Why Some Of The Best Players Aren't Even In NBA 2K25

screenrant.com:

Playing as a favorite team in may require more nuance than players may have originally planned. The game is missing multiple fan favorites, such as Blake Griffin, John Wall, and Andre Iguodala, among several others. This absence led to backlash and questioning why these players were no longer an option for the game, but the answer is relatively straightforward.

’s removal of specific players is a practical move, not a personal one. These players are missing because the company simply lost the rights to use their likenesses in the game. These absent players have retired from the NBA, and so the rules have changed regarding using their images.

Athletes retiring is standard in the sports world but often not considered in the gaming world. Blake Griffin, for example, retired from the NBA in April 2024. In 2023, Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodala retired after almost 20 years in the NBA. Because of these long-spanning careers and respect within the sports world, their absence is felt in. However, the fact that they are missing has to do with the fact that they, or the NBA Retired Players Association, were the ones to make the call to be removed.

Notable Players Missing From

Team

Charles Barkley

Phoenix Suns

Reggie Miller

Indiana Pacers

Blake Griffin

Los Angeles Clippers

Andre Iguodala

Golden State Warriors

Tayshaun Prince

Detroit Pistons

Rasheed Wallace

Detroit Pistons

Serge Ibaka

Oklahoma City Thunder

John Wall

Washington Wizards

Goran Dragic

Miami Heat

James Jones

Miami Heat

When a player retires, has to ask permission to get their likeness. According to 2KRatings, the retired player has either declined their likeness being reused, or the National Basketball Retired Players Association has made that call. ultimately must cut players who no longer want to be in the game, even if it initially appears to be a misstep to remove them.

While some familiar faces are missing, the overall gameplay has been vastly improved for . The official website notes