Sabrina B. & TatWza

The game, which shipped five million units in its last incarnation, previously featured Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan in a triptych of covers individually released with one legend per cover. This year’s model will feature three stars on the cover at once, and the game will be released both domestically and worldwide in the first week of October.

Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, and Derrick Rose will grace the cover of NBA 2K13, as announced on Tuesday.

Via press release, here are the cover athletes’ take on the news:

“Being crowned as one of the NBA 2K13 cover athletes is a great way to cap off what has been an amazing season,” said Durant, who won his third straight scoring title and led the Thunder franchise to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1996. “It’s humbling to grace the cover after the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.”

“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,” added Griffin, who helped lead the Clippers to their first postseason since 2006. “The NBA 2K series has always been my first choice when I want to get a game in.”

“It’s a dream come true to be one of the cover athletes for NBA 2K13,” commented Rose, the 2010-11 NBA Most Valuable Player, who led the Bulls to a league-best 50-16 record this season. “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.”

WRITTEN BY Kelly Dwyer | Ball Don’t Lie & FULL STORY HERE