I'm similar to you when it comes to other sports games.
One thing that's really cool in this game for guys like me is the simming of games. You can sim to the 4th quarter and finish, you can start the game, then sim to the 3rd quarter and finish, jumping in and out. This allows me to have an impact on games even if it's mostly bad because I suck.
By simming more I have a chance at getting multiple years in so that I can take advantage of the franchise mode.
The NBA is not my favorite sport and I don't like playing the game as much as most but this game is one of my favorites because of the franchise or MYNBA mode.