Over the years, players have been treated to a wide array of NBA video games. From classics like the NBA Live series to more unconventional projects such as NBA Street, which took the sport and its most iconic players down to street level play for a different feel. There are many elements that must be present for a successful NBA video game adaptation, and these games are ranked as some of the best.
Released during the height of the New Jersey Nets dynasty, this NBA Live game was an instant classic. Featuring a fun emphasis on the arguable GOAT himself in the form of a Jordan Challenge mode, along with then better than ever gameplay and an excellent soundtrack, this title was a must-have for any NBA fan at the time.
This installment in the storied 2K franchise was something of a game-changer for sports gaming. It featured the first appearance of the wildly popular My Player mode, and even though it had a few issues upon launch, it was still a solid and fun entry in the series with a Metacritic score of 82.
A true classic from the golden era of Xbox 360, this unique basketball game challenged players to improve their dribbling and shooting skills in a variety of one-time challenges offered through 6 arenas. Interestingly, players could also compete against another local player on the same console through a local multiplayer mode. The goal was to beat the clock in each challenge by scoring more points than your opponent.