NBA 2K12 News Post

NBA 2K12 - All 15 Legends Announced

03:09 PM - August 18, 2011 by ifriedrice

ESPN has announced the 15 legends in NBA 2K12 and their opposing teams. Both sides should have 10-12 accurate players represented according to the article. Here's the list of players and their opponents in the game:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
86-87 Lakers vs. Celtics

Larry Bird
85-86 Celtics vs Hawks

Julius “Dr. J” Erving
84-85 76ers vs Bucks

Wilt Chamberlain
71-72 Lakers vs Knicks

Patrick Ewing
94-95 Knicks vs Magic

Magic Johnson
90-91 Lakers vs Blazers

Michael Jordan
92-93 Bulls vs Hornets

Karl Malone
97-98 Jazz vs Spurs

Scottie Pippen
95-96 Bulls vs Sonics

Oscar Robertson
70-71 Bucks vs Lakers

Hakeem Olajuwon
93-94 Rockets vs Nuggets

Bill Russell
64-65 Celtics vs Lakers

Jerry West
70-71 Lakers vs Hawks

Isiah Thomas
88-89 Pistons vs. Bulls

John Stockton
97-98 Jazz vs. Lakers

Bonus Teams
1990-91 Warriors and 2001-02 Kings

Chris' Take: Seems to be a lot of a 'been there done that' with several of the guys and teams on the list. BUT, that doesn't mean it's still not cool (for now). Some of the guys are pretty exciting such as Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlin. If the rosters from the opposing teams are spot-on as mentioned in the article, then this mode gets a lot more exciting and that appears to be the case. But really, a lot of the guys from the 90s and late 80s are rehashes of last year's teams on the Jordan Challenge. And it appears you have to play (or I'm sure pay) to unlock the teams in exhibition.

NBA 2K needs all it can to top last year's effort sales wise, I'm highly skeptical it's going to be able to match it with the NBA Lockout and a legends lineup that feels cool but somewhat rehashed as well -- but the mode should be quite cool at least one more year.

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Member Comments

# 221 Robrarian @ 08/19/11 07:31 AM

No idea if Chuck'll be on that '85 PHI team, but I have a sinking feeling he won't be. But it will (or should) have Moses, Mo Cheeks, Bobby Jones, and Andrew Toney. Good stuff there.

If we're talking about omissions, since they're going as far back as Russell/Wilt/West, I'd like to have seen the '77 Blazers squad featuring Walton and Big Luke. Would've been something seeing the Redhead whip those outlet passes to start the fast breaks (well...assuming the fast breaks are fixed this year

) and Luke beasting on D/the boards.

Even so, this is a good variety of players, teams and eras. I was on the fence about this year, but now it's looking like a cop, maybe even a 1st-day.

# 222 sportjames23 @ 08/19/11 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VDusen04


	Credit to a poster named SuperPippen at Inside Hoops. I haven't read through all very closely, but it's definitely a good start. It's a huge list (48 players long in fact) and doesn't even include regular all-stars like Sean Elliott or Larry Johnson: Kareem ('71, '87) Magic ('87, '91) Worthy ('87, '91) Bird ('86, '87) Parish ('86, '87) McHale ('86, '87) DJ ('86, '87) 'Nique ('86) Chamberlain ('71, '72) West ('65, '71, '72) Goodrich ('71, '72) Baylor ('65, '71) Maravich ('71) Frazier ('72) Reed ('72) Lucas ('72) Bradley ('72) Pearl ('72) DeBusschere ('72) Dr. J ('85) Moses ('85) Ewing ('95) Penny ('95) Shaq ('95, '98) Kobe ('98) Drexler ('91) Jordan ('89, '93, '96) Pippen ('89, '93, '96) Alonzo ('93) Payton ('96) Kemp ('96) Mailman ('98) Stockton ('98) Robinson ('98) Duncan ('98) Oscar ('71) Hakeem ('94) Dikembe ('94) Zeke ('89) Dumars ('89) Rodman ('89) Russell ('65) Heinsohn ('65) Jones ('65) Webber ('02) Mullin ('91) T. Hardaway ('91) Richmond ('91)

I...I...I...

I'm not worthy...I'm not worthy to be able to play with such greatness...

