Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson Are NBA 2K12 Cover Athletes

Michael Jordan, NBA 2K11 cover athlete, will be featured on the cover of this year's installment as well. He'll split duties with two other basketball legends: Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

Rather than have them riding a three-seater bicycle together, 2K opted to put each athlete on their own separate cover. PS3 and Xbox 360 owners will be able to pick up any of the three. The Bird and Johnson covers will be available in only limited quantities, though. The box art can be found below.

"Bringing Michael Jordan to the virtual hardwood last year was a huge success for NBA 2K11; however, we didn't want to stop there," said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. "We're bringing 'His Airness' back to the NBA 2K franchise as part of a multi-year extended partnership, along with two other legendary icons - Larry Bird and Magic Johnson - for a special cover athlete collection representing the NBA's greatest heroes."

The stylized cover art was made by Adam Larson of creative studio Adam&Co. Larson has produced art featured in magazines, galleries, and advertising campaigns. He's racked up Kelly Awards, Cannes Lions, and Clio Awards for his work.

NBA 2K12 is available for pre-order at retailers throughout the nation. It will be released on October 4th for PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC.

Pete Haas

Staff Writer at CinemaBlend.