The NBA is filled with amazing players who have a wide array of talents and skill-sets. The NBA in it’s possession has multi-faceted maestros, offensive juggernauts, defensive giants, and facilitating magicians; not all skill-sets are equal, but there is an imaginary divisional line that separates All-Stars from stars and the upper pillar of stardom: the superstar.
As many topics in sports are, the definition of an actual superstar is subjective. It means different things to different people. Some believe a superstar is defined by championship rings, while others define a superstar as a consistent leader taking their team to the next level and others see a superstar as one being popular world-wide.
Defining the term ‘superstar’ is very subjective indeed.
Before I describe my personal definition, let’s discuss the difference between the other tiers of stardom.
An All-Star is a player that can have a solid, productive, consistent year and garner an All-Star bid; however what differentiates him from a ‘star’ is his inconsistencies of upholding that standard from year to year. A one-trick pony, if you will. I believe an adequate example is Andre Iguodala of the Denver Nuggets. He earned his first All-Star bid in Philly last season, but hasn’t found his consistent flow on Denver’s offense this season.
The next tier is ‘star’ and essentially has similar skills to succeed, but couldn’t necessarily lead *any* NBA team deep into the post-season. There are certainly stars playing like superstars this season, such as Carmelo Anthony Of the New York Knicks, but a superstar isn’t one that earns such a grandeur label 1/3 into a season. A star may be an elite scorer or a defensive demon, but that doesn’t translate into any team automatically transforming itself into a contender. Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, and Dwight Howard (whom I considered a superstar prior to this season) are stars, could be superstars in the future.
Superstars.
A superstar is the creme de la creme, they’re the karma that any player wants to emulate. They can instantaneously improve any team and take any franchise into contention. They are often known by one name, LeBron, CP3, KD, Kobe, their popularity transcends the NBA and it’s fandom, and their skill-sets and talents are unfathomable to imagine and perhaps compare.
Along with that, with a few exceptions – Tim Duncan, especially – is the fact are highly marketable creatures. They have the characteristics to sell a pet rock for a 100% markup and there’d be a line formed at the drop of a hat. Their commercials and shoes translate to notoriety, not just in the domestic sector, but globally as well.
It’s not just the die-hard NBA fan to the casual fan, but individuals that may not have a particular interest in the sport, but recognizes their name.
They’re not only amazingly, talented players, but they possess the ability to do whatever it takes – a winner’s mentality – to win games time and time again, as well as, being a cemented player, not only on their own team, but league-wide.
Superstars are remarkable talents that may be far and few between.
Perhaps, my verbose definition of a superstar isn’t what you like, but it’s my personal ideal of what a superstar is and should be.
A superstar is a diamond in the rough.
A superstar is prime rib.
A superstar is a high-thread count sheet.
A superstar is more than twitter’s $200 date.
That’s what makes an NBA superstar.
