In the words of Hall of Fame player and Knicks color analyst, Walt Frazier, "perpetual motion" is a staple in an NBA game -- a game where anything from quick cuts in the half court to players running the floor on the break are just part of what is expected.
And since players also spend a ton of their time on the road during the 82-game grind known as the regular season, constant movement is also a regularity in an NBA player's life. However, there is still a good amount of players in the league who find the time to work on their game -- their NBA 2K10 game.
This season, 2K Sports initiated the NBA 2K ambassador program that supplied more than a handful of players with a personalized NBA 2K10 case that is compact, road ready and just flat out amazing. Lucky guys, no? Here is an official list of the NBA 2K10 ambassadors.
Boston Celtics - Kevin Garnett
Charlotte Bobcats - Raymond Felton
Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose
Dallas Mavericks - Shawn Marion
Denver Nuggets - J.R. Smith
Detroit Pistons - Charlie Villanueva
Golden State Warriors - Anthony Randolph
Houston Rockets - Aaron Brooks
Indiana Pacers - T.J. Ford
Los Angeles Clippers - Eric Gordon
Los Angeles Lakers - Kobe Bryant
Memphis Grizzlies - Mike Conley
Miami Heat - Michael Beasley
Milwaukee Bucks - Brandon Jennings
Minnesota T-wolves - Corey Brewer
New Jersey Nets - Brook Lopez
New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul
Boston Celtics - Nate Robinson
OKC Thunder - Russell Westbrook
Orlando Magic - J.J. Redick
Philadelphia 76er's - Andre Iguodala
Phoenix Suns - Robin Lopez
Portland Blazers - Greg Oden
Sacramento Kings - Tyreke Evans
San Antonio Spurs - DeJuan Blair
Toronto Raptors - DeMar DeRozan
Washington Wizards - Gilbert Arenas
Eric Gordon’s NBA 2K10 "to-go" box
While not on the ambassador list, there are still a good amount of other notable players that spend time on the sticks. Kevin Durant, James Harden and Eric Maynor join Ambassador Westbrook as 2K notables, and that nearly gives the Oklahoma City Thunder a starting-five of NBA 2K10 gamers. The Warriors, Celtics, 76ers and Blazers all have enough gamers on their roster to run a 5-on-5 team-up game. Yes, Steph Curry, Paul Pierce, Andre Iguodala and Brandon Roy are all on the 2K "active" roster. Honestly, there are enough avid NBA 2K10 gamers around the Association to form a new online league.
So, I know you are wondering who is the best of the best? While I do not have a definite answer for you, I can tell you that teammates Rajon Rondo and Nate Robinson are both winners of the mini-tournament that takes place at the NBA 2K launch party each year. Also, Brandon "Yung Buck" Jennings is good buddies with recording artist and gaming expert Bow Wow, while point guard Eric Maynor claims to run things in Oklahoma City.
When I asked who reigns supreme in the Thunder locker room, Maynor tweeted, “Me. Ask anybody. James [Harden] is behind me, then Russell [Westbrook].”
Fair enough, but that is just his word. With these many players in the NBA being gamers, I want a full-fledged competition each year to determine who is NBA 2K’s Most Valuable Gamer. It can be held online or at a designated time and location such as All-Star weekend. Imagine Steph Curry and Jennings playing for the title on the world’s largest HD screen at Cowboys Stadium. Perhaps this might even be an All-Star event LeBron James finally competes in. After all, playing NBA 2K10 at All-Star weekend is a favorite pastime for Mr. James.
So, what players would you like to see compete in an NBA 2K10 tourney?
Follow TD St. Matthew-Daniel on twitter (@mrsimcity) for more OS and NBA updates.