( CNN ) -- No , there may not be an NBA season this year . But there is another installment of `` NBA 2K , '' the top-rated basketball video game for 11 years running . This year 's version , `` NBA 2K12 , '' will let you end the debate about what historical team is the greatest by offering 15 classic teams and players to battle on the court . The enhancements to the My Player mode , which allows you to create your own player and guide his career through the NBA draft , his rookie season and beyond , are what really make this an engaging game . Like in previous versions of the game , you start off by creating your player 's physical attributes ( height , weight , age , etc. ) . The game then assigns your abilities based off what type of player you want to be ( perimeter shooter , post player , etc. ) . In theory , you could create a 7-foot point guard with zero post abilities , but I 'm guessing the high dribble would make you susceptible to steals . After finalizing your player , you immediately play in a rookie showcase game that helps determine where you are selected in the '' NBA Draft . This game shows off `` NBA 2K12 's '' improvements over previous versions in replicating players ' movements and facial features . The game 's announcers also do a good job of mixing your player 's performance into their play-by-play chatter . In the game , you try to play flawlessly while improving your teammate grade by making good passes , playing transition defense and demonstrating other skills that lead to victory . Meeting these goals help increase your skill point totals , which translate into improved attributes . I created a 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Marshall University ( my alma mater ) and picked up 18 points and a B-minus on my teammate grade in the rookie game . After the game , your player has to answer two questions from teams that will be interested in drafting him . How you answer is taken into consideration prior to the draft . The Charlotte Bobcats ( No . 9 pick ) , Golden State Warriors ( No . 11 ) and Utah Jazz ( No . 12 ) were interested in my shooting guard . I answered the questions in a way that I hoped would get me selected by each team , but there was an answer choice , `` I do not want to play for your team , '' that would have automatically dropped me off that team 's list . Then it 's time for the draft . Just like in real life , the draft starts off with NBA Commissioner David Stern ( yes , it was really his voice ) announcing the first pick and continuing on until your player gets selected . If you do n't get picked early , this can be a rather drawn-out process since there is no way to skip to your selection . ( Developers say the highest any created player can be selected is No . 3 ( Utah Jazz ) , so do n't set your sights on being the top pick . ) After walking to the podium and signing your rookie contract , your team 's public relations department contacts you and shows you a new billboard touting you as the future of the franchise . Having been selected by the Bobcats , it was pretty cool to see my player on some outdoor advertising in Charlotte . Now it 's time to earn that contract . Your player 's skills can be improved through buying skill points with your contract money or by doing individual and team drills -- most of which are new to this game . My shooting guard took advantage of the new arsenal of moves in `` NBA2K12 '' to put up 33 points in 16 minutes in his first game . ( Oh , you did n't think your rookie was going to be in the starting lineup , did you ? ) After every game , there is a press conference where you are asked about the game action . Your answers impact what your teammates think of you , your league-wide reputation and how you are perceived by your hometown fans . The answers were tough to interpret , and I came off as a jerk sometimes when I was trying to praise my teammates . One flaw with this game : My player still looked awkward when he was speaking . His bottom lip did n't seem to move , making him appear frightening when he addressed the media . As your season progresses , you can earn more playing time and more endorsements depending on your skills and reputation . ( Those press conference answers are important . ) Later in your career , you can request trades , negotiate contracts and guide your player to the NBA Hall of Fame . How long that takes depends on how fast your avatar becomes one of the best players in the league . Thanks to this My Player mode , `` NBA2K12 '' has the depth and versatility to challenge even the best gamer to achieve basketball immortality . This improved feature personalizes pro hoops in a way that will have you cheering your player on -- maybe even to greatness .
`` NBA2K12 , '' the top-rated pro-basketball video game , goes on sale Tuesday . Game 's My Player mode lets you create your own basketball player and guide his career . NBA Commissioner David Stern announces each draft pick , including your player . Game announcers do a good job of mixing your player 's performance into their chatter .