NBA 2K25 cuts stars like John Wall, Blake Griffin, & Andre Iguodala
09/05/2024 06:07 PM
As NBA 2K25 hit the shelves with its early release on Wednesday, September 4, fans were quick to note the absence of prominent players like John Wall, Blake Griffin, Andre Iguodala, and Serge Ibaka from this year’s edition, sparking widespread discussions across the gaming community.
The disclosure came a day before the game's early access launch, listing not just Wall, Griffin, Iguodala, and Ibaka but also Meyers Leonard, Noah Vonleh, Dewayne Dedmon, Rodney McGruder, JaMychal Green, and Nerlens Noel as absentees from the game. The developer, Visual Concepts, has yet to provide detailed explanations for these omissions, which have left many gamers and fans speculating about potential licensing issues or strategic changes.
On a positive note, Visual Concepts added Goran Dragic and Frank Kaminsky back to the roster with a Tuesday, September 3 update, showing that they are actively making changes to the game’s lineup.
NBA players officially removed from 2K25:
– John Wall
– Blake Griffin
– Andre Iguodala
– Goran Dragic
– Serge Ibaka
– Meyers Leonard
– Will Barton
– Noah Vonleh
– Dewayne Dedmon
– Frank Kaminsky
– Rodney McGruder
– JaMychal Green
– Nerlens Noel(via @PTsports84) pic.twitter.com/ZnjUt7lnBE
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 3, 2024
Impact on NBA 2K25’s classic teams
John Wall’s absence in NBA 2K25 leaves Wizards without iconic duo, missing out on prime Bradley Beal partnership
John Wall’s absence from NBA 2K25 is particularly impactful, especially as he attempts a comeback into the league after last playing for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2022-23 season. Known for his electrifying speed and playmaking abilities, Wall is missing from iconic seasons like the 2010-11 and 2016-17 Washington Wizards, where he was in his prime. Notably, the 2016-17 team nearly made the Eastern Conference Finals, largely thanks to the synergy between Wall and his backcourt partner, Bradley Beal. Last year, Wall was rated as a 78 overall free agent and included in the MyNBA eras during the LeBron era and the Wizards’ all-time team. His exclusion removes a fan-favorite and diminishes the historical depth of the game.
Wall's gameplay, characterized by swift drives to the basket and exceptional passing, made him a staple in strategy formulation for players looking to exploit fast-paced offensive tactics. His dynamic presence on the court complemented Bradley Beal’s sharpshooting, creating one of the most formidable backcourts in the NBA during that period.
Blake Griffin’s departure in NBA 2K25 disrupts ‘Lob City’ era with Chris Paul
Blake Griffin’s retirement seems to have influenced his absence from NBA 2K25, particularly from the 2013-14 Los Angeles Clippers roster. Known for the ‘Lob City’ era, these Clippers were among the most entertaining teams to play in NBA 2K due to their dynamic, above-the-rim style, powered significantly by the iconic duo of Griffin and Chris Paul. Griffin, who was featured as a 75 overall free agent in NBA 2K24 and a fixture on the franchise’s all-time team, leaves a gap that drastically changes the gameplay experience for that team.
His powerful dunks and strong post plays were pivotal in the Clippers’ gameplay strategy, providing both scoring and spectacular visual gameplay elements that enhanced the playability and appeal of the game. The partnership with Chris Paul was particularly notable during the 2010s, as Paul’s adept playmaking and alley-oop passes to Griffin became a hallmark of Clippers basketball. This synergy not only defined an era for the franchise but also made the team a favorite for gamers, who enjoyed recreating their high-energy, fast-paced offense in NBA 2K. The absence of this dynamic partnership in NBA 2K25 notably diminishes the authenticity and excitement of playing as the Clippers during the ‘Lob City’ years.
Iguodala’s omission weakens Warriors’ dynasty
Andre Iguodala, another notable omission in NBA 2K25, was crucial to the Golden State Warriors’ championship runs in 2015 and 2017. His strategic defense and timely scoring made him a valuable player in those seasons, reflected in his last rating as a 74 overall free agent and his presence in the all-time 76ers team. The 2016-17 season was particularly significant for the Warriors as they integrated Kevin Durant into a star-studded lineup that included Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, forming one of the best teams of all-time following their 73-win season the year prior.
Without Iguodala, recreating the Warriors’ championship strategies in MyNBA Eras will lack a layer of authenticity. His role, especially during critical playoff games, where his defensive stops and clutch performances were often game-changers, is irreplaceable in simulations that aim to capture the essence of the Warriors’ championship tactics. The 2016-17 Warriors not only showcased a high-powered offensive onslaught but also a strategic defensive setup where Iguodala played a key part.
His ability to guard multiple positions and execute in high-pressure moments was integral to the Warriors’ success, especially in complementing the dynamic offensive talents of Curry, Durant, and Thompson. Andre Iguodala's absence from this legendary roster in NBA 2K25 is a significant loss, detracting from the game's ability to fully replicate one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Serge Ibaka's exclusion weakens Thunder’s young trio and Raptors’ championship defense
Serge Ibaka's exclusion in NBA 2K25 is equally significant. A key player in the 2011-12 Oklahoma City Thunder and the 2018-19 Toronto Raptors, Ibaka was instrumental in both teams. His presence allowed users to experience the Thunder’s young trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden at their nascent best and relive the Raptors’ historic championship run. Rated as a 73 overall free agent in NBA 2K24, Ibaka’s defensive prowess and mid-range shooting are missed in these rosters.
He was not only a defensive anchor but also a reliable scorer from mid-range and beyond, providing spacing for star teammates and bolstering the team’s defensive lineup. Serge Ibaka’s ability to alter shots and rebound effectively added a critical dimension to gameplay, making teams like the Thunder and Raptors not only challenging to play against but also historically accurate in any NBA 2K25 simulation.
Fans are eager for potential NBA 2K25 roster updates
The reasoning behind these omissions has not been officially addressed by Visual Concepts, the game’s developer. These absences could be due to licensing issues, changes in player status, or other operational decisions. This affects the game's depth, especially for those who enjoy the MyNBA Eras mode that allows players to relive historical NBA seasons with accurate rosters.
It is unclear whether these players will return in future updates of NBA 2K25, but their current exclusion is a significant disappointment for fans looking forward to engaging with these iconic players and teams. As NBA 2K25 rolls out its official launch on Friday, September 6, it will be interesting to see how the community's feedback might influence any further changes to the game's roster.
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