’t be doing so. Its actually a large event showing off near the entire lineup of upcoming EA Sports titles.
Zack wrote:
Not only was he already on the cover but his recent drunk driving arrest would’ve pretty much taking him out of the running anyway.
Pau Gasol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NJNETSFANFORLIF wrote:
WOW MOE THX FOR TAKING MY IDEA WHEN I TOLD YOU ON AIM AND YOU TOOK MY IDEA. WOW DUDE U HAD TO DO THAT TO ME.
8LAL24 wrote:
Whos Moe?? anyway ..Pasta it should be a soon response??? And are we gonna play some OTP soon? It wulda been a blast playing Hawks-Celtics
NJNETSFANFORLIF wrote:
w/e man hope Mr. Karma knocks on your door
Great article Pasta. I guess the cover will go to either Brandon Roy or Deron Williams. But Joe Johnson may have an outside shot as well.
But where is Big Z (Zydrnas Ilgauskas)?
Joe Johnson!!!! ..or Josh Smith
Ray Allen. Yao Ming. Josh Howard. David West.
Chris Paul is probably the best candidate for any basketball game this year.
Lebron James should definitely be on the cover. Wade and Anthony have both been on the cover already, and James deserves his shot. If it isn’t LJ, then I’d vote for one of the league’s most underrated players, Chris Bosh. Either of those guys would be a great choice.
I can see Bosh being on the cover but that would be the 2nd toronto player on NBA Live cover
I can’t recall but has Kobe every graced a cover. I say give #24 his shot at the cover (this years MVP.
Well definetly not kevin martin. i think it should be a superstar. brandon roy will get his year soon. just not this soon. either kobe, lebron, or deron williams.
40% Kobe Bryant
40% LeBron James
20% Deron Williams
No wait. I need to change what i wrote before. Either Lebron, Deron Williams, or Joe Johnson.
50% LeBron
30% Joe Johnson
20% Deron Williams
NOT KOBE. since he’s been on ‘The Life’ twice.
And again, i really don’t think people that have been previously on a cover shouldn’t be on one now. say for instance Allen Iverson. He was on a cover too long ago. I’m just saying.
Charlie wrote:
are you crazy? isiah thomas?!?!
AMARE STOUDEMIRE IS PERFECT!!!….or LEBRON!!..or JOE JOHNSON!!
BUT AMARE IS PERFECT!! EITHER HIM OR LEBRON FOR SURE!
Sam wrote:
Amare was just on Sony’s NBA 08.
i have to agree that dwight howard should be the best choice. maybe a trio cover of the celtics(awaiting championship ofcourse)
Allthough I dont care for NBA Live I would really like to see Deron on the cover and hell I might even buy it for that alone. It would be great for the Utah Jazz in general. Deron has admitted that he prefers Live over 2k not sure why but whatever.
Amare and Dwight are allready on covers of games they cant be on live for some time some stupid clause.
i wish if there would be kobe on the cover he werent in the other nba live covers
Josh Smith from the Atlanta Hawks!!
His blocks are amazing!
i like see Al Horford in the cover.
Kobe
Deron williams!
Well, I’ve heard that it’s Chris Bosh this year.
wat about kobe, or some1 from the celtics, or dwight howard…
Wikipedia claims Chris Bosh will be on the cover. But, no source is listed.
I think LeBron should be on the cover of live 09 he led the nba in pts per game.
Wikipedia now says that Kobe will be the cover athlete in 09. Is that even possible after Kobe’s NBA 07 cover?
It could be Chauncey Billups. The last 2 cover athletes (TMAC, HIBACHI) have been under contract to Addidas (as is Billups) Also, Billups plays for a great team and is a guard, as most Live cover boys are.
Joe Johnson is a playmaker and should be the next cover boy, but everyone seems to love the king!
Who the hell care about the cover-player? Does that have any significance, except he shows up on a few PR event? I mean, the MVP is on the cover of the worst NBA game…
This circus is just marketing, EA shall talk about better gameplay, smoother movements and challenging AI.
“Who the hell care about the cover-player? Does that have any significance, except he shows up on a few PR event? I mean, the MVP is on the cover of the worst NBA game…
This circus is just marketing, EA shall talk about better gameplay, smoother movements and challenging AI.”
