Video game publisher EA hasn’t put out an NBA Live game since 2009. NBA Live 13 was to have been released last year, but was abruptly cancelled in September. Despite EA Sports‘ lack of NBA titles over the past few years, the publisher is still insisting that NBA Live 14 will hit next-generation consoles this fall.
In a sign that suggests the game actually is on the way, EA announced today that Kyrie Irving will be the cover athlete for NBA Live 14.
“I’m so proud to be the face of this franchise as it makes its much-anticipated return,” Irving said. “I’ve been on the court with the development team and I’ve seen first-hand some of the amazing things EA Sports is doing with NBA Live 14. The fans are going to love it.”
Irving was the overall first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. During his short career for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving was named the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year and a 2013 NBA All-Star.
In addition to the announcement, EA has released a short teaser trailer featuring Irving. The trailer claims to show “actual in-game footage” from NBA Live 14. Though the graphics on the digital Irving look nice, the synchronized audience clapping in the background suggests there may still be work to be done on the next-gen title.