New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been tabbed as one of three cover athletes for "NBA 2K21." Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Zion Williamson on being 'NBA 2K21' cover athlete: 'It's a dream come true'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/1/20

Zion Williamson is going to become one of the best players in the NBA, and one video game company has recognized that.

The New Orleans Pelicans star was announced as the "NBA 2K21" Next Gen cover athlete on Wednesday, and a pretty incredible video went along with the announcement.

The Next Generation ⚡ #NBA2K21 pic.twitter.com/jyxozDracL
— NBA 2K21 (@NBA2K) July 1, 2020

The future is here @ZionWilliamson is our Cover Athlete for Next Gen #NBA2K21

Pre-orders begin July 2nd pic.twitter.com/HCbHEOZUfL
— NBA 2K21 (@NBA2K) July 1, 2020

Williamson was pretty excited about being selected for the NBA 2K21 cover as it has always been a dream of his.

"It's one of those emotions I'm still processing," Williamson told The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears in a video interview, according to ESPN. "It's a dream come true. At those AAU tournaments, you're looking at the cover thinking 'That's gonna be me.' For it to happen that fast, it's a huge honor."

The 19-year-old joins Damian Lillard, who will be on the cover of the "NBA 2K21" Current Gen edition. Lillard will become the first-ever Portland Trail Blazer to be on the cover of the 2K franchise.

Williamson becomes the third player from the New Orleans organization to grace the "NBA 2K" cover. Chris Paul did so in "2K8" and Anthony Davis got the cover in "2K13."

The final cover athlete will be announced on Thursday.

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