Awesome work! I love these projects and always look forward to discovering the unlockables and exploring the roster additions.
In my spare time, I sometimes brainstorm what I'd do if I had the same level of skill as you and @johnz1. Here's who I'd include on my secret roster. I tried to remain true to the spirit of the previous games, which featured musicians, crossover sports stars, cultural icons, influencers, and absurdist humor. I also added a few callbacks to earlier games and nods to movies that would be recognizable to older millennials, who are the primary audience. I intentionally left out politicians due to the current political climate.
Just some ideas if you ever find the desire to expand the roster!
NBA Jam - Hidden Characters (50 Total)
Musicians (10)
Bad Bunny
Drake (Raptors Global Ambassador)
Eminem
Flea
Ice Cube (BIG3 Founder)
Jay-Z (former Nets co-owner)
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone
Snoop Dogg
Tupac (Above the Rim)
Comedy / Film (10)
Adam Sandler (NBA Superfan)
Michael Rappaport (NBA Superfan)
Jack Black
Spike Lee (NBA Superfan)
Will Ferrell (as Jackie Moon from Semi-Pro)
Wesley Snipes (White Men Can’t Jump)
Woody Harrelson (White Men Can’t Jump)
Lil’ Bow Wow (Like Mike)
Scott Howard (Teen Wolf) (Mascot replacement)
Beetlejuice (Recognizable head) (team wears black and white striped jerseys)
Athletes (8)
Angel Reese
Caitlin Clark
Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi
Mike Tyson (Recognizable head)
Simone Biles (Spud Webb archetype)
Patrick Mahomes (customary NFL crossover)
Tiger Woods
Entrepreneurs (4)
Elon Musk
Gordon Ramsay
Martha Stewart (Snoop Dogg teammate)
MrBeast
Media Personalities (6)
Howard Stern
Jake Paul
Joe Rogan
Logan Paul
Pat McAfee
Stephen A. Smith
Famous Duos (12)
Bill and Ted
Cheech and Chong
Ed and Dexter Reed (Good Burger)
Jay and Silent Bob
Kriss Kross
Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff (Fresh Prince) (Returning Team from TE)