NBA Team Uses Fortnite Loading Screen to Introduce Starting Lineup
By Nicholas Barth ·
Fortnite: Battle Royale has invaded the NBA, as one team was inspired by the game in their latest starting lineup announcement.
Fortnite: Battle Royale has truly become a cultural phenonmenom, as it has found its way into all areas of society. This is especially true of the traditional sports world, as many professional athletes have openly expressed their fondness for the game. From Pitsburgh Steelers wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster playing on Fortnite superstar Tyler "Ninja" Belvin's stream or the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) men's basketball team crediting Fortnite for their historic upset in the NCAA basketball tournament, Fortnite has been able to immerse itself in our favorite sports. One of the latest mixtures of the popular Battle Royale game and the world of professional sports was last night, as the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketballl Association announced their starting lineup for their game against the Philadelphia 76ers with a Fortnite inspired graphic.
Using the loading screen that Fortnite players know all to well, the Charlotte Hornets announced their starting lineup of Marvin Williams, Dwight Howard, Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrest and Jeremy Lamb. Looking to claim a first place finish in their battle against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Charlotte Hornets were hoping their starting lineup would carry the team in the same way that Ninja did with the Drake, Juju Smith Schuster and Travis Scott. However, unlike their counter parts in the UMBC men's basketball team, the Charlotte Hornets did not have the ability to credit Fortnite for their victory, as they lost to the 76ers 108-94.
With the upcoming Fortnite Celebrity Pro-Am tournament at E3 this year, we could possibly see some professional athletes compete and continue the trend of traditional sports embracing the hottest competitive game in the industry. With the likes of Terrel Owens, Richard Sherman and Josh Hart all showing their fondness of the game, there are plenty of candidates for Epic Games to pick from to compete in the highly anticipated event.
(cover photo courtesy of Working Not Working Magazine)