May Ready to Show He’s One of 2K League’s Most Versatile Centers

ORLANDO — Back in the fall, Magic Gaming made a big trade to bolster its frontcourt, acquiring Robert “May” May from Pistons GT in exchange for a 2020 first round draft pick.

In his first action with the Magic a couple weeks ago, albeit it coming in NBA 2K20’s MyPark game mode, May showed why his new head coach, Jonah Edwards, and new teammates are so excited to have him aboard.

His defense and rebounding – two of his top strengths – helped the Magic’s PS4 squad reach the semifinals of the NBA 2K League’s 3-on-3 tournament. His on-ball screening was superb, too, which helped Daniel “djbama” Burge go on a scoring rampage.

Scoring on the interior is something he can habitually do as well if that’s what the team needs of him, and based on this year’s league build, that may indeed happen in 2020.

“Each year, it’s somewhat similar in 2K but it’s also different. Comparing both league builds (2019 and 2020), I would say, for example, the center last year didn’t have to score as much but I would say this year centers look to score more,” May said. “You try to keep the same play style, but at the same time you look to work within the game.”

May was one of few players who averaged a double-double in the 2019 regular season, pumping in 11.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game for the Pistons. It’s very possible he will repeat that with the Magic this year, especially with him widely being recognized as one of the best rebounders in the game.

“I truly believe he fits our play style,” Edwards said in October right after the trade was made. “Clearly, we value rebounding, and in my opinion, Robbie is the best rebounder in NBA 2K – that’s really his true strength. He’s an elite defender and somebody who fits right into our system and culture here.”

One of the benefits of the May trade is that it gave the team another experienced player. Unlike several other teams who opted to, essentially, start from scratch by drafting a collection of rookies, the Magic are a seasoned group, by and large. The only player on the roster without prior 2K League experience is djbama, Orlando’s fourth round draft pick in February.

This is undoubtedly helping the Magic mentally prepare for the season ahead, and it could help them get off to a hot start whenever the season tips off. Being familiar with the ebb and flow of the NBA 2K League season could prove to be a big advantage for teams with players who have already gone through the daily grind.

However, because of social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic, there will inevitably be an adjustment period for all teams regardless of how many veterans a team has, especially if games are temporarily played remotely.

“Even though they are veterans, it can bring unique challenges,” Edwards said. “A massive advantage for us is maybe out the window with the fact that we aren’t sure when we are going to be playing games in a studio on a stage where we felt like we were a team prepared for a stage environment — with guys that have performed on stage for a few years. We’re working in other ways trying to develop something. But, there’s no question it’s an advantage to have players that have been around the league space before.”

May, a Massachusetts native, stayed sharp with NBA 2K during the offseason, so he’s fully prepared for whatever challenges are presented to him over these next few months. He played on a Pro-Am team with other 2K League players, including a couple who play for the reigning champs, T-Wolves Gaming. That participation helped him stay fresh with the game while playing against stiff competition.

“I would play Pro-Am just for tournaments and leagues and to just compete at the highest level, basically all the way until I came to Orlando,” he said.