NBA 2K12: Predicting Legends Who Will Join Michael Jordan and Larry Bird

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are arguably the three greatest players in NBA history and each one of them are cover athletes for NBA 2K12.

This year's game features a new "Legend Mode" that some have speculated will be similar to the Jordan Challenges from 2K11.  Now, we'll be able to recreate historic moments in other legends' careers.

On top of the game's "Big Three," here are some other legends I think will be integrated into the new mode...

 

Andy Bailey is on Twitter. Follow @_Andy_Bailey

Already Revealed

Through a recent trailer, 2KSports has already revealed two legends who will join Jordan, Magic and Bird.

The league's all-time leading scorer and a man who did a lot to pave the way for Michael Jordan will be prominently featured.  These two are, of course, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving.

Isiah Thomas

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Isiah Thomas may be one of the greatest point guards of all time, but certainly wasn't the best at making friends.

He figures to be a prominent nemesis in this game.

Hakeem Olajuwon

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With his low-post abilities on offense and elite all-around defense, Hakeem Olajuwon has a legitimate argument as the greatest center of all time.

He and the Rockets broke up the Bulls' six titles when Jordan stepped away to play baseball, and they won the NBA Finals in 1994 and '95.

Charles Barkley

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Charles Barkley is one of the greatest players in NBA history without an NBA championship to his name.

His Phoenix Suns lost to Jordan and the Bulls in the 1993 NBA Finals in six games.

David Robinson

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David Robinson does not get enough credit as one of the best and most athletic centers of all time.

The 7'1" big man won the league MVP in 1995 and won two titles during his career.

Stockton and Malone

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Like Charles Barkley, Stockton and Malone were never quite able to capture an NBA title.

They're arguably the best point guard/big man combo in league history, but failed to beat Jordan and the Bulls in both the 1997 and '98 Finals.

Shaquille O'Neal

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Now that he's retired, Shaq can officially take on legendary status.  He's arguably the most dominant player in league history.

Moses Malone

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Philadelphia with Moses Malone was the only team not named the Lakers, Celtics or Pistons to win a title in the '80s.

Clyde Drexler

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Jordan and Drexler have already had a big videogame showdown in the classic Bulls vs. Blazers.  I'm sure Clyde "The Glide" will be back for some more virtual glory.

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Andy Bailey is on Twitter. Follow @_Andy_Bailey