https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-2k19-cover-star-unveiled-and-its-a-series-firs/1100-6460132/

NBA 2K19 will feature its first international star on the cover of the standard version. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, who earned the nickname "the Greek Freak" for his country of origin and his preternatural basketball skills, will be this year's standard featured player. Pre-ordering the standard edition also gets his Sapphire MyTeam card, 10 more MyTeam packs, and 5,000 in virtual currency. [Update: In another series first, Australia will get its own unique cover.]

Antetokounmpo was the first player to finish in the top 20 for total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. He also quickly earned honors like All-Rookie Second Team, NBA All-Defensive Second Team, All-NBA Second Team, and Most Improved Player. Similar to the 20th Anniversary cover featuring LeBron James, the cover sports phrases that are significant to Antetokounmpo's life, like "Father's Legacy," "Athens," and "Phenom."