2K Sports announced their next trio of cover athletes for the upcoming game, NBA 2K13: Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) and Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers).

Each player had their own thoughts on being picked. I shall start with Kevin Durant:

Being crowned as one of the NBA 2K13 cover athletes is a huge honor and something I always dreamt about. It’s definitely humbling to grace the cover after the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.

Blake Griffin:

There’s so much young talent around the NBA, so it’s very exciting to be chosen for NBA 2K’s ‘New Dynasty’ alongside Kevin and Derrick. The NBA 2K series has always been my first choice when I want to get a game in.

Derrick Rose:

It’s a dream come true to be one of the cover athletes for NBA 2K13. I’ve worked closely with 2K Sports since NBA 2K10, and I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of Michael Jordan as the latest Chicago Bull to be featured on the cover.

Jason Argent, the vice president of marketing for 2K Sports, also had this to say about the three new picks for cover athlete:

There are many young superstars in today’s NBA, but we’ve selected three incredible athletes for the cover of NBA 2K13 that represent the NBA well. It’s clear to us that Blake, Derrick and Kevin are the most deserving guys to inherit the NBA 2K cover from Jordan, Magic and Bird.

NBA 2K13 will be available in North America on October 2nd, 2012 and internationally on October 5th. The Wii U version will be available for purchase during the holiday season when the Wii U hits the market. Pre-order bonuses are also under way, including a free DLC NBA All-Star package.