One thing you have to realize is at some point there is no where for the graphics to go. On the current gen systems, graphics can only get so much better during each dev cycle. For instance, the shots we see in this blog are amazing, what more can they do as far as player models? At some point the graphics reach there peak.
Its not a case of the "underdog syndrome" its seeing a brand, in this case "nba live" that is making great strides from last year. Do I think live is going to overtake 2k this year, hell no, but they are making the game leaps and bounds better then last year and thats all we can ask for.
Of course shoes and jerseys dont make a game great, but to make a game SIM you need these things. We cant speak on live 10s gameplay yet because we have seen nothing, but if a game seems to be making strides in one department it only leads me to believe they are making strides in others.
I've bought 2k for the past 3 years, but I would love to see two dominate sports video game franchises in heated competition because its only going to give me ( the consumer ) the advantage.