The NBA has witnessed several shifts in the parameters that make a player a superstar. From Wilt Chamberlain’s dominating presence in the 1960s to Stephen Curry’s three-point revolution in the 2010s, each era has redefined the aspects that measure excellence. However, one question still remains that is what makes a star different from a superstar? Moreover, this was the same reason that two of the NBA veterans got into a fierce debate.

In the recent episode of the ‘All the Smoke’ podcast, the Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Kevin Garnett asked the co-host Paul Pierce to mention the qualifications that should be needed to become a superstar in the NBA. Pierce was quick to answer it. “For one, you gotta have probably a shoe, uh, you gotta have major influence… I think if you are a superstar, you got these things. You got major influence, you got definitely your own shoe, I think you got commercials and a brand that people kind of gravitate to,” said Pierce during the podcast. The former Boston Celtics player might have tried to link the superstar claim with Michael Jordan.

Basketball fans hold Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time, and his influence on the game cannot be overstated. He made history with the Chicago Bulls; leading them to capture six championships in the NBA, and also turned basketball into a fun thing to watch because of his high-flying and multiple-point plays. Nike shoes were attributed to Jordan’s success, most especially due to the Nike Air Jordan basketball shoes, which were first released in 1985. The Air Jordan line was received very well in the market, and it also boosted Jordan’s image as a prominent celebrity.

However, Garnett wasn’t happy with the criteria mentioned by the co-host. “I don’t agree with that one. I’m saying this, you gotta be a leader,” said Garnett in the podcast. According to the former NBA champion, a superstar is someone who inspires other people not only from his own team but also others in the league. KG also adds that a superstar is someone who not only has a crazy work ethic but someone whom other people want to emulate.

Ultimately, the debate is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of a superstar, and it is up to each individual to decide what they believe is most important. However, did you know about the superstars in the current league according to KG and Pierce?

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce reveal their current superstars

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce engaged in a lively debate about the next generation of superstars in the NBA. Were their choices the same? Unfortunately, no. But both the former players highlighted the talents with the potential to dominate the league.

Pierce was the one to start the list. According to him, Nikola Jokić, Jayson Tatum, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durrant, Ja Morant, Luka Dončić, and Kyrie Irving are the current NBA superstars. KG offered his nod to most of the names. However, the two former players didn’t stop there. They even went on to name the upcoming players who can be superstars, naming Paolo Banchero, Chad Brown, Cade Cunningham, Cooper Flagg, and AJ Dybantsa.

While these players are currently leading the charge, the NBA is a league of constant evolution. New talents are emerging every season, and it remains to be seen who will truly solidify their status as the next generation of superstars.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.