Major publisher and developer Take-Two Interactive Software announced that Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal will again serve as the cover athlete and official spokesperson for the upcoming release of NBA 2K7. According to the company, the game will also feature "gameplay mechanics inspired by the basketball star". NBA 2K7 will ship in September for the Xbox 360, Xbox, and PlayStation 2. The game will also ship for the PlayStation 3 this holiday season. Shaq, who also graced the cover of NBA 2K6, has had a considerable career within the NBA, and has played in a dozen NBA All-Star Games, been called out as the MVP three times in the NBA finals, been the scoring leader twice during the regular season, and has been a part of four NBA championship teams, including the 2006 Miami Heat. In addition, the NBA has also selected him as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. "Shaquille O'Neal remains one of the most dominant, exciting, and charismatic athletes in the NBA," stated Erik Whiteford, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. "Shaq is well-known for his fun- loving nature, great work ethic, and incredible athletic skills. His dominating game and winning attitude make him the central figure on every team he is a part of, including 2K Sports. We're very pleased to be working with Shaq again with NBA 2K7." Shaq added: "You only get to represent the best by playing with the best. NBA 2K7 is the game for champions and I'm proud to be a part of the best basketball game anywhere."