Dynasty mode[edit]
In Dynasty Mode, the game player chooses one team (excluding the All-Star Teams) and runs a dynasty which overlaps many seasons. Decisions are made as to the number of games per season, the difficulty level, trade players, and sign new players along with hiring coaches. Games can be simulated. Dynasty Mode contains an All-Star weekend, except the players or rosters are according to the Dynasty Season. The game player hires the coaching staff and runs a training camp which may be simulated. There is also a trade deadline. This mode is not on the PSP version.
Season mode[edit]
In Season Mode, the gamer plays only a single season of basketball. The gamer can trade, sign, and drop players.
Playoffs mode[edit]
In the Playoffs, the game player participates in the playoffs with teams either from the Eastern or Western Conference. The default teams are those that were in the 2004-05 playoffs.
All-Star Weekend[edit]
In the All-Star Weekend mode, the game player can choose to participate in a rookie game, a dunk contest, or a 3-point contest. In the dunk contest, fancy dunks are attempted and the player with the most points wins. In the 3 point contest, as many 3 pointers are attempted as possible. Both the 3 Point Shootout and the Slam Dunk Contest are announced by TNT Inside the NBA analyst Kenny Smith.