It is the penultimate NBA 2K game before being sold by Sega company to form 2K Sports.

NBA games feature commentary, pregame shows, and other affects.

The game features online multiplayer for the first time in the NBA 2K series.

The previous dribbling system has been replaced by IsoMotion, a system that features many animations, allows the player to perform hesitations, in-and-outs, or ankle breakers, and emphasises quick timing and reflexes.

), and journeys across the United States, competing against other basketball players, including NBA stars, in tournaments or street pickup games.

[4][5] GameRevolution's review cited the graphics, game modes, and online features as positives, and the unpolished mechanics of rebounding and isolation play as negatives.

The review concluded, "With its excellent graphics and myriad game modes, ESPN NBA Basketball is a good, strong title.

"[9] IGN's Jon Robinson said: "Sure, the addition of a pro hop button and the separation of the shoot and dunk buttons would make the game all the better, but even without those features, ESPN NBA Basketball is still overall the best playing basketball game this season.

For the first time, basketball fans have an excuse to be playing a game at four in the morning.

"[16] Giancarlo Varanini of Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine praised the gameplay, calling it "nearly flawless", the "top-notch" commentary, the 24/7 mode, which was commended for its addictiveness, and the visuals.

Varanini had minor complaints about certain gameplay aspects, mostly the controllability while on a fast break.