“The definition of superstar, if you go to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, which has been around since the early 1800’s – a superstar is a star who is considered extremely talented, has great public appeal, and can usually command a high salary. I’d give him 2 out of 3; Kawhi Leonard does not have great public appeal.”
Ben Maller took exception to an ‘Inside the NBA’ segment Monday night that saw Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal laud All-Star small forward Kawhi Leonard as the NBA’s second-best player behind LeBron James.
Maller agreed that the reigning Defensive Player of the Year averaging career highs in scoring is quite the uber talent, but doesn’t think he falls under the classification of ‘Superstar’ since he plays on the NBA’s most successful franchise of the century and because of his introverted disposition.
“NBA commentators are trying to one up each other with praise and admiration for Kawhi Leonard,” Maller said of the First Team All-NBA performer and former Finals MVP. “If you drop Kawhi Leonard on the Sacramento Kings, not a man, woman, or child would ever pay attention to him.”