NBA 2K20: 5 players who could be on the cover

The NBA season is almost coming to a close and the focus of the fans is expected to turn to the virtual world, with NBA 2K20 set to release later this year.

In the lead-up to its release, speculation has been rife regarding who will be on the cover of the game.

A recent leak indicated that Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade would feature on the cover of the Legends Edition, however, there was no mention of the Standard Edition.

Many names, including those of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Steph Curry have been doing the rounds and here, we take a look at five players who legitimately have a shot at making it onto the cover of NBA 2K20:

#1 Kevin Durant

2019 NBA Finals - Game Five

Kevin Durant's developed into arguably the greatest player in the league, so having him on the cover would make perfect sense.

He is also set to become a free agent this summer and a potential move to the New York Knicks would make the decision to have him as the face of the game even more appealing.

Durant has twice featured on the cover of 2K - back in NBA 2K13 and NBA 2K15 - and there's no reason why he shouldn't be made the cover athlete yet again.

#2 Kawhi Leonard

2019 NBA Finals - Game Four

Would Kawhi Leonard be a great cover athlete? Unlikely. He's not the most entertaining character off the court, he hardly ever breaks into a smile and he keeps his cards close to the chest.

However, on the court, he turns into a different beast altogther, dominating both ends of the floor with ease.

Leonard moved to Toronto at the start of the 2018/19 NBA season, immediately making them Championship contenders. He has, in fact, carried them almost singlehandedly to the NBA Finals where they are currently embroiled in a heated battle with the Golden State Warriors.

Leonard is averaging almost 31 points and 10 rebounds per game in the postseason, and if he can lead the Raptors to their first ever title in franchise history, he will certainly be among the top contenders to be put on 2K20's cover.

#3 Luka Doncic

Sacramento Kings v Dallas Mavericks

By making Giannis Antentokounmpo the cover athlete of NBA 2K19, 2K showed that they aren't averse to making foreign stars the face of their game.

They could go the same route this time around as well and put Luka Doncic on the cover. Doncic got his NBA career off to a great start, averaging over 20 points per game in the regular season.

He is the runaway favourite to win the Rookie of the Year award and is expected to be an All-Star for many years to come.

#4 James Harden

Houston Rockets v Golden State Warriors - Game Five

Arguably the frontrunner for regular season MVP, James Harden posted astonishing numbers over the course of the season.

Harden averaged 36 points per game in the regular season, but was unable to inspire his Houston side in the playoffs as they once again fell to the Warriors in the Conference semifinals.

Harden is associated with EA - he was on the cover of NBA Live 18 - and that might count against him. However, he remains one of the most recognisable and marketable athletes in the sport and should definitely be in the running.

#5 Dirk Nowitzki

Dallas Mavericks v San Antonio Spurs

It's been all but confirmed that Dwyane Wade will be on the cover of the Legends Edition of NBA 2K20.

Wade announced his retirement this season and featuring on the cover of 2K would be a fitting tribute to the Miami Heat legend.

Another legend of the game who called time on his career this season is Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk spent 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, racking up numerous accolades over the course of his career.

A 14-time All-Star, Dirk won the MVP award in 2007 and also led the Mavericks to 15 postseason appearances, winning the title in 2011.

Nowitzki is considered the greatest European player of the all-time and having him on the cover would be a great way to bid adieu to a legend of the game.