Better than the early ones!
The good:
Better rendering of AI-gen characters, they finally look like real people (if you recall 2k8 and its horribly skinny 250pnd stick center). the moves are better too--if you recall the terrible last minute layup from 2k8, this 2k9 offers a wide array of last minute layins. the player-talk sound option is awesome.
The bad:
glitches that can stop the game at any given moment, ouch! the rating system is not easy at all coz it uses a letter system instead of the number system of past NBAs. it is so confusing when the player's speed is rated B and it seemed like 80+, but actually it is only 70 something. and at the same time, another speed-B player is running at an 85 rating. Different ratings apply to different positions but it doesn't change when you change a player's position.
You can always find Duncan running faster, much faster than Tony Parker!!!!
Overall, thanx to the rendering, it looks better and therefore replays better than 2k8.