Michael B. Jordan stars alongside you in NBA 2K17’s MyCareer mode

NBA 2K17’s MyCareer mode is very different from the Spike Lee-scripted shenanigans of "Livin’ Da Dream" in NBA 2K16, but 2K Sports is continuing to bring in Hollywood star power. This time around, the mode will pair you with actor Michael B. Jordan in a storyline that focuses on friendship, 2K Sports announced today.

Jordan, 29, is one of the film industry’s hottest young talents, coming off a franchise-reviving turn in the latest Rocky film, last year’s Creed. He’s set to reunite with Creed director Ryan Coogler for Marvel’s Black Panther, in which he will star as the supervillain Erik Killmonger. You may also recognize him from his breakout role in 2013’s Fruitvale Station, as well as his work on the beloved television shows The Wire and Friday Night Lights.

"I’m humbled at the opportunity to help influence a franchise that I’ve been a passionate fan of since its first release," said Jordan in a news release. In addition to lending his voice to NBA 2K17, Jordan did motion-capture work for the game.

Must Read

NBA 2K17 wants to give you the tools to stop Steph Curry

This year’s MyCareer mode also features other recognizable actors, including Matt Walsh (Veep) as Hemsley Adson, your college coach, and comedian Hannibal Buress (Broad City) as a barber named Ice. The storyline was directed by Aaron Covington, who co-wrote Creed with Coogler.

Jordan plays the role of Justice Young, who is — like your created character — an up-and-coming NBA athlete. He’s the Klay to your Steph: half of a teammate duo that rises through the ranks together. The two of you are dubbed "Orange Juice," and in the game, Orange Juice represents the chemistry between you. It also has an effect on the court.

"When the two of you are locked in, you have the opportunity to utilize dual player controls for the first time ever in MyCareer," said senior producer Ben Bishop in a blog post. "Not only can you tell Justice to do things like cut to the basket, take a shot, or isolate, you can also switch over and control him entirely."

MyCareer in NBA 2K17 sounds like the antidote to last year’s "Livin’ Da Dream," and that’s what Visual Concepts intended, according to Bishop.

"This year, we wanted to bring the emphasis back on the court to the game of basketball, and with a much more dynamic and interactive story element," said Bishop.

For more on MyCareer in NBA 2K17, check out the screenshots below. NBA 2K17 launches Sept. 20 on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. This year, for the first time, interested parties will be able to play the opening of MyCareer for free, starting Sept. 9.

Grid View