NBA Ballers: Rebound represents things we love and hate about the PSP catalogue. On one hand, it's a thin repackaging of the original PS2 NBA Ballers title, with little more than updated rosters to distinguish it. On the other hand, it's a super-playable port. These short 1-on-1 roundball competitions are almost more suited for a portable system. If the PSP hardware didn't lead to fewer control options, Rebound would be a slam dunk.
Though changes are in effect, the core game is identical to the console releases. Play 1-on-1 against the league's best. Slam dunks are priority, but there are buttery lay-ups and alley-oops as well. Juke to make your opponent look like an idiot, and impress the local crowd with combos to get a momentum boost. The graphics are impressive, with very recognizable faces, excellent and varied animations, and a smooth frame rate. The in-game audio is just as good, with a fantastic suite of sound effects and just enough commentary to keep the game live.