There is no more beloved sports video game franchise right now than NBA2K. The series has a history of having special guests “stop by the booth” to join Kevin Harlan in calling games. Some of the names that have filled that role in the past are Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. They will both be back for NBA2K19 and according to a new trailer that was just released, Bill Simmons will be in the game too.
Simmons was a part of ESPN and ABC’s coverage for a number of years before departing Bristol for HBO and subsequently launching The Ringer. He also has a history of ranking every player in the league. There is no question he knows basketball.
The bigger news may be that a sports media personality has risen to a level of prominence that his inclusion in NBA2K19 as a special guest is noteworthy. Simmons is a divisive figure in the sports media world, but his name is headline worthy, especially with NBA fans. The casual environment of commenting on video game basketball is not vastly different from his successful podcast may be more comfortable for Simmons and allow him to thrive.
