NBA 2K15 News Post

NBA 2K15 Will Have Ernie Johnson and Shaq, Not Inside the NBA

09:16 PM - August 19, 2014 by Steve_OS

(Image credit: @cjzero)

We have just confirmed with 2K Sports, NBA 2K15 will have Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal. Unfortunately, it will not feature Inside the NBA.

You can watch this quick video clip of Ernie Johnson at 2K Uncensored, talking about what it was like to be on the NBA 2K15 motion capture set with Shaq. He also provides his best "Shaq impression".

No other details were revealed to us. So we don't know exactly how the duo will be utilized. We hope to hear more later this week.

Game: NBA 2K15Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: iOS / PC / PS3 / PS4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox OneVotes for game: 64 - View All

NBA 2K15 Videos

Member Comments

# 81 warren_kendel @ 08/20/14 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desolationmike


	Please, No. I hate having real people in a game, too many bad Sega CD memories. we have the technology to make realistic looking human models in game, why kill the immersion with video of the actual people? That's all IMO obviously.

I actually like having the real commentators in the game instead of them being modeled into virtual images.

# 82 lakers24 @ 08/20/14 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goffs


	Absolutely nothing...always takes one guy to derail a thread because he has some issue that has nothing to do with the topic. OT: Why can't they mocap Harlan and Kellogg? It's time that these guys get a model for the game to. Madden got there commentary guys modelled.

Crazy thing is they had them in there already and shootarounds before the games were happening in the background back in 2k9. That was around the time they were trying to model a real broadcast. They brought in the tnt guy the following year I believe and they had every team have a separate entrance(pistons fire over the baskets, hornets fireworks, light logos on crowds, etc.)

# 83 lakers24 @ 08/20/14 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junior Moe


	Never understood the Clark Kellogg hate. He sounds pretty good in game next to Kevin, IMO. I love the addition of Shaq and Ernie. After the gamescome videos, I wasn't expecting anything new this year regarding presentation. Hopefully they provide the jolt the broadcast jolt NBA 2k has been missing. I have no doubt that 2K will utilize them effectively.

He does an admirable job. I believe the issue is he doesn't actually call nationally televised games so hearing him next to Harlan is odd, especially considering they have so many options from tnt they can go to like Reggie Miller.

I for one don't think he's that bad, I just think it's time they introduced a second commentary team altogether. Marv Albert with the aforementioned name would be ideal.
If not, then introducing a second network for smaller games or games that aren't "national" would take away from having to hear Harlan/Kellogg every game like we have since 2k9. Ncaa Basketball 10 did this with CBS/ESPN presentation. 2k doesn't really need licensing(though it'd help), they could just have the 2ksports network which we use now and the new one be VcTV(though Nba tv would be nice). They don't need big time commentators, they could find local network talent or get someone like Kevin Callabro(whose done games before), Mike Terico, Dave Pasch, Spero Dedes, or Joel Meyers to do play-by-play and a color commentor like Jon Barry, Hubie Brown, Greg Anthony, Webber etc.

# 84 Junior Moe @ 08/20/14 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakers24


	He does an admirable job. I believe the issue is he doesn't actually call nationally televised games so hearing him next to Harlan is odd, especially considering they have so many options from tnt they can go to like Reggie Miller. I for one don't think he's that bad, I just think it's time they introduced a second commentary team altogether. Marv Albert with the aforementioned name would be ideal. If not, then introducing a second network for smaller games or games that aren't "national" would take away from having to hear Harlan/Kellogg every game like we have since 2k9. Ncaa Basketball 10 did this with CBS/ESPN presentation. 2k doesn't really need licensing(though it'd help), they could just have the 2ksports network which we use now and the new one be VcTV(though Nba tv would be nice). They don't need big time commentators, they could find local network talent or get someone like Kevin Callabro(whose done games before), Mike Terico, Dave Pasch, Spero Dedes, or Joel Meyers to do play-by-play and a color commentor like Jon Barry, Hubie Brown, Greg Anthony, Webber etc.

I get what you're saying. But they could use generic commentators for all I care. I can still vividly remember laughing at Dan and Peter O'Keefe (or whatever his name was) in 2k5 when one of them responded to the other how he would get smoked like a salmon trying to cover a wideout. Everything just flowed so naturally. I still feel a little of that with Kevin, Clark and (now gone) Steve. I guess to me, it's more about the overall package and how authentic the "team" flows.

