NBA 2K12 News Post

NBA 2K12 - All 15 Legends Announced

04:09 PM - August 18, 2011 by ifriedrice

ESPN has announced the 15 legends in NBA 2K12 and their opposing teams. Both sides should have 10-12 accurate players represented according to the article. Here's the list of players and their opponents in the game:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
86-87 Lakers vs. Celtics

Larry Bird
85-86 Celtics vs Hawks

Julius “Dr. J” Erving
84-85 76ers vs Bucks

Wilt Chamberlain
71-72 Lakers vs Knicks

Patrick Ewing
94-95 Knicks vs Magic

Magic Johnson
90-91 Lakers vs Blazers

Michael Jordan
92-93 Bulls vs Hornets

Karl Malone
97-98 Jazz vs Spurs

Scottie Pippen
95-96 Bulls vs Sonics

Oscar Robertson
70-71 Bucks vs Lakers

Hakeem Olajuwon
93-94 Rockets vs Nuggets

Bill Russell
64-65 Celtics vs Lakers

Jerry West
70-71 Lakers vs Hawks

Isiah Thomas
88-89 Pistons vs. Bulls

John Stockton
97-98 Jazz vs. Lakers

Bonus Teams
1990-91 Warriors and 2001-02 Kings

Chris' Take: Seems to be a lot of a 'been there done that' with several of the guys and teams on the list. BUT, that doesn't mean it's still not cool (for now). Some of the guys are pretty exciting such as Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlin. If the rosters from the opposing teams are spot-on as mentioned in the article, then this mode gets a lot more exciting and that appears to be the case. But really, a lot of the guys from the 90s and late 80s are rehashes of last year's teams on the Jordan Challenge. And it appears you have to play (or I'm sure pay) to unlock the teams in exhibition.

NBA 2K needs all it can to top last year's effort sales wise, I'm highly skeptical it's going to be able to match it with the NBA Lockout and a legends lineup that feels cool but somewhat rehashed as well -- but the mode should be quite cool at least one more year.

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Member Comments

# 241 DJ @ 08/19/11 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playmakers


	I simply don't understand how Dallas can win the NBA Title yet 2K ignores their history The Mavs had some great teams back in the 80's and their 1988 squad had heavy lifters Mark Aguirre, Ro Blackmon, D.Harp, Sam Perkins, Roy Tarpley, Brad Davis and James Donaldson that took the Lakers to 7 games in that classic WCf's I mean some of these teams listed are recycled teams and players year after year The Mavs have produced 4 WCF's teams and 2 NBA Finals teams in their history yet the Kings get more respect.................

I feel ya, PM. I would've been cool with seeing the 1987-88 Lakers vs. Mavericks, in a rematch of their 7-game Western Conference Finals series. Of course, I could come up with hundreds of other "dream" matchups that I would loved to have seen included in the game.

# 242 VDusen04 @ 08/19/11 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ


	I feel ya, PM. I would've been cool with seeing the 1987-88 Lakers vs. Mavericks, in a rematch of their 7-game Western Conference Finals series. Of course, I could come up with hundreds of other "dream" matchups that I would loved to have seen included in the game.

Same here. Actually, I understand the '87 Celtics-Lakers matchup and believe that should be the matchup. However, wouldn't it be an awesome plan to offer the '87 Mavericks as DLC, as an alternative matchup for '87 Magic? I mean, it's an unlikely scenario, but it would have fit well, yeah?

# 243 Rasco11 @ 08/19/11 12:33 PM

I agree with the previous poster who suggested Pippen should have been used on 1999 Blazers!

-Sabonis
-Rasheed
-Pippen
-Steve Smith
-Damon Stoudamire
-Greg Anthony
-Bonzi Wells
-Detlef Schrempf
-Brian Grant
-Jermaine O'Neal
-Stacey Augmon
-Gary Grant

Pretty loaded squad right there!!!

Also agree on Tarpley, Blackmon, Harper, Perkins Mavs team. Cautious optimism for unannounced DLC, perhaps?

# 244 Yeah...THAT Guy @ 08/19/11 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rasco11


	I agree with the previous poster who suggested Pippen should have been used on 1999 Blazers! -Sabonis -Rasheed -Pippen -Steve Smith -Damon Stoudamire -Greg Anthony -Bonzi Wells -Detlef Schrempf -Brian Grant -Jermaine O'Neal -Stacey Augmon -Gary Grant Pretty loaded squad right there!!! Also agree on Tarpley, Blackmon, Harper, Perkins Mavs team. Cautious optimism for unannounced DLC, perhaps?

That would have been great.

I'm so excited to play with the 90's Magic again.