# 223 sportjames23 @ 08/19/11 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VDusen04


	The greedy part of me is hoping some key retro jerseys were added that'd at least open up more retro opportunities in terms of creating our own classic squads. Of course, if none of the retros have changed (80's Sonics uni's or '93 Suns jerseys) I'm still blown away and crazy impressed and satisfied and all of that. I'm just saying, in lieu of a lack of Chuck, offering that era's jerseys would be a great workaround. Regardless of any players who may have been left out for whatever reasons, the fact that 2K went and dropped at least 50 legends (along with their supporting casts) is one of the craziest moves in sports game history.

Adding to your point on retros, I wonder if all the Jordans from 2K11 will be in 2K12?

# 224 STLRams @ 08/19/11 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ©roke


	I can't believe no one said Young Shaq vs. Dwight Howard yet. I'm gonna destroy Dwight, lol

What about 98 Lakers Shaq in his Prime vs Wilt.....

# 225 IWWROCKS @ 08/19/11 08:26 AM

Dikembe Mutumbo!!!! I just hope he does the wag

# 226 mreyes930 @ 08/19/11 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWWROCKS


	Dikembe Mutumbo!!!! I just hope he does the wag

You and me both. It wouldn't be Mutumbo if he didn't. I would lose it if Jordan does the wag when he dunks on Mutumbo haha. That may be pushing it little too far.

# 227 boodahisthe1 @ 08/19/11 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeebs9


	Reggie and Chuck just don't want to do it. Which pretty much sucks..

I cant believe reggie and chuck didnt want to participate..1st of all, thats easy money for them..but it shouldnt be about the money..it should be about their fans that would love to see them on these next gen video games..they r being a**holes..all that damn arrogance and no rings..smh..

# 228 Galarius @ 08/19/11 08:56 AM

if there are that many classic teams this is gonna be a Flounder 'boy, this is great" year for me

# 229 VDusen04 @ 08/19/11 09:21 AM

Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller may not have agreed to be a part of the game, but aren't the other 50 legends included by 2K a pretty decent consolation prize? I am beginning to wonder if others have noticed that in lieu of Chuck and Reg, there will be a near bottomless pit of legends (and currents) to make use of.

# 230 williskb24 @ 08/19/11 09:25 AM

mann i cant wait to use 97-98 lakers with nick the quick ,eddie jones, horry, foxx, and shaq and kobe its going to be too bad ***!!!

still wondering what kobe is going to look like and what would be his ratings???

# 231 May29th @ 08/19/11 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marino


	Charlotte Hornets!!!!

I hope for this starting 5 lineup

1. Bogues / 30. Curry / 13. Gill / 2. Johnson / 33. Mourning

# 232 crandolph @ 08/19/11 09:54 AM

I did alot of research last night and if 2K puts any effort into making the rosters RIGHT, then this is upsides for each Legend team in the game.....(and why is everyone geeked about the 92-93 Hornets??? The 94-95 Magic are gonna be unstoppable.)

*86-87
Lakers: Magic at his absolute apex. HOLY ****!
Celtics: basically same as 85-86

*85-86
Celtics: same team from NBA 2K11
Hawks: Dominique at his athletic peak! I pray that he has the shaved head though. Just seemed more like a bad*** then...

*84-85
76ers: Doc, Moses, and Maurice on the decline, but DAMN. And a Rookie Chuckwagon. SWEET!
Bucks: Terry Cummings, Paul Pressy, and Sidney Moncrief at his peak. SWEET!

*71-72
Lakers: Wilt on the decline (but good) , OLD Elgin, and Jerry West on his basketball peak.
Knicks: aging Reed, DeBusschere, Bradley, and Lucas, BUT Clyde Frazier at his apex...SWEET!

*94-95
Knicks and Magic - Oh the two who couldnt be The Dream (get to him in a minute)...
Knicks: same team from NBA 2K11. Would have liked to had '90 Ewing (his apex) but this is good too.
Magic: Young Shaq and Penny...period. (my prediction, the most used "Legend" team on the game)

*90-91
Lakers: same team from NBA 2K11
Blazers: during peak of Drexler, Duckworth and Buck Williams to bang on the boards....Sleeper Team!