I loved the presentation in NCAA Basketball, those two crews were wonderful. It works for college because when I think college hoops I think Dick Vitale and/or CBS. When I think NBA, I think TNT. I personally think that they have the best package overall; it's entertaining, insightful, and well put together. I used the NBA on NBC theme for the playoffs in last gen (hopefully it's coming back for us). Kevin Harlan does give the game a more authentic sound and it almost feels like a TNT broadcast. I remain skeptical of Barkley, Miller and Webber. Barkley was in 2K on the Dream Team but nowhere else, and that had to be facilitated by Pippen IIRC.

I would like to see 2K add another man/woman to the team to replace Kerr as I feel he fleshed the team out some. Bring back the shots from 2K9 (was it?) where we saw the commentators and have them be courtside during big games (holidays, rivalries, playoffs). I don't feel like 2K is far off here honestly. When we see how Ernie and Shaq are implemented in the game I think that it will tell us which direction 2K is leaning.

# 85 lakers24 @ 08/20/14 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junior Moe


	I get what you're saying. But they could use generic commentators for all I care. I can still vividly remember laughing at Dan and Peter O'Keefe (or whatever his name was) in 2k5 when one of them responded to the other how he would get smoked like a salmon trying to cover a wideout. Everything just flowed so naturally. I still feel a little of that with Kevin, Clark and (now gone) Steve. I guess to me, it's more about the overall package and how authentic the "team" flows. I loved the presentation in NCAA Basketball, those two crews were wonderful. It works for college because when I think college hoops I think Dick Vitale and/or CBS. When I think NBA, I think TNT. I personally think that they have the best package overall; it's entertaining, insightful, and well put together. I used the NBA on NBC theme for the playoffs in last gen (hopefully it's coming back for us). Kevin Harlan does give the game a more authentic sound and it almost feels like a TNT broadcast. I remain skeptical of Barkley, Miller and Webber. Barkley was in 2K on the Dream Team but nowhere else, and that had to be facilitated by Pippen IIRC. I would like to see 2K add another man/woman to the team to replace Kerr as I feel he fleshed the team out some. Bring back the shots from 2K9 (was it?) where we saw the commentators and have them be courtside during big games (holidays, rivalries, playoffs). I don't feel like 2K is far off here honestly. When we see how Ernie and Shaq are implemented in the game I think that it will tell us which direction 2K is leaning.

Dan and Peter were a really good team and that's basically what I was trying to say with lesser or unknown commentators for games that aren't "big." I don't really see a 3rd person as a need because most teams are 2 man and a sideline reporter anyway, but that second network would be great if the overall package is great(not to mention make games feel a bit more important). If they implement Shaq/Ernie like we hope and not just some MyCAREER thing, they could be only for those "big" games as well and have the basic halftime for the small broadcast.

# 86 spankdatazz22 @ 08/20/14 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakers24


	He does an admirable job. I believe the issue is he doesn't actually call nationally televised games so hearing him next to Harlan is odd, especially considering they have so many options from tnt they can go to like Reggie Miller.

Unfortunately some here begin wanting change for change's sake. The commentary currently in the game is stellar - period, imo. Really beyond what any other sports game is doing or has done for the past few years. But some here focus less on competence and execution, and begin placing more emphasis on names and comparing the commentary in game to real life, where it's always going to pale in comparison. Not that I wouldn't welcome a second team if they went in that direction.

I still marvel at how well done the play by play is, how seamless the guys interact, how the guys' tones always seem to match (no wild fluctuations) - even much with the halftime commentary seems fluid especially since [the halftime guy] is commenting on actual game highlights. I guess since I haven't played the game 8hrs a day for the past 8 months the commentary hasn't gotten stale for me. Having names doesn't mean jack if those name's aren't into the job. Probably the greatest commentary team in sports was Madden and Summerall for the NFL, and for several Maddens they were in the game. And they were implemented poorly and/or weren't really into the job to begin with, so it didn't matter - the commentary and presentation in those games were poor. 2K already has the best presentation going, add Ernie Johnson and Shaq - and some find reason to complain or meh the announcement because it's not "pure TNT Presentation" or even worse, it's somehow 2K's fault some guys like Charles Barkley could care less about being in a videogame?

smh.