# 245 sir lucious lft ft @ 08/19/11 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playmakers


	I simply don't understand how Dallas can win the NBA Title yet 2K ignores their history The Mavs had some great teams back in the 80's and their 1988 squad had heavy lifters Mark Aguirre, Ro Blackmon, D.Harp, Sam Perkins, Roy Tarpley, Brad Davis and James Donaldson that took the Lakers to 7 games in that classic WCf's I mean some of these teams listed are recycled teams and players year after year The Mavs have produced 4 WCF's teams and 2 NBA Finals teams in their history yet the Kings get more respect.................

You only crying for this maverick team cause you just saw them on nbatv a couple days ago...be honest lol j/k.

The probably with the Mavs team is that nobody remembers those dudes, especially the younger generation. You just named a bunch nobodies when in comparisons to magic, bird, Jordan and all the other greats mentioned in this thread. I mean come on, you can't even find these dudes on you tube unless they playing Jordan or somebody else great

# 246 cyborg.ninja24 @ 08/19/11 01:04 PM

Man, that 99 Blazers team was off da f@ckin chain. They had a 13 point lead going into the fourth quarter of Game 7 against the Lakers and squander the lead not unlike the Celtics against the Lakers two seasons ago in game 7 of the Finals.

# 247 nba2k23 @ 08/19/11 01:10 PM

After seeing the list of teams in "Legends" mode and short videos, I predict that 2k12 will sell MORE copies than 2k11. People need to quit whining over "Reggie" and possibly "Charles" not being in the game. 2k has included virtually everyone else. It may be months before I move to other parts of the game!!

# 248 May29th @ 08/19/11 01:21 PM

There are some tips for legendary modes in this article. Sorry if someone put it before me.

http://espn.go.com/espn/thelife/vide...more=fullstory

# 249 May29th @ 08/19/11 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VDusen04


	Just a small thing, and obviously the lineups are editable anyway, but by default I'm betting David Wingate (or Johnny Newman) will start at small forward and Kendall Gill will be at the two. Dell Curry was always coming off the bench for those teams, like clockwork.

Yeah, You're right. I couldn't recall who was on the SF position. I hope that 2k put Hugo the Hornet in Charlotte Coliseum.

# 250 cyborg.ninja24 @ 08/19/11 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nba2k23


	After seeing the list of teams in "Legends" mode and short videos, I predict that 2k12 will sell MORE copies than 2k11. People need to quit whining over "Reggie" and possibly "Charles" not being in the game. 2k has included virtually everyone else. It may be months before I move to other parts of the game!!

It will NOT sell more than 2k11 solely due to the NBA lockout. Hardcore basketball fans will definitely buy the game but the causal fan probably will not because there is no NBA season.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Lockout-could-lose-NBA-2K12-video-game-a-lot-of-?urn=nba-wp7366

# 251 Boge @ 08/19/11 01:34 PM

I saw Karl Malone on there, but not Stockton and I was about to get pissed! You can't have one of them without the other. Then I saw Stockton at the bottom. Save the best for last! My favorite player of all time, Basketball John.

# 252 Rasco11 @ 08/19/11 01:36 PM

In my opinion 1987-88 could be argued was the greatest NBA season ever! It was the perfect culmination of superstars (in/near their peak) emerging talent, and noteworthy "team" play in general.

Another team that's easy to overlook from then, almost lost amongst the Lakers, Celtics, Pistons, etc was the Denver Nuggets! An up tempo Doug Moe team with a core of Alex English, Fat Lever, and Michael Adams (whose unique hitchy jumper would surely be a sight to see in 2k12!)

If a historic season could ever be recreated 1987-88 would be amazing!

# 253 sneezor01 @ 08/19/11 01:41 PM

People please stop crying about Iverson. I like him alot but I think there are reasons why he is listed as a legend in the game 1.) He is not retired. think about the message that you are sending to others players who are current hands-down HOF (i.e. Duncan, Kobe, KG) if you give Iverson a challenge then you will open up a can of worms on why Kobe or Duncan or (insert player here) doesn't have his own challenge. Remember current players who are in this mode are included b/c they just so happen to be around for someone else's legendary moment. Shaq doesn't have a challenge and he just retired.

# 254 VDusen04 @ 08/19/11 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sir lucious lft ft


	You only crying for this maverick team cause you just saw them on nbatv a couple days ago...be honest lol j/k. The probably with the Mavs team is that nobody remembers those dudes, especially the younger generation. You just named a bunch nobodies when in comparisons to magic, bird, Jordan and all the other greats mentioned in this thread. I mean come on, you can't even find these dudes on you tube unless they playing Jordan or somebody else great

With respect, I'd hardly refer to Mark Aguirre and Rolando Blackman as nobodies. And I'm not just saying that as a means of trying to showcase knowledge of NBA history. Aguirre amassed nearly 20,000 career points while averaging over 25 ppg for a least four seasons (topping out at 29.5 ppg in '84). Blackman averaged over 18 ppg for nine consecutive seasons (topping out at 21 ppg twice and once at 22 ppg). Derek Harper, Detlef Schrempf and Sam Perkins were key pieces to championship contenders well into the 90's (and in the '00's) while Roy Tarpley's rebounding prowess (averaging over 11 rpg in four of his six seasons, including averaging 17 and 12 in '89) was cut short due to his own drug use and subsequent suspension form the NBA.

