Zion Williamson 2nd cover athlete for NBA 2K21

MANILA, Philippines—Rookies don’t usually become cover athletes of NBA video games—unless you’re Zion Williamson.

The 2019 top overall pick has been named as the cover athlete for NBA 2K21 in the Next Generation consoles, following Portland star Damian Lillard.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Williamson said the reality of him being the cover of such a famed franchise hasn’t sunk in yet despite it being a dream of his since he was a child.

“Realizing that I am going to be on the cover of NBA 2K21 was one of those moments that I am still processing,” said Williamson. “I dreamed about being on the cover and for 2K to give me this honor, it means a lot because I have always played 2K with teammates and all my friends growing up.”

The future is here 💪 @ZionWilliamson is our Cover Athlete for Next Gen #NBA2K21

Pre-orders begin July 2nd pic.twitter.com/HCbHEOZUfL

— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 1, 2020

Lillard was named as the cover athlete for the Current Generation. A third cover will be announced Friday.

Williamson has been one of the most recognizable basketball stars of the past several years with his rim-rocking dunks in high school easily catapulting him to viral levels of sensation.

Although he’s only played a handful of games in the NBA, he’s still one of the most marketable players of his generation.

Williamson joins Allen Iverson, Ben Wallace, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, James Harden, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Paul George, Kyrie Irving, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dwyane Wade, and Lillard as the franchise’s cover athletes.