Best Basketball Games That Aren’t NBA 2K13

Let's just state the obvious right now. If you're a basketball fan, you owe it to yourself to pick up NBA 2K13. It's a terrific sim, one that follows years of previously well done basketball games, and one that features plenty of content, both online and off.

But, for the sake of argument, let's also say you can't afford it. Or you prefer something outside the norm of playing a routine basketball sim. Or you're bummed about the cancellation of NBA Live 13 and just can't bring yourself to experience the stronger game, at least at the moment. Where else can you turn?