u dont need to have the Gold membership to DL the roster updates/sliders, just internet connection and sign up for the FREE silver membership...thats what im using, i dont have wireless but i have a 50ft ethernet cord running from my room lol
a lot of the roster downloads are pretty accurate try the OS OUTSIDERS (www.operationsports.com) roster or RASHIDI's Roster files (www.thereak2kinsider.blogspot.com) they are more accurate than the actual updates (Morris, Hunter & Gardner are not in the original game, but i believe Morris was added on the official update, but i never use those...like i said i prefer the ones from Rashidi or the OS Outsiders
u got numerous sliders to choose from pick one that suits your style
but yeah its definitely an upgrade from 2k8...spacing and defense is noticable
one issue i have been having is points in the paint...The cpu just seems to score in the paint a lot more this year
but yeah its worth it man