*92-93
Bulls: Jordan on back-end of his apex. (THE APEX OF ALL APEXES) Nuff said...
Hornets: Larry Johnson at his peak, rookie Zo, SLEEPER PLAYER: JR Reid

*97-98
Jazz: same team as NBA 2K11
Spurs: rookie Tim Duncan, Aging Admiral (hope they still make him look like a statue)

*95-96
Bulls: same team as NBA 2K11. (some say best team ever...muhh)
Sonics: same team as NBA 2K11. (please fix Kemp, his head isnt that big! And give him a better dunk package!!!!!!)

*70-71
Bucks: aging Big O and Lew Alcindor in second year...SWEET!!!(please have better looking Sky-Hooks!)
Lakers: Jerry West's basketball apex, Wilt basically averaging 20/20

*93-94
Rockets: Hakeem Olajuwon at his basketball apex...thats the only argument i need!
Nuggets: young, athletic team with Mount Mutumbo at his peak.

*64-65
Celtics: Russell and Sam Jones best statistical seasons with a star in the making soon to be named "Hondo"
Lakers: Elgin on the downside of his peak years, and "The Logo" on the upside of his.

*70-71
Lakers: Jerry West's basketball apex, Wilt basically averaging 20/20
Hawks: "The Pistol" as a rookie!!!, sharp-shooting Lou Hudson, and an aging Walt Bellamy

*88-89
Pistons: 6 guys averaged over 13ppg..true definition of TEAM
Bulls: the beginning of Jordan's peak years. (33/8/8..GOOD GAWD)

*97-98
Jazz: hmmm...how many pick-n-rolls can i run....
Lakers: the young Lakers! Shaq-25, Kobe-19, Fisher-23, Eddie Jones-26, Nick Van Excel-26

# 233 DJ @ 08/19/11 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crandolph


	I did alot of research last night and if 2K puts any effort into making the rosters RIGHT, then this is upsides for each Legend team in the game.....(and why is everyone geeked about the 92-93 Hornets??? The 94-95 Magic are gonna be unstoppable.) 86-87 Lakers:* Magic at his absolute apex. HOLY ST! Celtics:** basically same as 85-86 85-86 Celtics:* same team from NBA 2K11 Hawks: Dominique at his athletic peak! I pray that he has the shaved head though. Just seemed more like a badass then... 84-85 76ers:* Doc, Moses, and Maurice on the decline, but DAMN. And a Rookie Chuckwagon. SWEET! Bucks: Terry Cummings, Paul Pressy, and Sidney Moncrief at his peak. SWEET! 71-72 Lakers:* Wilt on the decline (but good) , OLD Elgin, and Jerry West on his basketball peak. Knicks: aging Reed, DeBusschere, Bradley, and Lucas, BUT Clyde Frazier at his apex...SWEET! 94-95 Knicks and Magic - Oh the two who couldnt be The Dream (get to him in a minute)...* Knicks: same team from NBA 2K11. Would have liked to had '90 Ewing (his apex) but this is good too. Magic: Young Shaq and Penny...period. (my prediction, the most used "Legend" team on the game) 90-91 Lakers:* same team from NBA 2K11 Blazers: during peak of Drexler, Duckworth and Buck Williams to bang on the boards....Sleeper Team! 92-93 Bulls:* Jordan on back-end of his apex. *(THE APEX OF ALL APEXES)* Nuff said... Hornets: Larry Johnson at his peak, rookie Zo, SLEEPER PLAYER: JR Reid 97-98 Jazz:* same team as NBA 2K11 Spurs: rookie Tim Duncan, Aging Admiral (hope they still make him look like a statue) 95-96 Bulls:* same team as NBA 2K11. (some say best team ever...muhh) Sonics: same team as NBA 2K11. (please fix Kemp, his head isnt that big! And give him a better dunk package!!!!!!) 70-71 Bucks:* aging Big O and Lew Alcindor in second year...SWEET!!!(please have better looking Sky-Hooks!) Lakers: Jerry West's basketball apex, Wilt basically averaging 20/20 93-94 Rockets:* Hakeem Olajuwon at his basketball apex...thats the only argument i need! Nuggets: young, athletic team with Mount Mutumbo at his peak. 64-65 Celtics: Russell and Sam Jones best statistical seasons with a star in the making soon to be named "Hondo" Lakers:* Elgin on the downside of his peak years, and "The Logo" on the upside of his. 70-71 Lakers:* Jerry West's basketball apex, Wilt basically averaging 20/20 Hawks: "The Pistol" as a rookie!!!, sharp-shooting Lou Hudson, and an aging Walt Bellamy 88-89 Pistons:* 6 guys averaged over 13ppg..true definition of TEAM Bulls: the beginning of Jordan's peak years. (33/8/8..GOOD GAWD) 97-98 Jazz:* hmmm...how many pick-n-rolls can i run.... Lakers: the young Lakers! Shaq-25, Kobe-19, Fisher-23, Eddie Jones-26, Nick Van Excel-26

That's a great breakdown of the teams right there.

