The NBA Finals match-up is set and unless you love the Celtics or Lakers, your team is out of it. For many fans, their next taste of NBA action will come in the form of NBA 2K9. The cover of the NBA 2K games has always been an important achievement for NBA players. In its eight years of existence, it’s only featured the best of the best in the NBA. Okay, maybe not Ben Wallace in 2004 but the point still stands.

The front of NBA 2K9 is up for grabs and although the game doesn’t come out for another four months, hoops fans are debating who should get the honor. This list will go over the players who deserve to grace the cover of NBA 2K9. One note though, players who featured on a cover for a rival company last season are considered ineligible. Sorry Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudamire, and Gilbert Arenas, you won’t be on the list.

5. Deron Williams

If Chris Paul didn’t exist, Deron Williams would have been on the cover of NBA 2K8. He was drafted in the same year as Paul, with Deron going 3rd to Utah and Paul going 4th to New Orleans. Chris Paul does have slightly better statistics, but when they play head-to-head, Deron’s Jazz have owned Chris Paul and the Hornets seven of the eight times they’ve played. Deron and Paul have moved ahead to the top of the point guard mountain and as they’re both 23, they should be there for a while. The Jazz fell apart in the playoffs, losing in six games to Los Angeles, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Deron on the cover of NBA 2K9.

4. Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett hasn’t been on a video game cover since NBA Live 2001, which seems like forever. That was when Garnett was a fiery youngster looking to bring the Timberwolves from the cellar. He’s still just as fiery, but now he’s done what he could not achieve in Minnesotta and brought the Celtics from the cellar to the NBA Finals. His impact has been obvious. Boston is four wins away from their 17th NBA title after winning only 24 games all of last season. The team did acquire Ray Allen and they still have Paul Pierce, but anybody who’s watched the C's all season knows that KG is the center of their resurgence. With Boston being one of the league’s most important media markets, Kevin Garnett could make his long awaited return to store shelves all over the world.


3. Chris Paul

Chris Paul was on the cover of NBA 2K8 despite criticism from long-time fans. Now after finishing 2nd in MVP voting, leading the Hornets to the conference semi-finals, and establishing himself as the best point guard in the NBA, Chris Paul could likely be on the cover of any video game he chooses. He’s pushed ahead of the usual suspects at point guard, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and Chauncey Billups and created his own place at the top. Chris Paul could be on the cover of NBA 2K9, and this time he has earned every inch of it.

2. Lebron James

He finished fourth in MVP voting, his team lost to the Celtics in the conference semi-finals, and he’s suspect from behind the three-point line. Regardless, Lebron James has the potential to be the best basketball player ever. He's been in the league for five years, but he's just as young as Chris Paul and Deron Williams. He isn't as great of a shooter as Kobe, but he still finds a way to get to the rim and lead the league in points per game. Lebron has also shown that he can carry the Cavaliers on his back and win games by himself. He’s also the most marketable player in the league and for that reason alone it would be a great move to slap King James on the cover.

1. Kobe Bryant

What can be said about Kobe Bryant that hasn’t been said already? Kobe is the MVP of the NBA, already has three rings, and is in the NBA Finals this year against the Boston Celtics. He’s taken the role of the league’s deadliest clutch shooter since Michael Jordan retired (the second time) and consistently raises his game when the Lakers need it the most. Kobe’s had a long video game career, starting with NBA Courtside on the Nintendo 64 in 1998 and most recently on the cover of NBA 07. It could be a outstanding 2008 for Kobe, first MVP, fourth championship, and third different video game franchise.

Do you think Lebron is better than Kobe? Should Chris Paul get the nod again? Do Celtics fan think KG is the man for the job? Be sure to let me know your thoughts!