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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