: Jackson Ellis , a scripted antagonist who taunts you in the tunnel before games.

The "story" in these games primarily exists within the mode, which underwent a radical shift in tone and scope. NBA 2K14: The Foundation

: You play as "DJ," a former streetballer returning to the NBA.

The transition from to NBA 2K18 marks the most transformative era in the franchise's history. This period saw the series evolve from a pure basketball simulation into a massive cinematic RPG, while simultaneously shifting towards a controversial microtransaction-heavy "live service" model.