Three cover athletes appeared on the standard edition of NBA 2K16. The three were Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry, and James Harden, with retail copies distributed using one of their three cover designs.
NBA 2K16 made the arrangement especially noticeable because the standard game did not have one universal cover image. Buyers received a randomly distributed cover featuring one of the three players, while a foldable insert included the other cover art so players could effectively choose their preferred design.
The three athletes represented different NBA teams: Davis was with the New Orleans Pelicans, Curry with the Golden State Warriors, and Harden with the Houston Rockets. Their selection reflected the game’s emphasis on contemporary stars rather than a single franchise icon.
Michael Jordan appeared on the special edition, so he is not counted among the standard-edition cover athletes. Regional releases also added players such as Tony Parker, Dennis Schröder, and the Gasol brothers, which can make the total seem larger. The question’s wording is therefore important: it asks about the standard edition, not every regional or special cover.