Since the game of basketball became a professional sport, and the NBA was created 75 years ago, we’ve seen generational talents don the colors of several historical franchises, and change the way players and fans play the game. Unknown prospects became household names and special memories have been formed as a result of awe-inspiring performances through the years. This season, the NBA is celebrating its 75th anniversary by commemorating its legends and storied history on and off the court. NBA 2K22 is proud to join in the celebration by releasing NBA 75th Anniversary themed MyTEAM cards, sprawling six decades and six collections. Below, you’ll find a running list of MyTEAM cards from each decade, which will be updated as new cards drop. Celebrate 75 years of NBA action by jumping into MyTEAM and assembling your dream roster of players from any decade.
Season 3: Iced Out is officially live, meaning it’s time for you to unleash your game on the court and in MyTEAM to earn awesome new rewards. In celebration of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary, this Season will feature some of the coldest players in league history, and you’re guaranteed a player from the NBA 75 list when you open one of the new NBA 75 packs. Spanning six decades and six collections, new packs and players will drop weekly, so be on the lookout for some of your favorite legends!
It’s an honor to be a part of any selection committee and we’d like to bestow that honor to you in NBA 2K22. We want to get you more involved, by having you cast your vote and choose the Collection Complete Rewards for all six collections. As we turn our calendars and look forward to new beginnings in 2022, this will be something for you to look forward to in the New Year.
THE 1960s
The NBA was once ruled by the big man, using his unique combination of size and athleticism to best the competition. Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain may have been two of the first real superstars to suit up as dominant centers, but their resumes hold up sixty years later. Between 1958 and 1968, Russell and Chamberlain won nine of 11 MVP awards. Rough, raw, and physical, this era of basketball was one of the NBA’s best.
THE 1970s
On the heels of Russell’s retirement, the torch was passed to fellow bigs, like Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving. The big men of this era brought such a unique flair and finesse to the game, they proved there’s more than one way to be a graceful scorer and rim-rocking dunker. The game of basketball underwent a transition during the 70s, in large part thanks to the aforementioned legends, ushering in a new wave of stars.
THE 1980s
Magic, Bird, the Lakers and the Celtics, the NBA was must-see television. One could argue this was the golden age of basketball, with heated rivalries stemming from the west coast to the east coast, the NBAs top contenders forged a bitter rivalry that fans and the media simply couldn’t get enough of. Dish out some of the best assists the game has ever seen and feel the sweet release of a smooth three-point jumper. The 80s have a multitude of legendary players to choose from, who will you put in your lineup?
THE 1990s
Dominated by the G.O.A.T, Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls reigned supreme for a majority of the 90s, winning an outrageous six titles. While Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman commanded the spotlight, Karl Malone, John Stockton, and many others left their imprint on the game. Assembling a 12-man roster with the greatest players in league history is hard, especially when you have a pool of all-star talent from the 90s.
THE 2000s
The Zen Master, Phil Jackson, led the Chicago Bulls to heights thought unachievable, and many wondered whether he could replicate that kind of success when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers in the early 2000s. Led by the most dominant center in NBA history, Shaquille O’Neal, and rising superstar Kobe Bryant, Jackson and his squad three-peated, the one and only Allen Iverson, and a cast of stars on the Indiana Pacers. Truly one of the best decades in NBA history, fans witnessed the rise of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and a bevy of other players.
THE 2010s
Last, but certainly not least, the 2010s will forever be remembered as the decade Steph Curry and LeBron James engaged in a four-year long NBA Finals duel. Icons on and off the court, Curry and James have both influenced the game in different ways, and it’s clear the next generation is trying to model themselves after the multi-champions. Taking shots from the logo are no longer considered irrational, as Steph, LeBron, and Damian Lillard have made it look far too easy. Live by the three or die by the three, decide whether you want to implement a long-range barrage as your strategy for success with the marksmen below.
