2K has picked Indiana Pacers All-Star shooting guard Paul George as cover athlete of NBA 2K17, marking his first solo appearance on the cover of NBA 2K, paralleling his explosive return to the court, during which he averaged a career-best 23.1 points per game during the 2015-16 NBA regular season.

Long known as one of NBA 2K’s most passionate gamers, George has an extensive history with 2K, having served as the cover star of MyNBA2K16’s Companion app, and as guest commentator at the NBA 2K16 Road to the Finals $250,000 championship which occurred on June 1. As part of his global partnership with 2K, George will also serve as the cover athlete for NBA 2K Online in China.

"I have been playing NBA 2K as long as I can remember, and to be honored as cover athlete of NBA 2K17 is a blessing and vote of confidence that my hard work on and off the court has paid off,” said Paul George, who also led his team to a 2015-2016 NBA playoff berth. “I’m excited to partner with 2K and hope to help take the franchise to the next level".

“Each year the NBA 2K franchise continues to grow, but our focus has always been about creating an experience that resonates with our most passionate fans,” said Alfie Brody, vice president of marketing for NBA 2K. “Paul is a natural fit for the cover and a true embodiment of what we represent and bring to the table for gamers and basketball fans alike.”

2K also revealed the return of NBA 2K Early Tip-Off Weekend, putting the full game into hands of fans four days ahead of the scheduled street date on September 20. Beginning today, fans can pre-order NBA 2K17 at participating North American retail and online vendors, ensuring they receive their copy beginning on Friday, September 16, four days ahead of the game’s September 20 street date, along with in-game digital content, including:

• 5,000 Virtual Currency;
• MyTEAM Bundle (includes 3 packs with guaranteed Paul George Free Agent card);
• And, more to be revealed at a future date.

The NBA 2K17 Standard Edition will be available in both digital and physical formats for $59.99 on PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Windows PC platforms. 2K previously announced that the NBA 2K17 Kobe Bryant Legend Edition, celebrating the storied career of the recently retired Lakers icon, will be available in digital and physical formats for $79.99 on PlayStation®4 system and Xbox One. Also now available for pre-order is the NBA 2K17 Kobe Bryant Legend Edition Gold offering fans the ultimate value at $99.99 with all of the regular NBA 2K17 Legend Edition contents plus bonus items, including:

• 70,000 additional Virtual Currency (100,000 total);
• 2 Additional MyTEAM packs (with guaranteed MJ Free Agent card);
• Nike Kobe shoe collection;
• Special Kobe lenticular cover insert.