Good points all, ReignMan, but this is the first piece of news we’ll probably see for a while. So, I mean, there’s reason 2 B excited. But a good cover boy won’t matter if the game is crap…
lebronnnnnnnnnn james
i think Lebron James should be on cover because of the impact he have on and off the court it will brang in alot of fans and gamers to c what this new live is about.
i think they should try to get the big three from boston on the cover…it would be cool to have more than 1 player
Xtremedunkz wrote:
Dont forget nba lives commentary. they r da best.
i could see joe johnson or deron williams on da cover. they should save lebron james for nba live 2010 or 10.
For tha cover i rekon a 3-way cover Kobe Bryant bigger in the centre,the on the sides have Garnett and Chris Paul but it will probably cost way to much, if so, jus Kobe hwe deserves it
And wat do u guys rekon with having a trading block for dynasty (like on the maddern’s) cause say if u wanna get rid of shaq but no one wants him jus put him on the block and see what the other teams will give for him?
It Should Be lebron james, Kevin Garnett, or Kobe Bryant on the cover.
its already set to be chris bosh as the cover athelete for 09
its gotta be allen iverson !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yah boy Kobe is on the cover 4 09, he was the mvp this season and is in the finals without shaq.So its evident, just admit that it should be k06e.
no not ivers0n KOBE KOBE KOBE
u write muhammad Kobe
be qeit stevehog no way any day for the cover but i like the lebron,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, still its kobe
I would say Deron Williams. I mean he’s up in the most exclusive club of point guards in the top 3 where Magic Johnson is number 1. I like Brandon Roy, Kevin Martin, Carlos Boozer, and Joe Johnson as the picks. Somehow, ever since the draft about who’s best point guard in the NBA between Chris Paul & Deron Williams. Let alone CP3 made the cover of NBA 2K8 which I believe D-Will should be up for the cover.
Unless they can do this. That one of the people in the NBA LIVE Boards made, and change the title to “Lakers Vs. Celtics 2009″
http://i32.tinypic.com/5umr0w.jpg
Which the small problem is that they need to take Derek Fisher off of there, and replace him for Pau Gasol.
BIG 3-
Kobe bryant should be on the cover for sure, but he’s already been on PS3 NBA 07 and 06 cover so NBA live 09 should make one sider lerbron and the other kobe doing their dunk and the cover is black, white, gray, it’ll look very cool if you guys know what i’m talking about!!!
nope not lebron, KOBE KOBE KOBE. with the picture of the nba champ of 2008 or the olympic gold medal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you know, i would really wish EA could do something awsome, is 2009 is a year where EA has to step up. i hope they could make much more feature than the previous “NBA Live 08″, that game was ok, not so great but really, 09 can be better, and i know that EA could make a huge different in 09. so please make 09 and game where 2k fans won’t write negitive comment and make fun of EA. now lets get back to the cover, every EA game cover is the same each year except the person, well 09, i really wish that the cover can be kobe and lebron on the side dunking, and is black, white, gray, for example for the color, im talking about the color is like the spider man 3 collector’s edition, and the words, nba live 09 is stiking out like grand theft auto 4 letter on the cover. hope someone in EA read this, and i would love to let you guys do the cover like that, it’ll look awsome after it comes out, only if you guys really understand what i’m talking about.
it should be paul pierce hands down!
lebron james!!
wat about kevin durant.yes his team had a losing season but the direction he is going in is very positive.if they can take a chance on kevin martin than durant should be up there 2
Afrodamus wrote:
This is the most true statement ever made. ever.
i think KG this year
Koba Brytant is going to be one the frount of the 09 cover and like they are going 2 win the playoffs and kg can go loss all he got.
ummm i think they should use either steve nash
and or dwight howard but he was on that one ballers
game so i doubt it
KOBE CANT BE ON THE COVER BECAUSE HE WAS ON THE PS3 GAME
NBA 07 and HE CAnt JUST JUMP ON AND BE ON THE COVER OF NBA
LIVE
I THINKS GOING TO BE PAUL PIERCE though
hes a great athlete and he deserves to be on the cover
if not steve nash cause yeah SUNS ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!11
why dont you put Kobe Bryant in the cover athlete or either Pau Gasol his been good becoming a laker!!!
oR Steve Nash to make his first time as a cover athlete