They had like a 50 different shoe types in Live 2003... That still cannot cover all the options, but it's enough I say. Leave some work for you modders out there.
I really haven't been paying that much attention to the shoes... Are the shoes team regulated? I play fantasy drafted seasons and I have guys wearing all kinds of boots. Some are even in slippers

Or maybe not. But are like all default Laker players wearing the same shoes? If yes, well that should change, because the tools are already there.
I really don't care if the shoes are right on the money, but kicks that seem like the ones a player really wears is fine. The shoes should change too over time in the dynasty mode... I wonder how many pairs does an NBA player go through in a season???