If I were to list my favorite sports by order of my interest in them from most to least, basketball might be sixth or so. That being said, I’m familiar with the sport and enjoy it from time to time. I did not play it in school and cannot quote you the stats for anyone in the league from any year. 
That being said, I enjoy a good game of hoops as much as the sports-minded person and I especially like to play a video game that represents a sport well from all angles. NBA 2K12 seems to be one of those types of games. I’ve discovered that my video game basketball skills are as equally miserable as my real life skills so it was really no surprise. The surprise was that it was fun and enjoyable.
NBA 2K11 brings to life not only the modern NBA but classic NBA players and teams as well giving you the chance to play as some of the greatest of all time including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Byrd, Dr. J, Kareem, Wilt, Hakeem, Oscar Robertson, Isiah Thomas, Karl Malone, BIll Russell, Pippen, Ewing, Jerry West and John Stockton. Each offers a different style and approach to the game and all of them are a situational game setting. On top of all that you can make your own player and play through a whole career or play quick games between modern teams all locally single player and some multiplayer.

You can also create an Association where you can get some friends together and each manage an entire team including their D-League teams and rosters.
In terms of online, you can play several ways including quick matches, quick match team ups and Virgin Gaming Tournaments.