ESPN NBA 2K5 is a basketball simulator that aims to emulate the National Basketball Association. Players primarily play basketball matches across multiple game modes, against real-life teams such as the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics. The gameplay follows the rules and goals of basketball, and the game is presented like NBA television games. Several game modes are available; A 24/7 mode allows the player to create his own player, an Association mode allows the player to play throughout the NBA season with a selected team, another mode allows the player to participate in basketball tournaments, and a mode where the player plays street basketball. accessible. The game features Stuart Scott TV as host, Bob Fitzgerald and Bill Walton as commentators, and Michelle Tafoya as sideline reporter. The player can customize several aspects of the game, and there are many aesthetic details present.