In his playing days, Shaquille O’Neal was absolutely, positively (as the old saying goes) a “superstar.” That term gets kicked around a lot, and as for what makes a superstar, well… there’s plenty of room for individual tastes. As for today’s players, former superstar Shaq is naming four current players. Who makes the grade? Read on…
There’s no official ranking system that labels one player a star, and another a superstar. For most fans, it’s one of those “I’ll know it when I see it” kind of things. Shaq? Kobe? MJ? Superstars, of course. How about guys playing today?
What makes an NBA superstar? What is it that makes one player shine above all the other “regular” stars? Plenty of ways to judge that, for sure. Championship rings, All-Star appearances, stats, All-NBA Team selections, MVPs, Finals MVP awards, etc. And of course, how about your salary figure?
In a recent interview, Shaq named who he thinks are the real superstars in the league. And right now, there are only four:
“Steph Curry is a superstar. Giannis Anteokounmpo, he’s a superstar. Who else? I’m not sure.”
Only two? The interviewer asked what the big man thought of guys like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Superstars? Yes, O’Neal agreed… superstars. Would he add one more guy to the list? How about Kawhi Leonard. No love from O’Neal: “There was a time that like yeah, he’s a superstar. He’s a star for sure. I think right now; I’d say star.”
All of the guys Shaq did pick have plenty of awards and titles: Finals MVP, MVP, and at least an NBA championship. Plus, they are all on a max money deal. So how about Leonard… a 2-time champion, 5-time All-Star, and one of the youngest to win the finals MVP ( back in 2014). Not an NBA superstar?
Shaq pointed to health issues. Obviously, if you can’t play, there’s no way to determine star / superstar status. Leonard has been sidelined by a torn ACL since the 2021 playoffs. It remains to be seen if he’ll get back to star – or even superstar – status once he returns to the game.
We’re wondering if Kawhi saw the interview with Shaq, or has been told about it by friends. He could certainly use it as motivation for next season. This past season was a tough one for his team – the LA Clippers – and it remains to be seen if they can come back as a powerhouse team.
The Clippers could be poised for a much-improved season. Leonard will be joined by Paul George and rumored new Clipper John Wall. How it all turns out remains to be seen.