Stephen Curry Should Be Next NBA Legend To Have An NBA 2K Challenge Mode

The NBA season ending has basketball video game fanatics already anticipating information about NBA 2K25. Another year has gone by with a polarizing response to the game and hopes for improvement for the next release by September. The video game set a precedent by adding a special mode that spotlighted a couple of legends.

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant getting honored will always fit into an NBA game, but NBA 2K does it for marketing purposes. A major name having a special mode could tempt some buyers who are on the fence about purchasing the game. Next time, Stephen Curry stands out as the right person to market the game around. NBA 2K25 could get extra attention by making the next challenge mode centered on his career.

NBA 2K’s History Of Using Legends For Challenge Mode

NBA 2K24 utilized the legacy of Kobe Bryant by having him on the cover and introducing a challenge mode paying tribute to his career. The 24 number further made sense as one of his former jersey numbers, but the 2K team truly went in-depth to highlight his biggest moments on the court. The challenges that allowed users to re-live some of Kobe’s best memories were known as Mamba Moments.

Difficult feats like hitting 12 three-pointers in a single game or scoring 55 points against Michael Jordan are needed to keep moving forward step by step. Critics felt there should have been more Kobe Bryant moments offered in the mode, but the seven games in question still felt special. Users sick of the standard modes had a chance to find variety in the novel idea.

Jordan had more intricate challenge modes in multiple NBA 2K games to start the trend. NBA 2K23 used Jordan as a secondary cover behind Devin Booker on the traditional cover. However, the Jordan Challenges mode added a lot to NBA 2K23 for the old school basketball fans. Jordan had fifteen different challenges highlighting the most important moments of his iconic career.

NBA 2K11 was an older game that first modeled the idea of the Jordan Challenge in one of the most popular games in NBA 2K history. The game felt fresh by adding a new mode and introducing the best of Jordan. Fans were treated to the “greatest of all time” having a strong presence in the game, and it found enough success to keep the audience wanting more.

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Stephen Curry Deserves This Honor From NBA 2K

Curry Makes More Sense Than LeBron James For NBA 2K25

Few NBA legends have as many memorable moments as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to follow them next in NBA 2K legends challenge modes. A player with the name value of those icons is warranted too to continue the tradition. Stephen Curry stands out as the best possible option to appease current fans who love watching him today and to honor his past of countless great memories.

The 2024 NBA Draft marks the fifteenth anniversary of Curry getting drafted into the league. Stephen Curry remains one of the best NBA players today, so it would be easy to name him the cover star or even a secondary cover option. NBA 2K25 must find ways to tempt the unhappy customers that ended the season feeling disappointed in NBA 2K24. Curry’s large fan base would love seeing him celebrated and could create some renewed interest.

The only other active player that could be considered for this mode would be LeBron James, but he is inching closer to retirement. NBA 2K would be smart to wait a few years and market his final season tour with a challenge mode looking back at his strongest career highlights, rather than forcing it now.

The Golden State Warriors hope to improve dramatically and sign a big star to contend for another NBA Championship. Rumors of Paul George or another equally big name joining the Warriors could put them in the news heading into next season as well. All these variables help Curry’s name value and notoriety entering next season. NBA 2K not striking with Curry while the iron is hot would be a mistake.

Many Great Steph Curry Career Moments Make Sense For NBA 2K Challenges

The best thing about Stephen Curry being potentially selected for this mode is that his memorable moments translate easily to video game fun. Curry’s highest-scoring point totals or record-setting three-pointers made in a single game could provide fun games to relive in a video game format. Highlight moments like Curry’s infamous game-winner from nearly half-court vs the Oklahoma City Thunder to define his clutch gene would give the instant memories fans associate with the basketball legend.

Curry having four NBA Championship wins and making six NBA Finals gave him a lot of great playoff performances. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant each saw their modes having many postseason games since that is often what fans associate with G.O.A.T. level players. Curry reaching his mid-30s makes his legacy a greater discussion point, and the moments winning rings become part of that conversation.

Klay Thompson is rumored to be exploring other options away from Golden State, so the NBA 2K nostalgia for the Warriors’ glory years will be a bit more topical. Next season will also mark the tenth anniversary of Curry winning his first NBA Championship with the Warriors. Many variables put Curry at the forefront for improved marketing value. There will not be a better time in many years to build the game around his name.

NBA 2K must keep evolving to hold relevance and combat the constant criticism from current or former customers. A generally beloved player like Curry would help an already established feature have a new life with a current NBA superstar. The classic challenge mode of NBA 2K25 would be best served by showcasing the greatness of Stephen Curry.

NBA 2K24

$30 $60 Save $30

NBA 2K24 is 2K Games’ 2023 entry in its basketball sim franchise. Offering a wide range of single and multiplayer options, the sports game includes modes like MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and MyNBA.

Released

September 8, 2023

ESRB

E For Everyone

Metascore

69

Split Screen Orientation

N/A (Shared Screen)

Number of Players

1-4

Local Co-Op Support

1-4 Players

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