NBA Association/Franchise mode real life stats and scores

[DonHarmider]

In past editions it was possible to choose to start Franchise mode/Association not from beginning of the season but from todays date.Then the game would incorporate real life stats for players and team standings.You had real life stats and league leaders loaded into your game which was a revolutionary feature and made the game really realistic.
I cant seem to find this feature anymore.Is it still in and if so where can i find it?
And why would devs choose to get rid of features they already had and taht dont hurt anything in the game concepts or gameplay.Seems strange and a lil bit EA like.