NBA 06 for the PS2 takes gamers behind the scenes of pro basketball with its NBA Life: Volume I mode. This mode challenges gamers to experience the NBA from the perspective of a rookie point guard, from draft day to the NBA Finals. Players will go through the ups and downs of a grueling season, complete with team chemistry issues, injuries, and endorsement deals. Unlike normal NBA career modes, NBA Life is linear, meaning your character has a path to take and must accomplish certain goals to progress, such as making a certain number of shots in a game. The mode is more like a role-playing or adventure game than a standard sports career mode.

NBA 06 also features several minigames, including 21, Horse, and Shout Out, as well as a PlayStation skills challenge and various online tournaments. The game's Showtime Gameplay lets b-ballers chance riskier plays, which are rewarded with increased statistical attributes for the entire team, a more involved crowd, and a bevy of highlight-reel passes.