Fact Check: Is Ja Morant the cover star of NBA 2K24? Viral picture debunked as memes erupt online

Modified Jun 20, 2023 14:39 GMT

A Ja Morant concept cover of NBA 2K24. (Photo: zgvisualz/Instagram)

Ja Morant made headlines for the wrong reasons last week after the NBA announced his 25-game suspension at the start of next season. So why is there a viral image of Morant on the cover of NBA 2K24?

Buttcrack Sports announced on Twitter that the Memphis Grizzlies guard will be the next cover star of the popular video game franchise. Morant looked set to follow the footsteps of legends such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as NBA 2K cover athletes.

However, Buttcrack Sports is a satire and parody account on Twitter. That means Ja Morant is not on the cover of NBA 2K24. It's also probably not a good move for 2K Sports to reward Morant by making him their cover athlete.

It also didn't stop fans to make memes about the Morant cover. One fan shared concept art for the popular game Grand Theft Auto with Morant on the cover:

Another fan claimed that if Morant is on the cover of NBA 2K24, people who will buy the game will receive an action figure.

There was also a hilarious meme of Morant wearing street clothes while on the bench for NBA 2K23.

It should also be noted that the Ja Morant concept cover art was made by @zgvisualz on Instagram. The page has done several concept cover art for NBA 2K24.

Here are some of them featuring Steph Curry, Nikola Jokic, Jimmy Butler and Kobe Bryant:

Was Ja Morant holding a toy gun on his second viral Instagram Live?

There were rumors before the NBA announced Ja Morant's punishment that he was holding a toy gun on the second Instagram Live video that went viral. Claudia Jordan of "The Breakfast Club" even claimed the NBA knew that Morant was not holding a real gun.

According to TMZ Sports, the Memphis Grizzlies superstar filmed himself playing with the toy gun on the same day he was caught on Instagram Live. The video below shows a man with similar tattoos as Morant lighting candles with a gun lighter.

Morant allegedly recorded the video to prove to his family and friends that he did not have a real gun with him. Nevertheless, the NBA still suspended him for 25 games, which he and the NBPA will likely appeal.

About the author

Juan Paolo is a journalist for Sportskeeda who covers the NBA and WNBA. He's been writing about basketball since 2015 and has been with Sportskeeda since 2021.

Juan's allegiance lies with the Golden State Warriors and his journey with the Warriors began with their memorable victory over the Lakers in 2000, and he experienced the successes of the 'We Believe' era and the rise of Steph Curry.

What Juan loves most about basketball is its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from adrenaline-fueled excitement to the highs of victory and the lows of defeat. To ensure complete accuracy in articles, he conducts thorough research before writing his articles.

The Warriors' victories in the 2022 and 2017 championships hold a special place in Juan's memories, as well as iconic moments like Baron Davis' dunk over Andrei Kirilenko and Goran Dragic's performance in the 2010 Western Conference semifinals.

Off the court, Juan enjoys watching football, TV and movies, caring for his numerous cats, and cooking whenever time permits.

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