NBA The Run is a spiritual successor to the NBA Street series and is being created by former developers of the legendary basketball video game series. Originally announced as a completely fictional basketball game called The Run: Got Next, Play By Play Studios managed to secure the NBA license to make it into what it is now.
For clarification, yes, 2K has the exclusive rights to NBA video games, but that’s purely for simulation-style console games. Since NBA The Run is an arcade-style game, they were able to snag the NBA license to go and include real pros in the game.
In the original trailer before the NBA agreement, the game featured street legends, just like with the classic games. These legends will still be included in the game, which is nice to know. Fictional street legends are such an iconic aspect of the old NBA Street games.
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But although the license is secured, NBA The Run will only have 30 players to choose from at launch, with more being added later. 10 of these players have already been revealed, with six of them featured on the cover of the game. Stephen Curry, Cooper Flagg, LaMelo Ball, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Jalen Brunson, and Donovan Mitchell are the players who have been revealed so far.
So what about the last 20? Assuming street legends are excluded here, we’re looking at 20 more NBA players who need to be revealed. I could be totally wrong, but it seems to me that Play By Play Studios is trying to include one player from each of the 30 NBA teams. Since this might be the case, let’s list which players can represent the last 20 teams that haven’t had any players announced yet.
The 30 Players Who Should Be Featured In NBA The Run
- Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics): While Jaylen Brown is a strong alternative, Tatum’s all-around scoring and star power give him the edge as Boston’s representative in NBA The Run.
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers): Maxey has emerged as one of the NBA’s elite scorers, especially with Joel Embiid slowed by injuries, making his fast-paced style a perfect fit for The Run.
- Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls): Giddey has found his footing in Chicago, regularly flirting with triple-doubles, and his playmaking flair suits a street-style basketball game.
- Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic): One of the league’s top young stars, Banchero’s size, skill, and versatility would make him a balanced and popular choice.
- Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat): Adebayo’s blend of strength, speed, defense, and underrated shooting gives him a more complete skill set than Miami’s other options.
- Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks): With Trae Young gone, Johnson has become Atlanta’s focal point, and his scoring upside fits NBA The Run well.
- Trae Young (Washington Wizards): Young’s elite shooting range and playmaking make him an obvious and entertaining pick for Washington.
- Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors): Barnes earns the nod thanks to his all-around game, contributing as a scorer, rebounder, and defender.
- Michael Porter Jr. (Brooklyn Nets): Since arriving in Brooklyn, Porter has enjoyed the best season of his career, and his shooting alone makes him a natural fit.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder): The reigning MVP’s shot creation, handles, and mid-range game feel tailor-made for streetball.
- Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs): Wembanyama’s unique mix of elite shot creation and rim protection would make him one of the most dominant players in the game.
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns): One of the league’s most consistent scorers, Booker can score from anywhere and would thrive in NBA The Run.
- Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers): Avdija has broken out as Portland’s current on-court leader, though Damian Lillard remains a viable alternative depending on direction.
- Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers): When healthy, Leonard’s two-way dominance and smooth scoring make him the Clippers’ best option.
- Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies): Morant’s speed, explosiveness, and highlight-reel finishes feel perfectly suited for NBA The Run.
- Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz): A seven-footer who plays like a guard, Markkanen’s offensive versatility would be a nightmare matchup, with Keyonte George as a fallback if traded.
- Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings): Sabonis remains Sacramento’s most reliable star, though DeMar DeRozan would be the next-best option if he’s moved.
- Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans): Zion’s power, speed, and elite dunking echo classic NBA Street bigs and make him a natural fit.
