For A’ja Wilson, sharing NBA2K cowl with Jayson Tatum is further particular

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT — For A’ja Wilson, being the first-ever WNBA cowl athlete for NBA2K was already a reasonably large deal. However, the respect is much more particular as a result of she’s sharing it with a longtime pal: Celtics ahead Jayson Tatum. The Las Vegas Aces star befriended the Boston Celtics champion at a USA Basketball camp in highschool, and their friendship has continued to blossom all through the years.

Now, every of their prime of their careers, they successfully get named the faces of their respective league — at the very least in accordance with NBA2K. Wilson, who’s the duvet athlete for NBA2K 2025 WNBA Version, can be sharing the All Star version cowl with Tatum. It’s the primary time that the favored online game is placing out a dual-league cowl.

It’s a full circle second for the pair of buddies.

“We had been at USA camp collectively, and we had been all simply kicking it. It’s tremendous cool, it truly is,” Wilson instructed SB Nation. “Being on the duvet alongside JT, somebody that I actually grew up with, and to see our careers flourish the best way that they’re now — it’s one thing particular.”

Each have achieved an amazing quantity of success since these highschool days. At 28, Wilson has two MVP trophies and two WNBA championships already underneath her belt — and she’s properly on her solution to a 3rd MVP. At 26, Tatum is recent off his first NBA championship, and simply accrued essentially the most playoff factors by any participant in league historical past earlier than the age 27.

“We simply all the time saved bond,” Wilson stated. “Love his little son, Deuce. It’s simply been so cool to observe his profession simply blossom the best way it has. JT is an efficient child, he’s child. At all times pal to me.”

Wilson acknowledged she’s not a lot of a gamer herself, however that the chance to brace the duvet of the favored online game has piqued her curiosity in taking part in the sport, as properly.

“I’m not an enormous online game individual, however now I feel I’m most likely gonna strive — at the very least slightly bit — as a result of that’s a complete different viewers to have the ability to be [in],” Wilson stated. “It’s large for me, and likewise my household.”

For each athletes, it’s an honor that may final a lifetime.

“The longevity of those strikes are going to be large,” Wilson stated. “I’m so glad to observe it flourish, and to be part of the expansion.”