NBA 2K26: Every Legend Missing And Why They’re Not in the Game From Charles Barkley to Bill Russell, several NBA icons are still absent from NBA 2K26. Here’s why these legends haven’t made their return to the hardwood

NBA 2K26 is once again packed with basketball icons, from Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to Shaquille O’Neal and Magic Johnson. Classic teams, MyTeam lineups, and all-time rosters give players the chance to rewrite NBA history — but a handful of legends remain on the sidelines.

While some returning stars like Chris Webber, Blake Griffin, and John Wall are back after sitting out last year’s game, others are still missing entirely. Here’s a look at the key legends who didn’t sign on for NBA 2K26 and the reasons why.

🧱 Charles Barkley

Arguably the most notable omission, Charles Barkley has famously refused to appear in any NBA 2K title.

The Hall of Famer and TNT personality has long criticized the series for not fairly compensating retired players. Barkley insists he won’t agree to be featured until the NBA players’ union and veteran retirees receive a larger cut of the game’s profits.

His stance has remained unchanged for years — and as a result, fans can’t use one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.

🎯 Reggie Miller

Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Reggie Miller shares similar views to Barkley. The five-time All-Star revolutionized the art of three-point shooting and remains one of the best clutch performers of all time — yet he’s never been featured in NBA 2K.

Miller believes older players deserve greater financial respect from the franchise, arguing that their contributions to the league helped shape the very legends and moments that 2K continues to monetize.

Without Miller, the all-time Pacers roster remains noticeably incomplete.

🏆 Bill Russell

Perhaps the most glaring historic absence is Bill Russell, the 11-time NBA champion and one of basketball’s greatest winners.

Russell’s likeness was included in NBA 2K for years until the licensing agreement expired prior to NBA 2K25. Following his passing in 2022, control over his image now rests with his estate — and no new deal has been reached as of NBA 2K26.

While details remain private, financial negotiations are believed to be the main reason behind his continued absence from the all-time Celtics roster.

⚡ Andre Iguodala

A staple of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, Andre Iguodala has also been missing from NBA 2K for two consecutive releases.

Classic Warriors teams from 2016 and 2017 appear in NBA 2K26, but Iguodala’s absence leaves those rosters incomplete. Reports suggest he declined the licensing offer for personal or financial reasons.

Fans hoping to recreate the 2015 Finals MVP’s defensive dominance will have to wait until a new deal brings him back.

🔥 Rasheed Wallace

Known for his intensity and versatility, Rasheed Wallace remains one of the most underrated players of the 2000s — and one of the biggest missing names in NBA 2K26.

Wallace, who played pivotal roles with both the Portland Trail Blazers and Detroit Pistons, revealed in an interview with Gilbert Arenas that he turned down 2K’s offer of $10,000 for his likeness, calling it too low for his career’s value.

Without him, both the 2000 Blazers and 2004 Pistons classic teams feel incomplete.

🧩 Other Missing Players

A few other recognizable names are also absent from NBA 2K26 due to similar contract or financial disputes:

Tayshaun Prince – missing from the 2004 Pistons roster
Lamar Odom – absent from Lakers all-time rosters
Gus Williams – not featured on classic Sonics teams
Jalen Rose – missing from multiple all-time lineups

While 2K remains the industry leader for historical accuracy, these absences still leave noticeable gaps across several classic rosters.

🏁 Final Thoughts

NBA 2K26 continues to deliver an authentic basketball experience with a massive lineup of current and past stars — but it’s clear that licensing challenges remain.

Whether it’s financial disagreements or estate negotiations, these missing legends remind fans of the complicated business behind bringing history to life in a modern sports game.

Until those deals are struck, players will just have to imagine what it’d be like to see Barkley dunking on defenders or Miller draining threes in 2K26.