If that's your definition, most of the Hall of Fame is made up of non-superstars, even most of the top-50. I think that's too restrictive.
But regardless, Malone was easily a top-five player throughout his career. I don't see why you'd say he was only sometimes top-five and not even be sure he deserved that. He was the standard for power forwards until Tim Duncan, and it's still perfectly debatable who the greatest power forward ever is between Malone and Duncan.
Stockton would have been the greatest point guard of his generation if not for Magic Johnson. Does being one of the top five ever at your position make you a superstar, because it's hard to find five point guards who were better than Stockton. Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson clearly were, but after that Stockton has as good an argument as anyone for the next best.
I think Payton is criminally under-appreciated because defense isn't easily encapsulated in numbers. While Payton was a fine scorer and play-maker (and rebounder, for that matter), he was arguably the greatest defender ever at his position and one of the greatest perimeter defenders ever. Being perhaps the greatest defender at his position along with his high level of productivity also puts him in the top-five at his position all-time, in my opinion.
I agree with you on 'Nique. He's a superstar only insofar as Vince Carter was: flashy, marketable, easy face for the league. He had superstar fame, but not the productivity/defense.
