NBA 2K11 Creating a Legend mode is a whole new ball game for basketball gamers both new and old. Being like MJ is something many of us have thought about in our backyards or at the playground.

Now that we will finally have the chance NBA 2K11 to control MJ's career from start to finish, where would you start Jordan’s career? In what city will His Airness take flight? Let’s look at the more interesting options and see how these current teams would fair with a young Mike in NBA 2K11.

Six titles, five MVPs, 10-time scoring champion. After accomplishing those achievements and witnessing what life was like with another franchise in Washington, I’m not so sure Michael himself would want to change anything about where he began his career. I feel like most true MJ fans will stick with the default option that is Chicago. Nostalgia aside, the Bulls happen to have a very good roster that would compliment MJ’s playing style very well.

A very long perimeter trio of MJ, Rose and Deng would be a nightmare for opposing offenses while Boozer is capable of hitting mid-range jumpers like Horace Grant back in the day. Being one very good swing player away from being title contenders, I’m positive the Bulls would settle for the greatest ever to fill that void.

MJ in green? Jordan had some of his best games in Boston.

NBA 2K11 might prove to be a form of therapy for Cavs fans looking to recover from LeBron’s cold-hearted departure. Not only would they get to play with THE one who the "Chosen One" was supposed to become, but this also would present an opportunity to feel what it’s like on the winning side of a heart-wrenching buzzer-beater.

However, individual glory will be all a young Mike will bring to the current Cavaliers team. A lack of talent and athleticism around MJ will make Cleveland very similar to the Bulls during Michael’s rookie year (38-44 record).

NBA 2K11 team rating prediction: 74

"What if the Blazers didn’t pass on Michael?" is a question that has been asked many times, and NBA 2K11 could provide the answer. However, I am not dying to find out. Since Portland passed on MJ because they already had Drexler, I won’t put MJ on the Blazers because they already have Brandon Roy -- same goes for Miami with Wade and Lakers with Kobe.

Both guys play the same spot on the floor, and Roy needs the ball in his hands to be effective, especially in the clutch -– we all know that won’t sit well with a young and ultra-competitive Michael.

NBA 2K11 team rating prediction: 82

Mike D’Antoni loves points, MJ loves scoring points, and despite their rivalry, Knicks fans love watching MJ score points. In this scenario, everybody wins -- MJ, the fans and the Knicks. A knockdown shooter in Danilo Gallinari, an explosive big, which MJ never got a chance to play with, in Amar’e Stoudemire and an offensive system that allows young Michael do exactly what he wants: ATTACK!

Picture a 6-foot-6 guard with Vince Carter-type athleticism (99 dunk rating), Kobe’s drive, Rajon Rondo’s hands and Dwyane Wade’s knack for the spectacular (95-plus scoring in traffic rating) all rolled into one player. Rookie Jordan is the definition of a video game player.

NBA 2K11 team rating prediction: 87

Those four choices are a couple I know a lot of people will try out when NBA 2K11 hit stores in October. Bottom line, if you grew up watching Michael Jordan but never really got the chance to play as him in a video game, then this is your shot -- shoot it. All that remains to be seen is where he goes. What team will YOU choose to use when Michael Jordan’s path to greatness begins?


TD is an Operation Sports basketball and soccer writer. Atlanta-born and Nigerian-raised, he’s also a digital media producer and video editor. You can follow him on Twitter @mrsimcity.