NBA 2003 and 2004 differences and improvements

hi guys,
i would like to ask those who have experiences with these last NBA titles about the changes and improvements that NBA 2004 brings into the gameplay as well as the dark side of its features. i have not played NBA 2004 so far and would like to get info about its features. gameplay is what i am interested in most. realistic gamepaly, defence as well as offensive play, player influences on the ball control and shooting success etc.
thanks for info.

some quick thoughts

improvements:

- the free throw meter is way better this year
- some cyberfaces improved
- able to block layup, dunk attemps
- jump shot is nifty
- NBA Store

also the blockshot is not like the spike of the volleyball it will be realistic block this years

my first impressions are good. it seems there came improvements in defesnive gameplay so NBA is now not about attacking only. i enjoy this feature.

it seems like there are so many differences, one of the hardest things for me to overcome in 2004 is the fact that you cant effectively use the jump pass to get guys open shots. it seems like 2004 getting open shots is a lot more difficult, but then again i played 200+ games in 2003 so i will have to wait and see how much i can improve at 2004.

2004's gameplay and realism is way better than 2003.. ever seen kobe dive for the ball in 2003? I think they have optimized the game more now than in 2003. (just a thought since the minimum reqs are lower now than 2003) SUPERIOR GAMEPLAY for 2004