This is an obvious sentiment, but teams and fans get too caught up in narratives and biases and junk. If you can get a young superstar, you do it. Which is why I’m completely on board with the Celtics getting (maybe?) Kyrie Irving.
What is a superstar, exactly? It’s so hard to quantify that multi-billion dollar teams struggle with it. Is he just very good? Halfway decent? Teams get in trouble when they overpay a good player just to keep a good player. Superstars can’t be overpaid, unless injuries intervene, but that happens. Generally, err on the side of “overpaying” the superstar.
Superstars are the personification of the 80/20 rule. They’re that 20 percent of the team that is providing 80 percent of the production or value. That’s why they’re worth the “overpay.”
So why do I think so highly of Kyrie? He’s young. He’s averaged 25 a game at 25. He settles what would’ve been an unsettled guard situation going forward. He shoots well…something needed in the Celtics offense, and in the current NBA. In fact, guys like him might be even more valuable in two to three years, given the focus on shooting and quality guards.
Superstars are even more important in the NBA, with smaller rosters. You’re playing, essentially, 8 players? The top three or four are much more important than, say, the NHL or MLB. NFL is different. Teams need a quarterback (NEED to figure it out), but with rosters so big depth is a close second concern. In fact, the two things I’d focus on in running an NFL team: figuring out QB, and getting as much depth as possible. (not easy, I know)
So the next time a superstar ends up in your city? Rejoice.