2K announced that Cleveland Cavaliers point guard, Kyrie Irving, as the cover athlete of NBA 2K18.

The selection of Irving marks his first appearance on the cover of NBA 2K and comes at a pinnacle point in his career after consecutive dominant years with the Cavaliers and a repeat appearance at the NBA Finals this season, which has appropriately earned him the nickname, “Ankletaker.”

“It is well known that I’m an avid player of this series and I am honored to be the cover athlete of NBA 2K18,” said Kyrie Irving, who has his sights set on another ring and is making a run for back-to-back championships. “It’s surreal to be featured on the cover and I can’t wait to dominate on the virtual court with all of my fans this fall.”

Kyrie’s basketball resume includes a Rookie of the Year award in 2012, NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2014, and the 2016 NBA championship that marked one of the most incredible upsets in NBA Finals history with a team-high 27.1 points per game, making him the unquestioned choice in bringing NBA 2K18 to fans around the world.

“It’s obvious that Kyrie isn’t disappearing from the spotlight anytime soon, so we’re thrilled to have him as our cover athlete, alongside Shaq for the NBA 2K18 Legend Edition,” said Alfie Brody, Vice President of Marketing for NBA 2K. “He’s a more-than-worthy recipient of this honor, and joins so many other greats who were cover athletes before him.”

Fans who pre-order NBA 2K18 at participating North American retail and online vendors receive Early Tip-Off Access, ensuring they receive their copy and in-game bonuses four days early beginning on September 15, 2017.

The NBA 2K18 Standard Edition includes in-game content, including: 

• 5,000 Virtual Currency;
• 10 Weekly MyTEAM Packs;
• Kyrie Outfit Pack;
• And more!

The NBA 2K18 Standard Edition will be available for $59.99 for PS4 and PS3, Xbox One and Xbox 360, Switch, and PC platforms on September 19, 2017.

As previously announced, the NBA 2K18 Legend Edition and Legend Edition Gold (featuring Shaquille O’Neal on the cover) will be available in both digital and physical formats for $99.99 and $149.99, respectively, on PS4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. The NBA 2K18 Legend Edition Gold physical edition is available exclusively at GameStop.