Ronnie 2K explains why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named NBA 2K26 cover athlete

It's been quite the year for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Like SpongeBob after Patrick opened his closet filled with trophies, he brought home about every award imaginable to complement his championship ring.

The Oklahoma City Thunder had one of the most dominant seasons the NBA has ever seen. They had a historic 68-14 regular-season record with the greatest point differential. Gilgeous-Alexander helped them cross the finish line in the playoffs with a Game 7 win in the 2025 NBA Finals.

After an offseason filled with celebration, the accolades kept coming for Gilgeous-Alexander. He was named the NBA 2K26 cover athlete. He's tied with Nikola Jokic for the highest-rated player at 98 overall. After saying he was on the cusp of being on the cover, Ronnie 2K told Thunder Wire the decision-making process to make it official in this year's edition.

"Yeah, I mean, what a no-brainer in a lot of ways. Looking back now, obviously coming off a massively successful season, leading the league in points, putting out numbers across the board, winning an MVP and winning a championship. And then having celebrated this championship massively over the course of the offseason," Ronnie 2K said. "I mean, there is no bigger story than Shai and what a partner."

After three straight seasons of superb-efficient 30-plus point campaigns, Gilgeous-Alexander has cemented his spot among the all-time great players. His improbable rise to superstardom has ascended the Thunder into dynasty talks and the popular pick to repeat as champions next year.

"When we talked last year, I was saying, 'That's a guy that's on a very short list of covers.' I think I even said, like, 'He will definitely be a cover star at some point in the course of his career.' If I had told you it was going to be the very next year, I don't know. But I'm so excited for Shai, for all the success, obviously, beyond 2K," Ronnie 2K said. "The big story is the Thunder with us and a lot of the guys that are highly rated. Shai really is top of the list, in the news cycle, and being a great partner for us for 2K26."

Being on the NBA 2K cover is something most NBA players dream of accomplishing. Not only would it be a surreal feat that sends them back to their childhood, but it's also an exclusive club of players that say you're one of the faces of the league.

Thunder fans won't have to wait long to grab their own copy. NBA 2K26 is set to release on Sept. 5. The video game will be a nice warmup to the 2025-26 regular season, which kicks off with Media Day later in the same month.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Ronnie 2K on why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is NBA 2K26 cover athlete