There are some improvements in NBA Live 2003 that are evident when you play the older NBA Lives.
The most obvious: Freestyle
When I've had a moment or two to spare, I sometimes play a quick game of the older Lives. And I find myself tapping the right analog stick in an effort to spin or perform a crossover. No other NBA Live allows so much control over the players.
The less obvious: Restricted player movement
In NBA Live 2000, you cannot back down your defender until you start dribbling - ie. if you catch the ball while stationary and do not start dribbling, you cannot start backing down your defender. You must move (and thus start dribbling) first.
All you patchers need to wise up and hop on over to Alexsite.....
With all due respect, you must understand that your assertion that NBA Live 2000 is better and more important than NBA Live 2003 is your opinion, not fact. As Coco said, to each their own...it's not about having your eyes opened or realising anything, a lot of people play NBA Live 2003 despite the complaints.