Michael Jordan endorses video game franchise

Be like Mike? Gamers and fans can relive Michael Jordan's
glory days again as the much awaited NBA 2k11 game, is set to drop this year.
(Via Google Images)

I'm not really a fan of the NBA 2K series but for some reason, I think I'm gonna have a change of heart. Though I've always loved playing the NBA Live games, the only reason I never got to play the 2010 version is that didn't come out for the PS2 (I still love that console, by the way) -- only the 2k10 did.

I own the NBA 2k10 (PS2 version) which featured Kobe Bryant(!) as the game's cover boy. Now, the folks who created the video game(s) just stepped up their, well -- game. Word has it that Hall of Famer Michael Jordan -- the GOAT -- is on lock to grace the cover of NBA 2k11. Money will also have his image, likeness and will be playable in the game as well.

ESPN's got the low down on the latter:

While rumors pegged LeBron James, Derrick Rose and even Tyreke Evans as favorites to appear on the cover of "NBA 2K11," multiple sources have told ESPN that the company has gone in a completely different direction, signing basketball legend Michael Jordan as its new spokesman.

This will be the first time that a former player will appear on the front of the box for 2K, and with Jordan taking over majority ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats, it will also be the first time that a team owner will endorse the popular franchise.

But the real question is, what value -- beyond obvious name and iconic image recognition -- will Jordan bring to the game? In the era of Kobe and King James, are gamers still yearning to "Be Like Mike"?

The designers at 2K must think so. In addition to acting as cover model for "NBA 2K11," the speculation is that Jordan will also be digitized into a playable character. This means gamers will become the virtual MJ in hopes of reliving some of his trademark moments.

There's more. I've even heard whispers that 2K has been in negotiations with several players (both teammates and opponents) from the Jordan era to appear in "2K11" to help gamers and history buffs accurately recreate the heated competition between the classic Bulls and rivals like the Celtics, Knicks and Cavaliers. But since 2K needs to ink all former players to individual contracts, it's still up in the air whom the company will be able to sign in time to appear in the game.

Being a fan MJ, there's a reason for me to buy the game (hoping that it comes out on PS2), unless of course, I buy myself a PS3 or XBOX 360 console for that matter. This is going to be every Jordan fanboy's wet dream (I think). Gamers and sports fans alike will be clamoring for this once it's officially released within this year.

Time to save some money for this game. I'll do just that but I'll have work on getting the next gen console first -- I may have to wait for the PS2 (crosses fingers) and PC version though.