NBA 2K24, the latest installment of the popular basketball video game series, has been making headlines for more than just its gameplay. Recently, some gamers have claimed that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey, who is under NBA investigation for allegations of an improper relationship with a minor, has been removed from some parts of the game.
Why are Some Gamers Alleging that Josh Giddey Was Removed from NBA 2K Game Modes?
According to some posts on Reddit, Giddey’s NPC (non-player character) is no longer visible at the streetball court in The City, where he used to hang out with his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The streetball court is a new feature in NBA 2K24 that allows players to challenge various teams and bosses in 3v3 games in a lively environment.
Some gamers also reported that the Overdrive quest, which is a badge perk that boosts the badge level progression of players, now makes them meet up with Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell instead of Giddey. The Overdrive quest is unlocked by talking to Giddey at The Point after reaching silver level with multiple badges.
These changes have sparked a debate on social media, where fans are wondering whether they are a glitch, a coincidence, or a deliberate decision by 2K Games, the developer and publisher of NBA 2K24, to distance themselves from Giddey amid the allegations.
2K Games has not officially commented on the matter, nor has it confirmed or denied the removal of Giddey from the game.
Some fans have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the alleged removal of Giddey from the NBA 2K24 modes since the allegations haven’t been proven, while others have supported the move and called for more accountability from the NBA and the Thunder.
Take a look at one of the reddit posts about the alleged change.
The Rumors His Removal From NBA 2K24 Come Right After Josh Giddey Got Booed Every Time He Touched the Ball
Giddey, who was the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, has declined to comment on the allegations, saying that he has “no further comment right now”. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has called it a “personal matter” and said he has “no comment on it”. With a very sensitive matter like this, everyone seems to being very careful not to speak publicly since the allegations have not been proven.
Fans around the NBA have reacted with much emotions. During Thunder’s last game against the Timberwolves they booed Josh Giddey every time he touched the ball. The crowd would literally boo until he passed the ball, no matter how long he held onto the rock. The rumors about him being removed from some NBA 2K24 game modes started popping up a few hours after the game below.
It’s possible Josh Giddey has become NBA’s most hated player in the span of a few days, and the allegations haven’t even been proven.
The NBA Investigation
The NBA, on the other hand, has announced that it is looking into the allegations of Giddey’s involvement in an improper relationship with a minor, which emerged via social media on Nov 22. The league has not revealed any details or timeline of the investigation, nor has it announced any disciplinary action against Giddey.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NBA and its players’ association does not explicitly address improper relationships with minors, but it does state that the commissioner may place a player on administrative leave with pay while an investigation is pending.
As of now, Giddey is still active on the Thunder roster and is expected to play in their next game. Whether he will remain in NBA 2K24 or not remains to be seen.
