Ranking the top 5 games in the NBA 2K series as we move closer to the release of NBA 2K22

#3 NBA 2K10

One of the most revolutionary game modes to be associated with the NBA 2K series, Blacktop Online was introduced for the first time as part of the NBA 2K10 game. It was the year when the game became one of the highest-streamed games on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.

It was once rumored that Kobe could be headed to the Knicks, and NBA 2K10 made an alternate cover should that have happened. He "reluctantly" signed a copy of that very cover for Spike Lee. 🤯(📸: IG/officialspikelee) pic.twitter.com/FuiY7SgTlE
— theScore (@theScore) January 29, 2020

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NBA 2K10 allowed the series a global presence and attracted gamers on streaming platforms as well. The game was an improvement on the basis of graphics and semantics on previous versions and allowed the 2K series to truly dominate the NBA Live game series.

#2 NBA 2K9

NBA 2K9 sold almost twice the number of copies as NBA 2K8. This was because the game was for the first time priced at an affordable $20 which allowed players from other countries to buy it as well. NBA 2K9 had an early version of Blacktop and also featured what is considered to be the most drastic improvement in graphics over a year as well.

NBA 2K9 featured LeBron James, who was back then plying his trade at the Miami Heat. The cover featured LeBron’s famous “chalk toss,” which truly became a globally-recognized image with respect to the game as well.

#1 NBA 2K16

NBA 2K16 is till date considered to be the best game of the series. The game introduced an all-new MyCareer mode and story arc that transformed the overall game from a basketball video game to somewhat of an RPG.

I believe NBA 2K16 is as close to that as you'll find. But I don't know that it's really the goal of any of these developers anymore to produce that. They can make more money without going through all that effort.
— bryan wiedey (@pastapadre) August 20, 2021

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NBA 2K16 also featured the ProAm as well as the most impressive courts and in-game atmosphere that had ever been seen in a basketball game. As a result, it is considered to be the best game of the series so far, considering the transformation that it brought forth within a year.