Kings Guard Gaming Names Basketball Icon Shaquille O’Neal as General Manager

Basketball Hall of Famer, Broadcaster to Provide Draft and Player Support for NBA 2K League esports Team

Today, Kings Guard Gaming announced NBA Icon, 2K Legend and three-time cover player, broadcaster and Sacramento Kings minority owner Shaquille O’Neal has been named General Manager of Kings Guard Gaming. In this role, he will provide valuable basketball counsel as the team assembles its roster and evaluates the 102 players available in the upcoming draft.

“I’m looking forward to my role with Kings Guard,” said newly appointed Kings Guard GM Shaquille O’Neal. “Just like I dominated the hardwood, music industry, showbiz, nicknames and broadcasting, I plan to help build the most dominant 2K franchise in history.”

“We’re excited to have one of the biggest icons in basketball serve as a guiding voice for our first NBA 2K League team,” said Sacramento Kings CTO and head of esports Ryan Montoya. “Shaq’s global appeal combined with his knowledge and passion for the game will be invaluable as we work to build a team of elite gamers who are passionate and competitive team players.”

Kings Guard draft preparation began as the NBA 2K League finished its combine in January. To assist with the first-ever 2K League draft, the team has incorporated artificial intelligence and other innovations that examine player data sets, support from Sacramento Kings Vice President of Strategy and Analytics Luke Bornn, and additional basketball council from Shaq and gaming experts. In the coming weeks, Kings Guard will announce additional performance and human optimization staff who will support the team’s growth and development.

On April 4, Kings Guard will select fourth in the first round of the NBA 2K League inaugural draft. The team will select six players, who will move to Sacramento in the coming weeks. Players will have full access to the world’s first esports training facility and content studio housed inside of a pro sports venue, as well the same world-class care and treatment as the NBA athletes located steps away from the NBA’s most-advanced practice facility.