Which Current Basketball Players Are the Best Known Online Gamers?
If you think that NBA players are done competing after they finish a basketball game, think again. Many among them use their free time to play video games at a quite serious level, translating their work ethic and attention to detail into high scores. In fact, there are numerous ballplayers who are actively a part of the eSports scene and who regularly share some of their gaming exploits with fans online.
You probably know these NBA stars, but did you know they are skilled gamers in addition to virtuosos on the hardwood? Let's run down the ‘who is who' list among basketball players turned online gamers and explain which games are the most popular among pro athletes.
- Paul George
On top of his stellar career that includes 9 All Star appearance and a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics, the 15-year veteran has a lively presence online. He runs his own podcast where he talks primarily about basketball, but also frequently streams his Call of Duty sessions. As a widely respected veteran with huge following among fans, PG-13 (as George is known in NBA circles) has certainly done a lot to promote the culture of competitive gaming among younger players.
- Joel Embiid
The Cameroonian-born center and former MVP is famous for his colorful personality and persistent online trolling. But not everyone is aware that Embiid's competitive nature also makes him an avid player of video games. His favorites are sports simulations, but since he grew up playing soccer he is just as prolific with FIFA/EA Sports FC as he is with NBA 2K. Sadly, Embiid might be spending more time on the virtual court than the real one in the near future, as he is currently working his way back from a serious knee injury that required surgery.
- Devin Booker
General consensus around the NBA is that the Phoenix Suns star is a special talent, as evidenced by his role in the gold medal winning effort at the 2024 Olympics. His transcendent abilities extend to gaming, as Booker has the reputation of one of the best Call of Duty players currently in the NBA. Booker sometimes goes to Twitch to stream his exploits, providing a great opportunity for his fans to get to know him in a different setting than a basketball arena.
- Anthony Davis
Few players have compiled a collection of accolades to match Davis, who is an NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and 10 All Star selections. All of that is apparently not enough for the Dallas Mavericks power forward, so he spends his off time trying to become the best at virtual basketball. Davis is considered to be the most fearsome NBA 2K player, and he challenges any of his teammates to prove him wrong while they are resting after practice. He is also known to dabble in Grand Theft Auto from time to time.
- Jamal Murray
On the basketball court, Murray is a fearless player who is always prepared to try a risky dribble move or take a shot with a high degree of difficulty. Off the court, the Canadian-born guard is drawn towards a different type of challenge, so instead of passion for casino online slots he has an eclectic taste in online games. He passed the time while rehabilitating from injury by playing Call of Duty, and by his own admission it helped him greatly to maintain his focus and dedication during this difficult period.
- Karl-Anthony Towns
The man popularly known as KAT is another NBA star who takes Call of Duty very seriously. He has been playing games from that franchise since his teenage days, and nothing changed with his rise to basketball glory that included 5 trips to the All Star game. Towns still plays COD whenever he finds some time on his busy schedule and occasionally appears at live events. The starting center for the New York Knicks also enjoys other battle royale games, such as Fortnite.
- Ben Simmons
Some people believe that Simmons might be the best gamer among current NBA players. The Australian phenom is a versatile basketball player who can spot at any position, and his taste for games is equally broad. Simmons is on the record professing his love for shooters like Counter-Strike, Resistance, and Call of Duty, and he admits trying Fortnite as well. While his NBA career was derailed by injuries leading him to accept a lesser role with Los Angeles Clippers, his online gaming skills only seem to be improving.
- De'Aaron Fox
This crafty point guard is considered to be among the fastest people in the league. He also has a claim to the title of ‘top NBA gamer', and he is not shy to show off his skills whenever he gets the chance. His love for gaming is well documented since his rookie year, and has only grown as he rounded out into one of the best NBA scorers. Some of his favorite titles include Fortnite and Dragon Ball Z, but Fox is always ready to try something new. After moving to San Antonio Spurs during the season, he might use games to bond with his young teammates.