How can you have different levels of simulation?

[BaselineBakes]

This question has been bothering me for alittle while. I'm just wondering how or why there are different levels in order to get simulation statistics? Shouldn't simulated stats come out close to the same or average out no matter how hard or easy the difficulty on the simulation level?

If a NBA team averages 42 rebounds a game, why should it be any different or harder for me to get close or exceed that average whether I'm playing on pro, all-star, superstar, or hall of fame?

Just a question I've had, no gripe or complaint just curious.

[BegBy]

Increasing difficulty levels this year results in overly good play in some regards, and overly poor play in others. It throws game flow and stuff out of whack. Simple shots miss, resulting in an inflated rebound stat - stuff like that.

[nooknook78]

It's just the AI processing things better the higher the difficulty. on the lower levels i've seen the cpu do stupid stuff like going back court and what not. the higher levels they double the pick and roll....play tight on shooters...make the touch pass....and the extra pass. Just a smarter brand of ball...and of course they cheat too but oh well. lol Just my observation

[ggsimmonds]

Higher levels force the user to work harder for their stats.

For your rebound example you would not get the boards if shots go in, and on higher levels the AI executes their offense much better; that forces you to defend better.