# 87 lakers24 @ 08/20/14 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	Unfortunately some here begin wanting change for change's sake. The commentary currently in the game is stellar - period, imo. Really beyond what any other sports game is doing or has done for the past few years. But some here focus less on competence and execution, and begin placing more emphasis on names and comparing the commentary in game to real life, where it's always going to pale in comparison. Not that I wouldn't welcome a second team if they went in that direction. I still marvel at how well done the play by play is, how seamless the guys interact, how the guys' tones always seem to match (no wild fluctuations) - even much with the halftime commentary seems fluid especially since [the halftime guy] is commenting on actual game highlights. I guess since I haven't played the game 8hrs a day for the past 8 months the commentary hasn't gotten stale for me. Having names doesn't mean jack if those name's aren't into the job. Probably the greatest commentary team in sports was Madden and Summerall for the NFL, and for several Maddens they were in the game. And they were implemented poorly and/or weren't really into the job to begin with, so it didn't matter - the commentary and presentation in those games were poor. 2K already has the best presentation going, add Ernie Johnson and Shaq - and some find reason to complain or meh the announcement because it's not "pure TNT Presentation" or even worse, it's somehow 2K's fault some guys like Charles Barkley could care less about being in a videogame? smh.

Like I said in my post, I don't mind Kellogg at all. He's does a very good job. I just think it may be time to add another team to break-up hearing Harlan/Kellogg every game, since they have been doing it since 2k9. It'd refresh the experience a bit more. I think 2k is probably the only guys who could have their commentary teams sound as good as they do(NFL 2k's was good also) so I have no doubts if a second team was introduced they'd be on par with the 1st team after a few cycles, if not sooner.

# 88 Sinner @ 08/20/14 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricky Rozay

That gif totally messed me up, saw it and at first glimpse thought it was just a picture. Scrolled down and was like WTH...did that move? Scroll up looked the same ok im crazy...dammit did it move again? Then realized ot was moving Lol

But on topic I have no problem with them adding whatever to make the presentation better. Love Ernie and can deal with Shaq...from the little video I got the impression that it will be some kind of half time or most game show but with 2k Sports instead of TNT. He did say they were doing what they do just dressed differently and and without the TNT, sounds good to me, maybe they can get it over the next few years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakers24


	Like I said in my post, I don't mind Kellogg at all. He's does a very good job. I just think it may be time to add a another team to break-up hearing Harlan/Kellogg every game, since they have been doing it since 2k9. It'd refresh the experience a bit more. I think 2k is probably the only guys who could have their commentary teams sound as good as they do(NFL 2k's was good also) so I have no doubts if a second team was introduced they'd be on par with the 1st team after a few cycles, if not sooner.

I actually wouldn't mind if they kept Harlan/Kellogg, gave them more lines and just added another team where each team randomly did games. That would really be a step in to making things a bit more real toward the NBA product

# 89 23 @ 08/20/14 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankdatazz22


	Unfortunately some here begin wanting change for change's sake. The commentary currently in the game is stellar - period, imo. Really beyond what any other sports game is doing or has done for the past few years. But some here focus less on competence and execution, and begin placing more emphasis on names and comparing the commentary in game to real life, where it's always going to pale in comparison. Not that I wouldn't welcome a second team if they went in that direction. I still marvel at how well done the play by play is, how seamless the guys interact, how the guys' tones always seem to match (no wild fluctuations) - even much with the halftime commentary seems fluid especially since [the halftime guy] is commenting on actual game highlights. I guess since I haven't played the game 8hrs a day for the past 8 months the commentary hasn't gotten stale for me. Having names doesn't mean jack if those name's aren't into the job. Probably the greatest commentary team in sports was Madden and Summerall for the NFL, and for several Maddens they were in the game. And they were implemented poorly and/or weren't really into the job to begin with, so it didn't matter - the commentary and presentation in those games were poor. 2K already has the best presentation going, add Ernie Johnson and Shaq - and some find reason to complain or meh the announcement because it's not "pure TNT Presentation" or even worse, it's somehow 2K's fault some guys like Charles Barkley could care less about being in a videogame? smh.

Spank it's the best in any sports game period and ever done.

That also doesn't mean they can't improve because they could go to yet another level up

# 90 vtcha @ 08/21/14 12:39 AM

I wouldn't mind seeing others replacing Chuck and Kenny, like C-Webb or Reggie.

