Which 2K Had KD: A Deep Dive into Kevin Durant's NBA 2K History

For many NBA fans, the annual release of the NBA 2K video game series is as eagerly anticipated as the start of the actual season. And when it comes to the game's cover stars and most dominant players, Kevin Durant, or "KD," has been a consistent presence. But the question on many minds, especially for those looking to relive specific eras of his career or find him in a particular game, is: Which 2K had KD? Let's break down KD's extensive history with the popular basketball simulation franchise.

Kevin Durant's Debut and Early Years in NBA 2K

Kevin Durant burst onto the NBA scene in 2007, and it wasn't long before his prodigious talent was recognized by the NBA 2K developers. While he might not have been on the cover immediately, he was certainly a prominent player within the games. His rookie season, the 2007-2008 NBA season, would have been represented in NBA 2K8.

NBA 2K8 (released in 2007): This would have been the first installment of the franchise where players could control a young Kevin Durant, then a member of the Seattle SuperSonics. His ratings would have reflected his raw potential, with high scoring ability but perhaps lower defensive or physical attributes as he developed.

The years that followed saw KD continue to grow as a player, and his presence in the NBA 2K series mirrored this. He would have been a featured player in:

NBA 2K9 (released in 2008)
NBA 2K10 (released in 2009)
NBA 2K11 (released in 2010)
NBA 2K12 (released in 2011)

KD's Reign and Cover Appearances

As Kevin Durant solidified his status as one of the league's elite scorers and a perennial MVP candidate, his influence on the NBA 2K series grew. This culminated in him gracing the cover of the game, a testament to his impact on and off the court.

NBA 2K13 (released in 2012): This is a landmark year for KD and the NBA 2K franchise. Kevin Durant was one of the three cover athletes for NBA 2K13, alongside Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose. This marked his official debut as a cover star, and he was a top-rated player in the game, showcasing his lethal offensive game.

Following his cover appearance, KD remained a central figure in the subsequent titles:

NBA 2K14 (released in 2013)
NBA 2K15 (released in 2014)
NBA 2K16 (released in 2015)
NBA 2K17 (released in 2016)

KD's Later Years and Continued Presence

Even after his groundbreaking move to the Golden State Warriors and his subsequent championships, Kevin Durant continued to be a dominant force in the NBA 2K games. His consistent high ratings and impactful performances in real life ensured his presence as a top-tier player in the virtual hardwood.

He was a featured player in titles such as:

NBA 2K18 (released in 2017)
NBA 2K19 (released in 2018)
NBA 2K20 (released in 2019)
NBA 2K21 (released in 2020)
NBA 2K22 (released in 2021)
NBA 2K23 (released in 2022)
NBA 2K24 (released in 2026)

As of the latest releases, Kevin Durant remains a highly-rated and popular player within the NBA 2K universe, whether he's playing for the Brooklyn Nets or his current team, the Phoenix Suns.

In summary, if you're looking for Kevin Durant in an NBA 2K game, you'll find him in virtually every installment released since NBA 2K8. His most prominent appearance was as a cover athlete for NBA 2K13.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How did Kevin Durant's ratings evolve in NBA 2K?

Kevin Durant's ratings in NBA 2K started lower as a rookie, reflecting his raw talent and potential. As he progressed in his NBA career, winning MVPs and championships, his ratings consistently increased, particularly in scoring, shooting, and overall offensive prowess. He has remained one of the highest-rated players in the game for over a decade.

Why was Kevin Durant chosen as a cover athlete for NBA 2K13?

Kevin Durant was chosen as a cover athlete for NBA 2K13 due to his status as one of the league's most exciting and dominant players at the time. Alongside Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose, he represented a new generation of NBA superstars who were captivating fans and dominating on the court, making him a natural fit for the game's marketing.

Which NBA 2K game is the best for playing as a young Kevin Durant?

For playing as a young Kevin Durant, titles like NBA 2K10 through NBA 2K14 would offer a good experience. These games capture him during his Oklahoma City Thunder era, where he was still developing but already showcasing his incredible scoring ability. NBA 2K13, being his cover year, would also be a strong choice.

Can I play as Kevin Durant in all NBA 2K games released after his rookie year?

Yes, generally speaking, you can play as Kevin Durant in all NBA 2K games released after his rookie season, which corresponds to NBA 2K8. His inclusion as a prominent player in the league ensured his presence in the simulation, with his player ratings and team affiliations updated to reflect his real-life career progression.