While we're expanding on our Wishlist thread and prior discussions, I thought we could talk a little more about Rising Star in NBA Live 17.
Honestly, I'd still prefer to see NBA Live steer clear of the approach that NBA 2K has taken with its story-driven MyCAREER mode. While the story in NBA 2K17 is shaping up to be a little better, it still looks like there'll be some corniness to it, with a backstory that may not fit with the character you want to role play as. I'd much prefer to tell my own story on the court, and have cutscenes limited to commercials, press conferences and interviews where I can choose my responses (further building my character), and other events such as winning the championship or an NBA award.
I would like it to have the depth of MyCAREER, though. The training sessions, the ability to earn some kind of in-game currency (SP and RP, in Live's case) through endorsements, perhaps even the off-court connections if they can grant some bonuses. In terms of the stat tracking and keeping up with the rest of the league, I'd like that to be as detailed as Dynasty Mode (which itself needs to be deeper as well). Things like in-game social media and other immersive elements would also add to the atmosphere, putting you in the shoes of an NBA player.
I'm also hoping that they keep the ability to switch teams after getting drafted. That's actually a really cool idea if you want to play for your favourite team, and not just accept your fate. It's easy enough to decline that option if you're willing to play wherever you end up, so it's obviously much better to have that option than not. I'm also a fan of having separate Skills Points and Reward Points for increasing your ratings and purchasing accessories, as introduced in NBA Live 16.
At the end of the day, I don't want Rising Star to be bare bones, but I'd like it to be a viable alternative to the "Hollywood movie" approach that NBA 2K has adopted, with enough depth to keep us immersed in the experience. Cut out the story stuff, but leave all the gameplay and player/career management elements.