Magic Gaming got a step closer to its first game. They drafted their team of six players during the NBA 2K League draft, starting with a Florida-born guard.
There are still snickers among some basketball fans and observers whenever the idea of the NBA 2K League gets mentioned. The idea of playing video games professionally is still a foreign subject to many — especially those who skew older. That is even to some inside the NBA.
Before Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, coach Frank Vogel joked he would not even know how to shoot (that would be the right thumbstick, although, I agree that can be complicated) or pass (the ‘A’ button on XBox One).
The NBA is all in on this though. They see the future potential of this business and this league. The older generation may not take this seriously, but the younger generation does. Video games are a part of their life and a form of major entertainment — not just as participants, but as watchers.
While some snicker, the world is quite literally watching the NBA 2K League.
And the NBA is certainly watching too. NBA commissioner Adam Silver called the NBA 2K League the NBA’s fourth league before he announced the top pick in the NBA 2K League draft Wednesday.
NBA meet eSports. eSports meet the NBA.
Magic Gaming got closer to reality Wednesday as the league drafted its team of six players to compete in this May’s NBA 2K League. Picking from a player pool of 102 players selected through an extensive tryout process that took place inside NBA 2K18, Magic Gaming has taken shape.
https://twitter.com/MagicGaming/status/981708227875364869
The first round pick? Jacksonville native Christopher Cantrell, aka KontruL. He was taken with the eighth overall pick in the draft, hoping to anchor the team as its point guard.
They added plenty of other players known online and in 2K for their gaming exploits. Each player the team drafted comes with his own play style, attributes and personality. Magic Gaming, led by Ryan DeVos and Chris Toussaint, were doing their best not only to find the best players but put an actual team together.
The only thing that is not real about this league is where the players play. Everything else will mimic an actual basketball game.
The games should play out like a real basketball game… just played virtually.
With the 8th pick in the inaugural @NBA2KLeague draft @MagicGaming select Christopher Cantrell aka KontruL. Welcome to Orlando @KontruL. pic.twitter.com/TxrwLJNu8P
— Magic Gaming (@MagicGaming) April 4, 2018
For those unfamiliar with the game. Players created avatars in the game’s MyPlayer mode and competed against other online players, building up their skills. They control only their player in five-on-five games.
They are playing a full team game with each player controlling only one avatar on the court at a time. This is not playing with a regular team. No one is playing as the Orlando Magic. These are all independent and unique players.
Each MyPlayer avatar has its own unique skills and attributes. The player designs what kind of player he (there was only one girl in the player pool, she went undrafted) wants to be. It is still up to the team to mesh together.
Magic Gaming went with a point guard who can score and distribute with their first pick. As this scouting report from NBA 2K17 shows, Cantwell has built a strong reputation as a player. One worthy of a first round pick:
As you can see, NBA 2K competitions have been going on for some time. The NBA is now putting its full weight behind it to create this league.
That includes salary and health benefits. And the salary is reportedly very generous for the six months they will spend in Orlando playing this league.
The Magic’s full roster is here:
https://twitter.com/MagicGaming/status/981701070111035392
The draft itself was quite the production. Adam Silver was on hand to announce the first pick. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN broke the first pick early. There was a full analysis panel breaking down the picks. The players got hats like they would if they were in the NBA Draft.
The NBA wants everyone to know this is a real league with the NBA’s full weight behind it. And considering the money the players will make for their six months with the teams, it has real consequences for a lot of players.
They came from all walks of life and many quit their jobs to pursue what was once a hobby full time. And now they can thank the NBA’s full investment.
What impressed me most about today’s @NBA2KLeague Draft? The stories. I met factory workers, custodians, security guards, TSA agents, technicians, cashiers, waiters, truck drivers, etc. who went into work this month & told their bosses they’re quitting to play @NBA2K for a living
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) April 5, 2018
The players will make their way to Orlando to live in the City Beautiful for the next six months. They will train and practice together at the Magic Gaming’s practice facility within the RDV Sportsplex in Maitland.
Games will start in May and last into August.
From there, the NBA will surely see exactly how things work out and begin refining their process and their league. They are fully invested in seeing this thing succeed.
With the success of eSports in general — selling out stadiums and drawing thousands of views online to watch top players compete — the NBA is getting its piece of the pie. Especially considering the success and ubiquity of NBA 2K in the league’s culture.
When the games do tip off, it will be like watching a regular basketball game. The players will work together as they control their avatars just as a team would.
Next: NBA 2K League getting closer to reality
There may still be some snickers about a video game league. The idea is not foreign to this new generation. And their time has finally arrived.