I would think it would be one of the top bullet points for graphics. If I was producing the game I would have pulled the people who design the models, lighting, and textures aside and offered a promotion to whoever can best find that solution you are talking about because the lighting, textures, the faces are great. The models are nice too. The models and lighting have improved dramatically since 2k7. The only major cosmetic change left to focus on is the measurements.
It does seem like a heck of a processing drain but its true the game doesnt need many new animations so again thats another group of devlopers that could focus on finding a solution. For all of 2k9's flaws the graphics and the sheer amount of animations are damn strong. The development of those aspects can be put on cruise.