NBA 2K12: Ranking the Legends Set to Join Michael Jordan

When Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were announced as the cover athletes for NBA 2K12, fans roared with excitement about the release of the highly anticipated video game.

In the previous year's version (2K11), players could use a vintage Jordan. This time around, Jordan will be joined by 14 other infamous athletes that will undoubtedly be extraordinarily fun to play with on a virtual platform.

Jason Argent, Vice President of Marketing for 2K Sports, echoed the sentiments of fans everywhere through the following statement (via SLAM Online):

"These 15 legendary athletes will allow sports fanatics to create the NBA’s most storied matchups—and lock in bragging rights for their favorite teams in NBA 2K12.”

It's time to rank these fantastic additions.

14. Isiah Thomas

Thomas' addition to the lineup is a welcome one for fans of the "Bad Boy" Pistons team, but despite his electric skill set, some players could be disappointed.

He wasn't ever a three-point shooter, and he only registered a mark of above 48 percent from the field in one season.

Despite the prolific assist totals, Thomas could be one of those guys whose game simply doesn't translate to the electronic platform as some may have hoped.

13. Karl Malone

The Mailman delivered on every day of the week even when the USPS didn't, and it's about time he was included in his proper place among a crop of legends.

Malone scored 20-plus points in 17 of his 19 professional seasons, and was a rebounding machine as evidenced by his career numbers of 25.0 points per game and 10.1 boards.

With a sky-high field goal percentage, Malone's game is one that will be readily embraced by those that like to dominate by using a variety of low-post moves from their big man.

12. John Stockton

There could have been a wee bit more of his chest hair on display, but 2K hit the nail on the head with their representation of Stockton in this season's version.

The career leader in assists, Stockton's game isn't one that should be used by those players that enjoy scoring with their point guard.

Instead, Stockton is best suited to be used in a lineup paired with scorers at the wing position, which will allow the short-short's icon to flourish in the game.

11. Patrick Ewing

With so many players seemingly incapable of finishing at the rim, Ewing's addition in the middle will be one that is thoroughly enjoyed by players that enjoy an inside-out style of game.

There's no doubt that Knicks fans will be eager to test their waters with the franchise's most infamous big man, and his dynamic presence down low should prove to be absolutely dominant.

With the ability to be a force at either end of the floor, players should have no trouble utilizing Ewing and his overpowering skill set from the onset.

10. Scottie Pippen

Pippen is one of the most underrated stars of all-time in the NBA, but that's exactly what playing alongside Michael Jordan will do for one's reputation.

With an underrated perimeter attack and an affinity to contribute in a multitude of categories, Pippen is an ideal video game player for those that are looking to build a well-balanced squad.

Blessed with natural athleticism to pair with his length, Pippen's size will definitely serve as a competitive advantage over the competition and allow him to sustain success as a 2K legend.

9. Bill Russell

Russell would be ranked a lot higher on this list if his game extended well outside of the painted area.

Having said that, it's going to be awfully tough for the opposition to defend Russell's offensive attack or box him out on the defensive side, as his length and prowess simply make that a very tall task.

He was never a driving offensive contributor, but his clean-up efforts around the rim in a game that should have a very realistic amount of misses should bode well for his prominence in the game.

8. Jerry West

The man behind the silhouette was an obvious inclusion for the Legends roster, and the bona fide scorer's game should translate immaculately from real life.

An excellent shooter from almost everywhere on the court, West could also hold his own on the defensive end of the floor, as he was truly a factor at both ends.

He should serve as a force on the perimeter, and it's going to be a lot of fun to see what he's capable of doing in digitized form.

7. Julius Erving

Dr. J's dunking abilities and natural athleticism are two tendencies that will make him a feared player when it comes to any matchup in 2K12.

He will be absolutely brilliant when attempting to execute highlight moves around the rim, and Erving should be able to elevate over just about anyone that seeks to challenge him.

It will be extraordinarily fun to play with Dr. J, and I can't wait to have my first crack at using him as a go-to option.

6. Larry Bird

When Bird was revealed as a cover athlete, Celtics nation rose up in unison in proclaiming how excited they were to have Larry Legend on the court.

Despite the obvious lack of athleticism, Bird was brilliant throughout his career, and he was simply able to do things that he shouldn't have been able to at 6'9".

He excelled as a shooter from anywhere that he spotted up on the floor, and it's extremely probable that his success will have no problem translating into instant points for players.

5. Magic Johnson

Johnson's name is one that most have been calling for in the game for a while now, and it's about time he graced the cover.

His ability to play every position with success and establish himself as a wizard of the hardwood will be ideal for video game contests, and he should be among the most prolific of any addition to the lineup.

It didn't get better than No. 32 in his prime, and there's a firm reason as to why he's considered the best point guard of all time.

Don't expect that to change in a video game.

4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Abdul-Jabbar's sky-hook is going to be downright impossible to defend in 2K12, as there is simply no way that an opposing center has enough length to attempt a block.

A menace in much more than the offensive attack, Abdul-Jabbar will be a master of the glass and a fearless defender of the rim as he is primed to dominate every aspect of the upcoming game.

The all-time leading scorer should have no trouble living up to his role as a legend in a heartbeat, and when it's all said and done, he could prove to be the most valuable depending on the style of play.

3. Oscar Robertson

Robertson is the only player to have ever averaged a triple-double in a single season, and that type of electricity is nearly certain to translate to 2K12.

While some might not know how to use Robertson from the onset, it shouldn't take long for most to figure out his game, as there isn't a lot that he couldn't do on the court.

At 6'5", Robertson's impressive size paired with natural skill should make him a lock to be in the top three in terms of production among the new additions.

2. Wilt Chamberlain

There's something that's rather beautiful about Chamerblain's presence in a video game, as his individual performances were arguably the most dominant of all time.

While it's going to be a challenge to replicate his 100-point output in a single contest, players should have no trouble using him early and often with immediate success as soon as the game is released.

Chamberlain could (and should) single-handedly dominate a game because of his size and skill, and it wouldn't be surprising to see some record numbers established using him.

1. Hakeem Olajuwon

It feels right to end this list by finishing with the "Legends" trailer, and one can catch a quick glimpse of Olajuwon at the 44-second mark of the video.

His amazing low-post skills will be absolutely perfect for the 2K12 game, and his natural ability to dominate beneath the rim will allow for a dominant virtual performance.

With skills at both ends of the floor that other big men could only dream about, Olajuwon has an opportunity to be an alpha male among men if used in the proper fashion.