Some "sleeper" teams that I'm looking forward to using are the 84-85 Bucks, 70-71 Hawks and 93-94 Nuggets.

# 234 AuburnAlumni @ 08/19/11 10:24 AM

I just want ONE Pacers squad to play with 2k. Please.

# 235 DJ @ 08/19/11 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AuburnAlumni


	I just want ONE Pacers squad to play with 2k. Please.

Without Reggie, that's a tough sell. 2K could work around Barkley once they got Dr. J, as they can make Barkley a generic guy and then we can edit him after we get the game.

There's no other "legend" from Indiana for 2K to base a team off of, no matter how good you guys thought Rick Smits was

# 236 Marino @ 08/19/11 10:42 AM

We keep whining about no Reggie, we keep blaming 2k, but yet we all continue to ignore the post by Da_Czar. Reggie is not a part of the NBAPA, they went to him and could not get him in. Enough with the Miller, Iverson, and Barkley whining.

# 237 Playmakers @ 08/19/11 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ermolli


	Will there be a way to unlock the 1990-91 Warriors and 2001-02 Kings without preorder? If there's a code I guess that those teams are in the disc.

I simply don't understand how Dallas can win the NBA Title yet 2K ignores their history

The Mavs had some great teams back in the 80's and their 1988 squad had heavy lifters Mark Aguirre, Ro Blackmon, D.Harp, Sam Perkins, Roy Tarpley, Brad Davis and James Donaldson that took the Lakers to 7 games in that classic WCf's

I mean some of these teams listed are recycled teams and players year after year

The Mavs have produced 4 WCF's teams and 2 NBA Finals teams in their history yet the Kings get more respect.................

# 238 cyborg.ninja24 @ 08/19/11 10:55 AM

Everyone talking about the absence of the Barkley's Suns and Miller's Pacers, but how about those mid-90's Heats with Mourning, Hardaway, Mashburn, Majerle, and P.J, Brown. Those Knicks/Heats playoffs were heated with the numerous fights. 97-98 Heats vs. Knicks (with Ewing, Houston, Sprewell, and L.J.)

# 239 cyborg.ninja24 @ 08/19/11 10:59 AM

It's funny that 2k can't get Barkley and Miller but weren't those guys on those 90's legends team in past NBA 2K games.

# 240 VDusen04 @ 08/19/11 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by May29th


	I hope for this starting 5 lineup 1. Bogues / 30. Curry / 13. Gill / 2. Johnson / 33. Mourning

Just a small thing, and obviously the lineups are editable anyway, but by default I'm betting David Wingate (or Johnny Newman) will start at small forward and Kendall Gill will be at the two. Dell Curry was always coming off the bench for those teams, like clockwork.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crandolph


	(and why is everyone geeked about the 92-93 Hornets??? The 94-95 Magic are gonna be unstoppable.)

Both of those squads make me a little nostalgic. One of my teams, the Pistons, were struggling in '93. My other team, the Spurs, for as good as they may have been, were basically ignored through most of the country (or so it seemed).

One of the benefits of the internet and other technological advances is that any person can pretty much buy merchandise from any team in the world nowadays. As a Spurs fan living in Michigan back in the early 90's though, it was virtually impossible to find Spurs merch. You know how sporting goods stores rolled back then? They took the five most popular teams and stocked all their goods and that was about it. At that point in time, that meant Bulls, Hornets and Magic jackets and hats were everywhere. I was buying Magic and Hornets garb just because it was the only NBA stuff I could find sometimes. How else can I explain the giant Magic trash can I had and the Tasmanian Devil Hornets cap my 5th grade girlfriend gave me for my birthday?

LJ, Zo, Shaq and Penny were running the universe in the early-mid 90's.

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