The NBA 2K Cover 'Disrespect': Why Stephen Curry Has Only Graced The Box Art Once
Despite his transformational impact on basketball, Stephen Curry’s relationship with the *NBA 2K* video game franchise has always been a point of fascination, and often, controversy, among fans. As of December 17, 2025, the four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP has only appeared on the primary cover of the game once, a fact many see as a major oversight for the greatest shooter in the history of the sport.
The latest update confirms this pattern continues, as the cover athlete for the *NBA 2K25* Standard Edition was announced as Jayson Tatum, leaving fans to once again debate why the Golden State Warriors superstar has not received a solo, dedicated cover in nearly a decade, especially after his 2022 championship run. This deep dive explores the history of his single cover appearance, his incredible current *2K* rating, and the enduring legacy that makes him a perpetual—yet overlooked—cover candidate.
Stephen Curry: The Unrivaled Legacy and Biography
Wardell Stephen Curry II, universally known as Steph Curry, is an American professional basketball player whose revolutionary shooting ability changed the way the modern game is played. His career is defined by unprecedented success, both individually and with the Golden State Warriors.
- Full Name: Wardell Stephen Curry II
- Nickname: Steph, The Chef, The Baby-Faced Assassin, Chef Curry
- Date of Birth: March 14, 1988
- Place of Birth: Akron, Ohio, U.S.
- Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
- College: Davidson (2006–2009)
- NBA Draft: 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7 (Selected by the Golden State Warriors)
- Current Team: Golden State Warriors (Since 2009)
- Major Career Achievements:
- 4× NBA Champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
- 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2015, 2016)
- NBA Finals MVP (2022)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (2022)
- NBA Scoring Champion (2016, 2021)
- NBA All-Time Leader in 3-Point Field Goals Made
- 10× NBA All-Star
- 4× All-NBA First Team
The One and Only Time: Stephen Curry on the NBA 2K Cover
The single instance of Steph Curry gracing the cover of a major *NBA 2K* release came with the launch of *NBA 2K16* in 2015.
The NBA 2K16 Phenomenon
The *NBA 2K16* release was unique in the franchise's history because it featured three separate standard edition covers, each dedicated to a different superstar.
Curry shared the spotlight with two other elite players: James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans.
This decision, while celebrating three of the league's best, meant Curry did not receive a dedicated solo cover, a status often reserved for the most dominant or iconic player of a generation, like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant on their respective special editions.
The timing was perfect for Curry, as the cover coincided with the peak of the Warriors' first championship era and his first MVP season (2014-2015).
However, many fans argue that his subsequent unanimous MVP season in 2015-2016, or his Finals MVP season in 2022, should have guaranteed him a solo cover, cementing his status as a true generational icon for the game.
The *NBA 2K16* cover, while a career highlight, remains a curious footnote in the history of the greatest shooter, who many believe should have multiple solo covers by now.
The Latest Update: Why Curry Was Snubbed for NBA 2K25
The biggest question for the current season revolves around the *NBA 2K25* cover athlete. The game, which is the latest iteration in the franchise, provided the definitive answer, and it was not Stephen Curry.
Jayson Tatum Takes the Spotlight
For the *NBA 2K25* Standard Edition, the honor went to Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
Tatum was a compelling choice, having recently led the Celtics to the NBA Championship, making him the reigning champion and a highly relevant figure in the current basketball zeitgeist.
While Tatum is a deserving star, the announcement reignited the debate among the NBA community about the perceived "disrespect" shown to Curry by the *2K* franchise.
Fans often point to the fact that other legends, like Michael Jordan, have received multiple special edition covers, yet Curry, whose influence is arguably on par with Jordan's in terms of changing the game's style, has been largely relegated since 2015.
The High-Value LSI: Curry's Current NBA 2K Rating
Despite the lack of a recent cover, Curry's in-game status remains elite, which only further highlights the cover disparity. His overall rating for *NBA 2K25* is a formidable 95 OVR, ranking him among the top 10 players in the game.
This 95 OVR rating places him alongside other perennial superstars, demonstrating that *2K* acknowledges his current dominance even if they choose other athletes for the cover.
Crucially, Curry maintains a perfect 99 Three-Point Shot Rating in *NBA 2K25*, a badge of honor that reflects his real-life status as the undisputed greatest shooter of all time.
His player build in the game is often described as a "Crafty Offensive Engine," focusing on his unique ability to score from anywhere on the court and lead a dynamic offense.
The Enduring Debate: Why No Solo Cover Since 2K16?
The question of why Stephen Curry hasn't been the sole *NBA 2K* cover athlete since *2K16* involves several potential factors, ranging from marketing strategy to brand politics.
Marketing and Brand Diversification
One theory is that *2K* seeks to diversify its cover athletes to appeal to a broader, global audience and to promote rising stars.
By featuring players like Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, or Zion Williamson, the franchise can tap into new fan bases and markets, ensuring the game feels fresh and forward-looking every year.
Curry, as an established legend, is a guaranteed seller regardless of his cover status, allowing *2K* to use the cover spot to elevate the next generation of stars.
The Under Armour Factor
Another popular theory among fans relates to brand endorsements. The *NBA 2K* franchise has historically had a strong relationship with Nike, and many of the cover athletes, including Tatum, are Nike-sponsored athletes.
Stephen Curry is famously the face of Under Armour Basketball. Some speculate that the lack of a solo cover could be tied to marketing conflicts or the difficulty of featuring a non-Nike athlete prominently on the box art for consecutive years.
The "Legend Edition" Snub
While other legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan have received multiple "Legend Edition" or "Mamba Edition" covers, Curry has not yet been honored with his own special edition cover.
This is arguably the most significant perceived snub, as a Legend Edition would celebrate his career achievements without taking the Standard Edition spotlight from a younger player.
Given his four championships, multiple MVPs, and record-breaking three-point totals, a "Chef Curry Edition" or a "Greatest Shooter Edition" is a move fans believe is long overdue and would instantly become a collector's item in the *NBA 2K* cover history.
Curry's Unbreakable Legacy in the 2K Universe
Stephen Curry's influence on the *NBA 2K* series transcends any cover. His game-changing play style forced developers to fundamentally alter the mechanics of shooting in the game.
Before Curry, taking deep, contested three-pointers was a recipe for disaster in *2K*. His real-life proficiency made the developers create a more realistic, yet still challenging, system for elite-level long-range shooting.
Even without a solo cover since *NBA 2K16*, Curry remains one of the most exciting and dominant players to use in the game, defined by his 99 three-point rating and his ability to pull up from anywhere past half-court. His presence ensures that every *NBA 2K* release is a reflection of the modern, three-point-heavy era of basketball that he single-handedly ushered in.
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