# 91 Cripterion @ 08/21/14 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junior Moe


	I get what you're saying. But they could use generic commentators for all I care. I can still vividly remember laughing at Dan and Peter O'Keefe (or whatever his name was) in 2k5 when one of them responded to the other how he would get smoked like a salmon trying to cover a wideout. Everything just flowed so naturally. I still feel a little of that with Kevin, Clark and (now gone) Steve. I guess to me, it's more about the overall package and how authentic the "team" flows. I loved the presentation in NCAA Basketball, those two crews were wonderful. It works for college because when I think college hoops I think Dick Vitale and/or CBS. When I think NBA, I think TNT. I personally think that they have the best package overall; it's entertaining, insightful, and well put together. I used the NBA on NBC theme for the playoffs in last gen (hopefully it's coming back for us). Kevin Harlan does give the game a more authentic sound and it almost feels like a TNT broadcast. I remain skeptical of Barkley, Miller and Webber. Barkley was in 2K on the Dream Team but nowhere else, and that had to be facilitated by Pippen IIRC. I would like to see 2K add another man/woman to the team to replace Kerr as I feel he fleshed the team out some. Bring back the shots from 2K9 (was it?) where we saw the commentators and have them be courtside during big games (holidays, rivalries, playoffs). I don't feel like 2K is far off here honestly. When we see how Ernie and Shaq are implemented in the game I think that it will tell us which direction 2K is leaning.

Wait.Is Kerr gone this year?

# 92 Trackball @ 08/21/14 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cripterion


	Wait.Is Kerr gone this year?

Yes, because he's now coaching the Golden State Warriors. Yes, really.

I don't think we've found out whether anyone's replacing him, or if we're going back to the two-man team from 2K11.

# 93 Cripterion @ 08/21/14 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trackball


	Yes, because he's now coaching the Golden State Warriors. Yes, really. I don't think we've found out whether anyone's replacing him, or if we're going back to the two-man team from 2K11.

Oh true. So I guess that's a lot of lines they had to rework.

# 94 Crystar500 @ 08/21/14 05:06 AM

On the subject of commentary, I think Harlan/Kellogg is great.

I'm hoping in the future we can change the commentary depending on the teams playing. I'd totally love to see Alan Hahn (I think that's his name) and Walt Frazier commentating Knicks games.

Here in New York, games between the Knicks and Nets are usually broadcast on three channels. It think it'd be cool if we could switch between the YES, MSG, and TNT networks if those two teams are facing. That goes for other teams and their home commentary too.

# 95 Junior Moe @ 08/21/14 06:39 AM

I would welcome a 2nd commentary team because I know that 2K would do it right. The way to differentiate game importance, I would have a different more muted presentation package. The commentatators would be the same, but everything else would be different. There would be no courtside shots of them talking; no fancy starting 5 lineups; no celebrities and no hyped up crowd. A game between cellar dwellers like the 76ers and Jazz in January would not feel like the matchup between the Cavs and Thunder. For meh matchups games i would suggest something like the old 2k9 ish presentation. Screen wipes and all. For the marquee national interest games I would go with the TNTish package. I hope that makes sense.

# 96 Cripterion @ 08/21/14 07:05 AM

Yeah, 2 team commentary would nice, FIFA has it for English commentaries and it's quite refreshing.

# 97 quehouston @ 08/21/14 12:06 PM

I honestly can't believe how many people hate Shaq on Inside The NBA. I think he's hilarious.

# 98 Sundown @ 08/21/14 12:22 PM

EJ will be a solid addition, whether for the halftime or as a third commentator.

Shaq is going to get old quick. Please don't let him do the halftime alone. If this mean Shaqtin a fool for cheezers and bad playing, that would be highly amusing.

They should have gotten Webber as a third commentator and EJ do the halftime show.

# 99 Junior Moe @ 08/21/14 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerBlack


	Changing the presentation so dramatically would show 'favoritism' towards certain teams. 2K would not be able to do that without permission from the league. There are 30 teams in the NBA. It would be a disservice to the ENTIRE league (and a disservice to large groups of gamers from certain cities) if 2K treated certain teams like a 'red-headed stepchild', as far as presentation goes. Regardless if the squad is still rebuilding, or winning back-to-back championships.... the NBA would never go for that. Yesterday's 'cellar dwellers'... could be tomorrow's 'champions'. So the NBA Owners would get p!ssed if their 'brands' were not represented equally.

It would be just for the purpose of Association mode. The regular play-now, head to head games would feature all of the presentation bells and whistles anyway. That's not what I was implying, sorry for the confusion. It would give the big games a big game feel. 2K kinda does it now. On the XB1/PS4 there is a different starting 5 graphic that shows the players and their stats before big games and during the playoffs. I'm just suggesting taking that a bit further to differentiate marquee matchups from the regular ho hum games.

# 100 lilteapot @ 08/21/14 05:42 PM

No way, get rid of Clark Kellogg.his commentary is always so bad and grating.
I'd like the crowd to be louder and chant some different things especially during the playoffs.also if they would have intros for the starting lineups would be good

« Previous 1 2 3 456 Next »

More Links

NBA 2K15 Will Have Ernie Johnson and Shaq, Not Inside the NBA