You can sim most of this. I didn't try simming through the playoffs, so I don't know if that works. I do know that this doesn't pop until after you've finished the game, exited and advanced to the off-season. Epic Louie sid that you don't have to play anything, you can sim through the playoffs as well. 1-game playoffs also work. Just make sure to sim in-game so you don't lose.
You can either play through the games, or sim through. I picked the Golden State Warriors because I know they have a solid team. 29 game season, 1-game playoffs, 2-minute quarters. Any decent team should make the playoffs since more teams go on than stay home. Choose to sim until the end of the season.
During the playoffs, Play The Moment. That way it sims in-game, and you can stop it if it's out of hand. Then you can move along.