*By Jacqueline Corba*
Denver Nuggets shooting guard Malik Beasley has already made it to the *real* NBA, and now the former first-round draft pick has his sights curiously set on the top tier of NBA2K, basketball's video-game analog.
"I think it's cool to see them compete, and it's different from actually being in the NBA," Beasley said Friday in an interview on Cheddar. "Even if they don't watch the NBA, if they are playing the games then they know a little something about us."
A real baller showing respect for the virtual ballers of the NBA's esports league is a telling sign of the times. Beasley said he enjoys playing video games like NBA2K with his teammates on the road, and said it's more than just a hobby.
"People always think that gaming is just bad if you are just sitting there and playing," he said. "If people get joy out of it, then enjoy that"
The NBA became the first professional sports league in the U.S. to launch an online league too. The NBA2K playoffs [tipped off Friday](https://cheddar.com/videos/e-trade-generation-trader-nba-2k-playoffs-kick-off) and were streaming on Twitch.
Building on the success of its inaugural season, the [NBA2K league announced] (https://2kleague.nba.com/news/nba-2k-league-announces-four-expansion-teams-for-2019-season/) recently it's adding four NBA teams ー the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves ー to the lineup in 2019.
Beasley wants to Nuggets to get in on the action.
"I'm going to help create that."
For more on this story, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/nba-athlete-malik-beasley-dishes-on-esports).
The congressman responded to the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., expressing frustration that Democrats have introduced bills that could prevent mass shootings, but Republicans don't support them.
Karen Crouse, the New York Times sports reporter who broke the story about figure skater Adam Rippon's eating disorder, discusses the future of sports in a space where lean, light figures are encouraged.
What did John Kelly know and when did he know it? Plus, the Olympic gold medal-winning snowboarder sparking controversy. A preview of the Daytona 500, and Happy Valentine's Day! With FanSided, The Root, Moët & Chandon, and Zimbio.
Police in Florida respond to a deadly high school shooting in Parkland. Congressman Joe Kennedy talks about bringing the Democratic message to millennial voters, and President Trump's Infrastructure plan.
Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. says his two favorite platforms are Twitter and Instagram. Ahead of this weekend's 60th running of Daytona 500, he shares what he does the morning of a race.
Models Georgia Gibbs and Chase Carter talk about what it's like to be swimsuit models and inspire a new generation. The magazine's annual swimsuit issue features women with an "In Her Own Words" message.
Cheddar's Patrick Jones interviews NASCAR driver Darrell 'Bubba' Wallace Jr. live from the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida. The 60th running of the Daytona 500 is on Sunday.
Team USA is dominating the snowboarding field, winning gold at the first four events. Shaun White is the latest, but his big win is stirring up controversy.
NASCAR is set to rev its engines for the 60th running of the Daytona 500. Driver Aric Almirola joins Cheddar from the Daytona International Speedway to reveal how he prepares for the big race.
The racecar driver joined Cheddar ahead of this weekend's Daytona 500. He says he invests so he can preserve the winnings he's been lucky enough to earn, because he doesn't want to up like some lottery winners and professional athletes who go broke.
