The NBA Finals are underway, and so far, the Indiana Pacers are in the driver’s seat. The Pacers took a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 on Wednesday.
The Pacers are now two games away from capturing their first-ever NBA title in franchise history. Game 3 was another doozy, as both teams went back and forth, but ultimately, it was the Pacers, led by their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who came out on top.
Haliburton has been the topic of conversation for the entire playoffs. The question regarding Haliburton is whether he is a superstar or not. So far in the playoffs, he is playing incredibly, leading the Pacers to their second-ever Finals appearance.
While he is showcasing that he is, many are still debating the topic. Many pundits and experts are making their case for whether he is or isn’t.
NBA legend and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson weighed in on the topic, but not specifically on Haliburton, instead on what it means to be a superstar.
Johnson appeared on ESPN’s First Take on Thursday and clarified the supertrailer criteria amid the ongoing debate.
“A person who can go on the road and sell the building,” Johnson said. “You gotta be box office… Larry Bird — people running home. Charles Barkley — people running home. Shaq — people running home. Kobe — people running home. And of course, the greatest to ever play — Michael Jordan. People running home to see him, or doing everything they can to get into the arena to watch him play. That’s a superstar.”
Magic Johnson defines a superstar – “A person who can go on the road and sell the building out.” pic.twitter.com/KeXDsIsQby
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 12, 2025
Johnson knows a thing or two about being a superstar in the league. The fifth NBA champion is the ultimate superstar, as he not only dazzled fans with his play but also practically saved the NBA, alongside his long-time rival and friend, Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics.
The 65-year-old is a legend and superstar through and through, and his resume speaks for itself. Outside of being a five-time champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP, three-time NBA MVP, 12-time All-Star and a nine-time All-NBA First-team selection.
Johnson knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a true superstar, and whether the players in this year’s NBA Finals can rise to that level remains to be seen. Only time will tell.
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