After the passing of Bill Russell, we're thinking that the best way to honor him in NBA 2K23 MyTEAM would be a tribute card.
Last year, the Season 1 Level 40 reward was a Pink Diamond card, something like this could be great as a tribute.
We have a few other ideas as well, so let's take a look at some potential ways that 2K can showcase him.
Bill Russell Tribute for NBA 2K23 MyTEAM
There are many ways to pay respects to the late Bill Russell. However, in NBA 2K23 MyTEAM, there are some specific ways to make his impact in the NBA known.
For those of you that don't know Bill Russell is an 11× NBA champion, 5× NBA Most Valuable Player, 12× NBA All-Star, and an NBA All-Star Game MVP.
With Season 1 of NBA 2K23 MyTEAM likely being revealed soon, the first thing we thought of is that Bill Russell could be the Level 40 reward.
Last season, the Level 40 reward was a Pink Diamond 96 OVR Carmelo Anthony, the team could do the same with Bill Russell.
If not, we have another idea on what they can do for a Russell tribute.
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Free Agent card to kick off Level 1
Another reward that is often handed out in MyTEAM is the Free Agent card, allowing you the chance to use a highly-graded card for a few games.
Last year, the game kicked off with Free Agent Kobe Bryant who passed away in January of 2020. Something similar could be done in NBA 2K23 MyTEAM.
Something simple to kick off Season1 would be great and would honor one of the most decorated players in NBA history.
We also have an idea for some Challenges and Agendas that players can complete in Season 1 of NBA 2K23 MyTEAM.
Bill Russell Challenges & Agenda
With a name that set several NBA records, there are a few Skill Challenges and Agendas that could be themed around Bill Russell.
NBA 2K23 MyTEAM could base this Agenda off of his (in our opinion) top three performances. Each of these performances was in the NBA Finals.
Here's is how we'd break it down:
- 1957 NBA Finals Game 7: Boston Celtics vs. St. Louis Hawks
- Play as the 22-year-old Bill Russell who won his first NBA Championship in 1957.
- Set the Rookie record for rebounds in a game (32)
- Play as the 22-year-old Bill Russell who won his first NBA Championship in 1957.
- 1962 NBA Finals Game 7: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Win another NBA Finals Championship as Bill Russell who finished with 30 points and 40 rebounds.
- Grab 19 rebounds in the fourth quarter of the game.
- Win another NBA Finals Championship as Bill Russell who finished with 30 points and 40 rebounds.
- 1969 NBA Finals Game 7: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Complete the final championship of the Bill Russell era and take down the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7. Russell coached the Boston Celtics and was the first African-American coach to win an NBA title.
- Win with the Boston Celtics
- Complete the final championship of the Bill Russell era and take down the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7. Russell coached the Boston Celtics and was the first African-American coach to win an NBA title.
We're sure that NBA 2K23 MyTEAM has their own way of honoring Bill Russell but hopefully we'll see something like this when the game releases.