i have played nba live 2001-03, and this franchise mode is the only one that still ahs me addicted to it! in live 2002 and 2003, at the start of franchise mode, the ir players ratings are very good (73, 74, etc.) while in 2001, they are mid 60s, like they're supposed to be. but when you draft 2nd rounders, they are 65s and 64s. after a while, the whole bench is like that, meaning the league is deteorating in quality. also, the top draft picks in 2003 are always some of the best players in the league during their rookie season. what's up with that? also, in nba live 2001, the drafting players is risky - they could be a boom or a bust. in 2003, they seem to stay the same all the time, maybe going up 1 point once every 4 years. i will hand it to 2002/03 that it is harder to turn a franchise around, (in 01 it is ridiculously easy) and that the trading during offseason is very cool. but overall, i think that they come up losers to the 'outdated' nba live 2001.

anyone agree/disagree with me? comments welcome!