Kevin Durant headlines televised NBA 2k20 esports tournament

Apr 1 2020, 12:29 am

In an effort to stem some of their fans’ isolation-induced boredom and combat the postponement of the 2019-20 NBA regular season, NBA players will battle it out on the digital court for a chance to win $100,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.

In partnership with 2K Sports, ESPN, and the Players Association, the NBA gaming tournament will see 16 professional basketball franchises elect a single contracted player to represent their franchise.

ā€œWe are excited to tip off the first ā€˜NBA 2K Players Tournamentā€™ in partnership with the NBPA and 2K, continuing an ongoing effort to stay connected with NBA fans around the world, while also giving back in this time of need,ā€ said Matt Holt, NBA SVP of Global Partnerships.

Participating gamers in the “players-only” tournament will take part from the comfort of their own homes, and seeding for the bracket was decided by the player’s NBA 2K rating while the league tenure was used as a tie-breaker.

The participant list includes:

  • Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
  • Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
  • Hassan Whiteside, Portland Trail Blazers
  • Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
  • Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
  • Andre Drummond, Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
  • Montrezl Harrell, LA Clippers
  • Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers
  • Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
  • DeMarcus Cousins
  • Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets
  • Rui Hachimura, Washington Wizards
  • Patrick Beverley, LA Clippers
  • Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings
  • Derrick Jones Jr., Miami Heat

According to a press release, the tournament will air on national TV starting this Friday.

Canadian basketball fans will be able to watch the live tournament via NBA.com, the NBA mobile App, and 2K and NBA social channels including Twitter (@NBA2K, @NBA), Twitch (@NBA2K, @NBA), YouTube (@NBA2K, @NBA) and Facebook (@NBA2K, @NBA).

“We’re thrilled to partner with the NBA and NBPA to bring basketball back to fans throughout the world and to help those in need during these uncertain times,” said Jason Argent, 2K senior vice president, sports strategy and licensing. “Entertainment, especially sports, has the ability to bring communities together — including athletes, fans, and families — and we hope that everyone will enjoy the tournament.”

The coverage of the 2K players-only tournament will begin on Friday, April 3 at 4 pm PT and 7 pm ET.

 

Wyatt FossettWyatt Fossett

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