The L.A. Clippers feature Chris Paul and Blake Griffin as its main stars. Outside of them, DeAndre Jordan sits by himself, not knowing if he can put himself in the category where those two belong, or wait one more year before finally getting recognized.

Curiously enough, Jordan has been the Clippers’ starting center for years. He has also owned countless of highlight reels. Whether it’s a thunderous slam or a humiliating block, the athletic seven-footer had always found a way to electrify the crowd.

He is popular no doubt. But has he done enough to warrant a “star” tag? According to his coach, Doc Rivers, DeAndre Jordan has never seen himself in that light, until now.

“He sees himself now as a star,” Rivers told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. “As good as he is, I don’t think he’s ever seen himself as one. He’s always been the third guy so he’s looked at himself as a role player in some ways. Now he knows how good he is and I think any time you’re around winning, it’s important, and I think DJ now knows what winning looks like.”

Last season, Jordan averaged 12.7 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. As always, his field goal percentage was off the charts at 70%, but his free throw shooting remained atrocious.

He was picked as a member of the elite All-NBA First Team, but his inclusion raised more questions about the selection process than acknowledgement for his own effort.

This summer, Jordan made his mark on everyone’s mind when he played in Rio for Team USA. He was among the team’s most consistent performer and was always a force inside the paint and on both ends.

It may have boosted the big man’s confidence, and at this point, there’s very little argument as to whether DeAndre Jordan is a star.