Warriors draft Chiquita Evans, first woman into NBA 2K League
By Simon Hannig
The Golden State Warriors make history on the gaming side. The Warriors during NBA 2K League draft Tuesday night drafted the first woman ever, Chiquita Evans, into the NBA 2K League.
The Warriors once again break down barriers in the sports world by drafting Chiquita Evans in the fourth round of the NBA 2K league. The Warriors affiliate team will play in an online basketball league along with every other NBA team in the league.
The benefits of being in this league are phenomenal. Players get to live in a big house together and practice with the team daily. At the end of the season, they compete in a tournament for a big prize.
"Evans was one of two women who qualified for the 2K League draft this year through the league’s online combine. The other, Brianna Novin, was not selected but could still sign as a free agent. The NBA runs the league in coordination with 2K game publisher Take-Two Interactive, and it did not have any women for its inaugural season."
Steve Kerr and superstar Kevin Durant took the time to discuss the announcement of the Warriors drafting Evans.
"“I think that’s really cool that she’s passionate and inspired and broke a barrier,” Kerr said. “That’s awesome.”"
Durant talks about the opportunity eSports players get.
"“Esports has become a huge thing now,” said Kevin Durant, Evans’ favorite player. “More people who enjoy the game might get an opportunity to be professionals and make some money for themselves … I think it’s cool.”"
One thing Evans wants to do is get into a shooting competition with superstar Stephen Curry. Both are known for their excellent shooting abilities.
"“I’m going to see if I can do a real-life shooting competition with (Stephen) Curry,” Evans said. “That’s what I was known for. See if I can shoot with the best.”"
This is a pretty awesome moment, especially for Evans. She gets to see her dreams come true and will do whatever the team wants her to do. She’s going to make the gaming community proud with the hard work she will be putting for the upcoming season for Warriors Gaming.
The impact that video games such as NBA2K have had on the sport as a whole is truly remarkable. This game is a way of bringing the entire community together and opens up the door for conversation everywhere.
Believe it or not, there are many kids out there who probably watch E-Sports more than they watch actual sports. For the younger generation, these online video game leagues are a big deal.
That is why the fact that the Warriors have elected to draft the first woman player into the league is a gigantic moment. Equality is something that is encouraged throughout the NBA. There is a reason the NBA is seen as the most progressive sports league and they continue to prove themselves as pioneers.
The future of E-Sports will be important to watch as little things like this help break down barriers for bigger changes. This move by the Warriors will hopefully have a domino effect as more women gain respect in the sports world.