Screen grab from Instagram/@nba2k
Video games nowadays are as life-like as they come, particularly with NBA 2K’s basketball simulation series.
The popular franchise has been lauded by gamers for its amazing graphics and terrific gameplay, and it looks like it can even be used to figure out the best lineups for real NBA teams.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James recently shared that he actually uses the game to simulate his actual team’s roster and find out match-ups that work well together.
“It’s the most realistic basketball game you could ever play. I mix and match a lot of lineup changes to see how we can be really good. I’ve done that,” the three-time NBA champion told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
LeBron James says he’s already visualized how Isaiah Thomas will fit in with the Cavs by playing with him on NBA 2K: “It’s the most realistic basketball game you could ever play. I mix and match a lot of lineup changes to see how we can be really good. I’ve done that.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 6, 2017
James’ comments come after reports that the team’s injured point guard, Isaiah Thomas, is nearing his return to the court and has been cleared to play 4-on-4 in practice.
Winner of 13 straight games, the Cavs appear to finally regain their championship form, and Thomas’ imminent return could only bolster the team’s championship aspirations.
Although the diminutive playmaker has yet to log in a minute in a Cavs’ uniform, James has already used virtual simulation to toy with the lineup and figure which rotations work best around him.
Even in his down time, “The King” certainly takes no days off. /ra