'NBA 2K17' release news update: National teams may be featured in upcoming game

To say that there is high anticipation for the release of "NBA 2K17" is an understatement. Easily one of the most popular gaming titles in history, it brings basketball simulation of the best league in the world to users' gaming consoles.

And while the gameplay and graphics continue to amaze players, developer 2K Games may still be coming out with more things to capture everyone's attention.

According to iTech Post, the new game will feature national teams participating in the coming Olympics, giving users the chance to play the teams representing their countries and even play as Team USA.

The first speculation on this comes from the newest game cover itself, with Paul George shown in three different photos, one of which shows him wearing the USA uniform.

IGN also reported that the Australian national basketball team will make its way to the simulation game.

According to the outlet, Basketball Australia CEO Anthony Moore expressed his delight about their team being part of the upcoming game. He said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be part of NBA 2K17. We jumped at the chance to have our Australian Boomers in the game, and now Australian gamers can take on the world with Patty Mills, Matthew Dellavedova and Andrew Bogut together in the green and gold."

Along with the names listed, other players like David Andersen, Cameron Bairstow, Dante Exum, Joe Ingles, Kevin Lisch and Brock Motum are also part of the Australian line-up.

Moore went on to say, "It's great to see 2K recognizing our nation's growing impact on the sport with the inclusion of Team Australia in NBA 2K17."

With Australia on board, it is expected that other national teams are also set to make an appearance.

This will only show that basketball is indeed an international game, with NBA's top stars representing their respective countries.

The addition of national teams will also show that "NBA 2K17" is still head and shoulders above the competition and that it will take a while before the 2K Games offering is toppled from the top spot.