On Tuesday, the first official images from NBA 2K22 were released and they show Candace Parker, the game’s first female cover athlete, looking more like herself than in previous editions.
.@Candace_Parker First Look #NBA2K22 pic.twitter.com/CUrY88aZF5
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 20, 2021
That’s pretty spot-on! Down to the (probable) glare at a referee.
This is just the third time in the franchise’s history that WNBA players will be featured in the game. In NBA 2K20 and NBA 2K21, there were several issues with player appearances, shot mechanics, and skillsets. Now, with the cover athlete featuring one of the league’s best-ever players, there’s reason to be confident that women’s basketball in video games is set for a major leap.
Here’s what Parker looked like in 2K21:
Running with my Sparks to celebrate #2KDay! @NBA2K Experience the WNBA in 2K21 Current Gen: https://t.co/rHa3zfXsgW #AD pic.twitter.com/UJfGc1Z6ke
— Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) September 4, 2020
And here’s a side-by-side of her in 2K20 and 2K22:
2K20 –> 2K22
helluva difference pic.twitter.com/C9BQ3gcUZm
— Matt Ellentuck (@mellentuck) July 20, 2021
Parker’s 2K22 image has also quickly become a meme. Please indulge as WNBA Twitter does what is always does.
*Shaq says anything on @NBAonTNT
Candace Parker: pic.twitter.com/YEZG8JhBdN
— Jasmine (@JasmineLWatkins) July 20, 2021
2k Candace Parker has read your tweets. pic.twitter.com/nrPiilHxUp
— Snap Wilson #BLM
(@snapwilson) July 20, 2021
Why Candace reading my whole life with one look lol https://t.co/d5ItmfeS2R
— Arielle (Ari) Chambers (@ariivory) July 20, 2021
A foul was called or she saw a ref she ain’t like
https://t.co/TrpJOnBCdM
— Norrin Radd
(@ImJusSayingTho) July 20, 2021
is she looking at Shaq https://t.co/cKodr03Eoj
— Lindsay Gibbs (@linzsports) July 20, 2021
They got the Shaq look down perfectly. #NBA2K22 https://t.co/9K8uUj1GEA
— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) July 20, 2021
Watch out, 2K Shaq.
In a release, the 2K franchise said more details about the game’s MyWNBA mode would be available in September. Hopefully, every player and coach will get the same treatment the Chicago Sky star has. WNBA fans have long been waiting for a realistic version of their favorite sports league.
‘NBA 2K22’ is set to release on September 10 on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.