NBA 2K25is full of fan-favorite basketball players from across all different eras, but some notable names appear to be missing from the latest release. Many of these absences have caused significant outrage among players who were hoping to continue playing with theirfavorite iconic team members. With the ability toplay as numerous NBA stars from across different erasandacross leagues, there are many who deserve to be included in 2K Games' beloved franchise.
There aremany reasons as to whyNBA 2Kremoves playersfrom the roster. If a player retires, dies, or simply chooses not to want their likeness to be used by others anymore, then the company officially loses its rights to feature that player in the game.While there is always the chance that the removed players can be added in later on in the future, there are some names that have been noticeably absent from the franchise since the beginning.
10Goran Dragic (#2)
All-Time Miami Heat
Goran Dragic recently retired from the NBA after a 20-year-long career, and his absence is certainly notable in this most recent franchise installment. He was primarily known for his seven years playing on the Miami Heat, during which he played a pivotal role in getting them all the way to the 2020 NBA Finals before their loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. He has beenrecognized as an All-Star playersince 2018.
His only real downsides came in terms of inside scoring, various defensive tactics, and rebounding, which dropped his score down significantly.
With a decent overall score of 85 and fifteen badges to his name,Dragic was very useful in terms of numerous attributes, including scoring and playmaking. His only real downsides came in terms of inside scoring, various defensive tactics, and rebounding, which dropped his score down significantly. Many have asked for his return to the NBA 2K franchise thanks to his importance to the Miami Heat team, but only time will tell if the rights will be returned to 2K Games.
9Serge Ibaka (#9)
2011 Oklahoma City Thunder
Serge Ibaka was known to beone of the best shot blockers in the early 2010s, which made him one of the best players on the Oklahoma City Thunder. With a rating of 85, which includes great athleticism and defensive tactics, as well as a total of 19 badges, it is no wonder why he was included in priorNBA 2Kentries. Ibaka’s only shortcomings were in terms of his more offensive play and scoring tactics, of which none made it above an attribute score of 80.
2K Games officially lost their rights to Serge Ibaka’s likeness after he left the NBA in 2023 and signed to play in Germany, then later in Madrid.Ibaka has been a fan favorite for a while, and many have felt that the Oklahoma City Thunder team is just not the same without himin the game.
8Rasheed Wallace (#30)
2003 Detroit Pistons
A notable player who has yet to be included in any NBA 2K game, Rasheed Wallace was best known for being a part of the 2003-2004 Detroit Pistons. Heplayed a crucial part in helping the Pistons win the championshipagainst the Los Angeles Lakers. As someone who was able to go up against big names like Kobe Byrant and Shaquille O’Neal, he absolutely deserves to be included in theNBA 2Kroster.
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Wallace was actually considered to be added to NBA 2K24’s roster at one point. However, when 2K Games approached him about it, he turned down their offer, feeling that$10,000 dollars was not enough compensation to use his likeness. As long as Wallace is paid fairly, it only seems right that he should be added to the roster if a deal works out between him and 2K Games.
7John Wall (#2)
All-Time Washington Wizards
NBA 2K25is thefirst game in the franchise without John Wallbeing a playable character, meaning that a fan favorite has now disappeared from the franchise. Known for his amazing agility and playmaking skills, he last had an overall rating of 90, making him a very useful asset on the court in many regards. Wall was a staple of theNBA 2Kfranchise, but his likeness can now no longer be utilized after his retirement.
Removing Wall means that Bradley Beal is now left without his iconic duo partner, thereby removing the great dynamic the two often shared together.
Wall’s removal from the roster is especially a shame since the game’sEras Mode features the Washington Wizards at their prime. Furthermore, removing Wall means that Bradley Beal is now left without his iconic duo partner, thereby removing the great dynamic the two often shared together.
6Tayshaun Prince (#22)
Another iconic member of the Pistons, much like Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, also deserves to be included inNBA 2K25. He played alongside Wallace, helping the Pistons win the championship in 2003.He was most notable for his effective defensive tactics against Kobe Bryant, which were said to have been a major factor in that victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Unfortunately,Prince has yet to come to an agreement with 2K Games regarding the ability to use his likeness in the franchise, making him another notable member of an iconic team that is missing from the roster. It only feels right that he should be recognized and honored by being included.
5Reggie Miller (#31)
All-Time Indiana Pacers
A legendary Hall of Fame member, Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers has shockingly yet to be added to anyNBA 2Kgame. Although he never received a championship ring, he held the record forthe most three-point field goals made in a single career, until players like Ray Allen and Steph Curry eventually surpassed him. Regardless, he is an iconic NBA player whose accomplishments make him deserving of being added to the game’s roster.
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However, 2K Games has never been able to acquire the rights to use Reggie Miller’s likeness due toissues regarding proper compensation. Only time will tell if a deal can be reached between the two parties, but until then, there are many who hope that Miller can make an appearance in a future installment of theNBA 2Kfranchise.
4Andre Iguodala (#9)
2015 Golden State Warriors
Andre Iguodala has been another mainstay in theNBA 2Kfranchise, and this version of him is from his 2015-2016 season when he played with the Golden State Warriors. He is best known forwinning four NBA championshipswith the Golden State Warriors, which is a very impressive feat. He was also named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 2015, so his spot in theNBA 2Kroster is clearly well-deserved.
He was also named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 2015, so his spot in the NBA 2K roster is clearly well-deserved.
His retirement has since led to him being dropped from the franchise, though there has been a push for his return due to his attributes. Iguodala has beenprimarily known for his great defensive tactics, making him a very useful defensive player for teams in previous iterations of the game.
3Blake Griffin (#32)
2013 Los Angeles Clippers
An iconic member of the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2013-2014 season,Blake Griffin has been a standout in theNBA 2Kfranchiseyet is missing from2K25. He had an overall rating of 90, with his best attributes being scoring, playmaking, and athleticism, as well as 22 badges, making him a formidable and very skilled opponent on the court.
After his retirement in 2024, 2K Games has been unable to utilize his likeness.Despite this, many have felt that the Los Angeles Clippers team is no longer the same without Griffin’s presenceand are eagerly awaiting for his return to the franchise.
2Charles Barkley (#34)
All-Time Phoenix Suns
As one of the greatest players in NBA history, Charles Barkley deserves to appear inNBA 2K.He was primarily known for playing with the Phoenix Suns, leading them all the way to the championships in 1993. His legacy is undeniable, and many have called for him to be added to the roster to join the ranks of fellow iconic players.
Unfortunately, much like with Reggie Miller, Charles Barkleyhas yet to reach an agreement with 2K Gamesregarding the rights to use his likeness. Barkley felt that he and other retired NBA players were not being compensated fairly by 2K Games, so until both sides are able to reach a mutual agreement regarding payments, it seems unlikely that this star player will be available inNBA2K25’s roster.
1Bill Russel (#6)
All-Time Boston Celtics
An iconic basketball legend, Bill Russel’s absence from theNBA 2K25roster is one that shocked many. He was primarily known forleading the Boston Celtics to eleven championships across thirteen seasons, which is an incredible feat that one can’t help but admire. Out of all the currently missing players, Bill Russel had the highest rating of 98, mainly due to his impressive defense and scoring capabilities.
After his death, 2K Games unfortunately lost the rights to use his likeness afterNBA 2K24. However,bringing him back would be a true way to honor his legacyand to relive many iconic moments from when this incredible legend was in his prime. With the franchise taking advantage of its Eras Mode to revisit major rivalries and championships, finding a way to bring back Bill Russel seems like the best option for the future ofNBA 2K25.
