
I am lucky to start playing 2k on PS5 and i am delighted to start a franchise mode game (the only mode i play in any sport game).
After my online league campaign on 2K20 I finally decided to come back to the Wizkids.
As usual my main focus is to create an immersive game with the complexity of a real pro sports environment (as much as possible in a video game). But 2k franchise mode, especially on next gen, is more than ever the best of any sport game.
Game is setup with all GM and NBA rules selected. So i will go through the GM tasks and skills, i never played my GM i think that it is combined with classic myLeague mode it is going to be more immersive to have request/pressure from management, coaches, players...
Managing the finanacial aspects look as well more realistic and more imerssive making tanking costly (because it impacts morale and brand marketing/finance) and I like it because it is more realistic/immersive.
Otherwise my setups are the following.
- Roster - Degfault 2k roster of 2nd December 2020 (post Wesbrook vs Wall trade)
- Draft class: Infamous classes for 21 and 22 then will decide...
- 82 games seasons, 12 minutes quarters for played games
- Gameplay (CPU/user settings) - schnaidt1
- MyNba sliders (trades/contracts/progressions...) - inspired from schnaidt1 (I will make a dedicated post)
Played games vs simmed games
I am usually reluctant to sim games. For the Show for instance i really enjoyed my 162 every picthes seasons with Marlins or A's... Now reality is i was struggling to play more than one season in 18 months.
I kept 82 games, because NBA seasons are 82 games long, but I want to play multiple seasons in next 6 months. So a season must be playable in 2-3 months like you do in a madden or classic 2k online league. So i must accept to sim games.
I like the different options offered by 2k for simed games and I have come with what i believe is a very solid / balanced rule for played games vs simed games. I will make a dedicated post for the schedule where i will explain my rule.
Furthermore, sim games create a critical added value by generating injuries and that is really a key factor for any realistic franchise mode.
Additional House rules:
- Free throws in real percentage with aiming off.
- No staff change and signing outside the offeseason.
- I will try to do my due diligence on trade. I made the setup as tough as i could on the matter so lets see...
After a long hesitation with Hornets, Pelicans, and Pistons I finally decided to play with Washington at least for my first offline.
I see the Wizards as a very challenging context for my sophomore 2k year for few reasons.
First, Wizards are stuck by salary cap for next two seasons. The Westrbook vs Wall trade is leaving the salary cap/financing unchanged for the next 2 to 3 seasons. Managing to resign players like Brown Jr or Bryant with bird exception will be critical and may prove to leave the franchise in a tough spot if failed as it will be impossible (unless i move one of the big contract) to sign any major free agent for next 2 off seasons. On top of that, Washington does not have the market of the Knicks so luxury tax might be tough to afford...
Second, there is definitely talent in this roster, but will it be enough to win in playoffs ? difficult to say... I mean Wizards may end up in that ugly situation of being too good to get a lottery pick but not good enough for a long playoff run. So i cannot expect a high lottery pick (normally unless i get big injuries) for next 2 seasons.
To sumarise Wizards are filled with an all star backcourt, have talented guys on the wings with Brown Jr, Hachimura, eventually Avidja, they have five who can strecht the defense... but we cannot sign any high profile free agent and we are likely out of the good draft picks spots...
That is why I consider a Wizards team which must do something with this backcourt a very interesting context for a myNBA game.

Comment