NBA 2K12 — is a basketball simulation game that aims to emulate the National Basketball Association. Players mainly play NBA basketball games with real or created players and teams. The game features several aesthetic details found in actual televised NBA games, such as commentary by Kevin Harlan, Clark Kellogg and Steve Kerr, Doris Burke's sidelines, halftime show, replays, custom camera angles and other details.
Along with the standard online and quick play modes, there are several other game modes present. Association Mode allows the player to take control of an entire NBA organization, simulating NBA seasons, managing personnel, and participating in off-season activities such as the draft and free agency.