I meant to play NBA 2K25 way more than I did during the regular NBA season. But there are so many good games. I qualified for the Heisman House College Football 25 tournament, so to get ready, I spent more time playing that game than any rational human being should.
Before I knew it, it was Season 6 and I hadn't played MyTeam since Season 1. I confess, I did buy a Pro Pass to make sure I got all the way to Level 40 with a team that started out underpowered. Figuring out the best way to get to Level 40 is one of my favorite things to do in the game.
I got there, and after leveling all the way up I felt my team was competitive unless I went against the absolute biggest of whales. It's also so far beyond the team I had in Season 1 it's almost like they play a different sport.
I'm seriously considering not even playing NBA 2K26 until after the Finals next year. Showing up in June honestly let me cut straight to the endgame. In Season 1, I was starting to think I was just bad at the game. But it's a whole different feeling when your players actually hit the shots you're taking. Now in Season 8, I at least look like I know what I'm doing.
Of course, when your lineup boasts the best available versions of Tim Duncan, Paul George, and Michael Jordan you will look like a much better coach than you did with Jojo White and Tacko Fall. The more I think about it, the most compelling reason to start in September is to buy more packs. And as somebody that has played way more collectible card games than is rational, maybe the only thing I enjoy more than hitting Level 40 is pulling a good card out of a pack. Damn it NBA 2K, I'll see you again next year, in September.