this post was submitted on 22 Oct 2023
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"Superstar" is a much fuzzier term than "All-Star". All these guys are all-stars. I think: who is bringing fans out when they play on the road? Who's highlights is Sportscenter teasing? Who is Nike cranking out ads with? Who do kids around the world know about? You're talking, Shaq, Magic, Kobe, MJ, Bird, LeBron, Steph.
Some of these guys are all-time great basketball players, but I don't think any of these guy are "superstars", though Nash and Griffin were close at their peaks.
Nash was not just close to being a superstar, he was outright a superstar.
He was a top 3 player at this best and his 05 playoff run is one of the best offensive playoff runs ever. Amazing player
Hill was damn near that level for a few years. Then he got hurt.
Hill was going to be the next face of the league til he got hurt.
An argument could be made for Blake Griffin despite him being arguably in the bottom half of this list from a pure basketball perspective. He was more famous at his peak than all these guys except maybe Nash and Stockton I think
Yeah, he seemed on the verge of reaching superstar escape velocity, but injuries dragged him down. But I dont think he made it.
And off the top of my head the only player that didn't win multiple titles that I would still consider a superstar is Allen Iverson, and maybe Vince Carter.
Charles Barkley
Grant Hill was hailed as MJ's successor, and was one of the most popular athletes in his prime.