2K Sports introduced classic teams in NBA 2K11. Considered by many to be among the best sports games ever, the 2011 edition of the series propelled the franchise to heights many thought impossible for a basketball game. NBA 2K has now seemingly even surpassed Madden as a cultural phenomenon and trails only the FIFA franchise in sales among sports games.
Historic teams played a critical role in that growth and they've remained in the series ever since. Though there are a few glaring absences due to various players refusing to sign on — the absence of Reggie Miller and Charles Barkley has meant desire for Pacers or Suns squads has gone unfulfilled — 2K continues to try and expand upon the selection.
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Three new teams have been revealed for NBA 2K16 which is due out in late September. They're not expected to be the only new ones but stand out as especially appealing, particularly because they are relatively recent and feature some players who remain in the league to this day. Those teams are the 1999-00 Toronto Raptors, 2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers, and 2007-08 Boston Celtics.
1999-2000 Toronto Raptors
Roster: Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Charles Oakley, Antonio Davis, Doug Christie, Muggsy Bogues, Dee Brown, Dell Curry, John Thomas, Alvin Williams, Kevin Willis
Record: 45-37. Made the playoffs but were swept out in the first round. Carter averaged 25.7 points this season. McGrady, coming off the bench for much of the season but playing starter-like minutes, averaged 15.4 points.
2000-2001 Los Angeles Lakers
Roster: Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Horace Grant, Robert Horry, Brian Shaw, Tyronn Lue, Mark Madsen, Ron Harper, Devean George, Greg Foster, Isaiah Rider
Record: 56-26. Would go on to win the Championship and do so losing only one game in the Playoffs (15-1). Allen Iverson won MVP this year but both Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant had MVP-caliber seasons. Bryant averaged 28.5 points and over 5 rebounds and assists. O'Neal 28.7 points and nearly 13 boards.
2007-2008 Boston Celtics
Roster: Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, James Posey, P.J. Brown, Sam Cassell, Leon Powe, Glen Davis, Eddie House, Tony Allen
Record: 66-16. Would go on to win the Championship. Were taken to seven games in the first and second round, and won the Eastern Conference be defeating the Pistons in six and the Finals over the Lakers in six. This was the first season of the "big three" with Garnett and Allen joining Pierce plus a second-year Rondo at the point.
2K Sports recently announced that pre-orders of NBA 2K16 are available and will feature not just bonus content but the ability to get the game four days earlier than the "official" release date. The only game-related information so far relates to the involvement of Spike Lee who will have an unknown level of influence on the story mode known as MyCareer.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is a regular participant in the Press Row Podcast and Hangout shows, and can be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.