Was thinking the same thing. Thing is, you'll need a whole 5 because the CPU will still be playing man or whatever else you call.
Last time I've been cool w/ 1-3-1 was in 2K11. Was something that was damn near needed with all the running side to side and lead passing.
I've never really had a problem w/ it besides on 2K14. All the other iterations it was easy to break especially on '11 where you could actually post up and do post moves.