Underneath the NBA umbrella, there are several subcultures that exist. One of those is the NBA 2K world. The yearly video game has caught the attention of younger basketball fans. It’s the perfect way to blend their love of sports and video games.

We’ve reached the point where NBA players grew up religiously playing NBA 2K. Ignoring most criticism, you always see younger players call out Ronnie 2K because they’re not a fan of their rating.

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NBA 2K26 saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as its protagonist. He was this year’s cover athlete after he had one of the greatest individual seasons ever. He won the MVP award and brought home a championship ring. One of the best age-old questions that surrounds the game is your ideal starting lineup.

Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero recently tackled the question. Both are young enough that they likely grew up as NBA 2K sickos. And considering their answers, they removed all doubt. Holmgren listed out his starting five and even appointed a Sixth Man.

“Probably ’18 Harden. You gotta put either ’93 or ’96 Jordan on there. You got to put like ’06 Kobe,” Holmgren said. “One of the Bron’s. Probably 2016 Steph and 2014 KD.”

When Banchero told Holmgren that those are six names, the NBA champion went back and put one of the players on the bench. He went with a scoring punch and a former Sixth Man of the Year winner.

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“I got Harden off the bench then,” Holmgren said. “In 2K18”

That’s a pretty solid starting lineup. You have the two players most associated with the GOAT debate in James and Jordan. You have another player who defined the 2000s with Bryant. And then Durant and Curry were two of three players mostly known for their 2010s.

While there’s no traditional center, James can easily slide into that spot. That’s a strong combination of players with all-time skills and shooting. A lack of size is something they can easily overcome based on sheer basketball talent.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Chet Holmgren reveals NBA 2K all-time starting lineup