So, yes, relative to Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan, I suppose you could call these guys nobodies. But in truth, the '87 Mavericks were loaded and dangerous. To say that "nobody remembers these dudes" is wildly off base. With the inclusion of other great but lowkey teams like the '85 Bucks, and so-so high key teams like the '93 Hornets, I don't think it's insane to think the '87 Mavs couldn't theoretically have a place. Just note this is not me disagreeing or complaining about 2K's decision. Rather, I'm just saying that squad was definitely not a group of nobodies.

# 255 blingballa333 @ 08/19/11 01:49 PM

This is going to be ILL

# 256 nba2k23 @ 08/19/11 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyborg.ninja24


	It will NOT sell more than 2k11 solely due to the NBA lockout. Hardcore basketball fans will definitely buy the game but the causal fan probably will not because there is no NBA season. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Lockout-could-lose-NBA-2K12-video-game-a-lot-of-?urn=nba-wp7366

I'm assuming a huge chunk of 2k11 sales were because of the "Jordan Challenge". Focusing on classic Jordan teams. This year 2k12 will have 30 of the most popular teams in nba history!! This will obviously appeal to more people. That's why I think 2k12 will sell more copies. The "Legends" mode has nothing to do with the "current players" and the "Lockout".

# 257 qpc123 @ 08/19/11 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by May29th


	Yeah, You're right. I couldn't recall who was on the SF position. I hope that 2k put Hugo the Hornet in Charlotte Coliseum.

The most common start starting line-up for the Hornets that year(92-93) was, Muggsy, Gill, Wingate, LJ, and Zo. Dell Curry and Johnny Newman off the bench with guys like Kenny Gattison and Mike Gminski.

# 258 BQ32 @ 08/19/11 02:25 PM

You know what is complete B.S. is that the top two voted players for legends were KOBE and SHAQ for the face book pole, you would think they would have at least somehow got the 2000, 2001 team in the game. In my opinion the 2001 lakers team as played in the playoffs are the best team in history, with a prime shaq and kobe and a killer supporting role. They decimated everyone in the playoffs that year and every match up was against a stacked team.

# 259 teebee @ 08/19/11 02:36 PM

You got every amazing player of the greatest era of the NBA but Barkley and Reggie Miller and people complain?

Reggie was NOT even in the caliber of these guys; Barkley would be a great player to have but the only reason you want him so bad is because he's not in it.

Can't satisfy anyone; just enjoy the most amazing feature ever in a nba game

# 260 sir lucious lft ft @ 08/19/11 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VDusen04


	With respect, I'd hardly refer to Mark Aguirre and Rolando Blackman as nobodies. And I'm not just saying that as a means of trying to showcase knowledge of NBA history. Aguirre amassed nearly 20,000 career points while averaging over 25 ppg for a least four seasons (topping out at 29.5 ppg in '84). Blackman averaged over 18 ppg for nine consecutive seasons (topping out at 21 ppg twice and once at 22 ppg). Derek Harper, Detlef Schrempf and Sam Perkins were key pieces to championship contenders well into the 90's (and in the '00's) while Roy Tarpley's rebounding prowess (averaging over 11 rpg in four of his six seasons, including averaging 17 and 12 in '89) was cut short due to his own drug use and subsequent suspension form the NBA. So, yes, relative to Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan, I suppose you could call these guys nobodies. But in truth, the '87 Mavericks were loaded and dangerous. To say that "nobody remembers these dudes" is wildly off base. With the inclusion of other great but lowkey teams like the '85 Bucks, and so-so high key teams like the '93 Hornets, I don't think it's insane to think the '87 Mavs couldn't theoretically have a place. Just note this is not me disagreeing or complaining about 2K's decision. Rather, I'm just saying that squad was definitely not a group of nobodies.

Well the 85 bucks are in there because of Dr. J. So ask yourself what did Dr. J do to the 85 bucks that warrants them being in the game? And the same goes for the 93 hornets. Ask yourself, what did his airness do to the 93 hornets that warrants them being in the game? And then you will know why they are there....

And I take what I said back about the Mavs team. They are not nobodies, but they don't have any LEGENDS. They damn near beat a couple of the legends (magic, kareem) already in the game so I doubt they would want ppl to remember them by that series.

I think we are forgetting that this mode is about LEGENDS and displaying them in some of the best games of their career. Its not about the best loaded and dangerous teams of the past.

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