Sam Casell - who showed his leadership quality even when he was a rookie with Rockets, with the absolute No. 1 status of Dream, on the team. He was still passionate on the court, very vocal on and off the court. When he was traded to Bucks, he just took the leadership and led the team to conference final. When he was traded to the Wolves, again, he took the leadership role from the Big Ticket KG, and ended KG's first round woe and led them to WCF. Even at age of 35, only playing limited minutes, Sam is still the recognized leader in Clippers. He told Elton Brand what was wrong in his game. Elton mixed it up with mid-range jumpers, the Clippers went to playoffs after God-knows how many years. He's a very vocal leader, and he doesn't care whether there are other max players or super stars on the team.
None of the true leaders wait for the so-called leading opportunity to be handed to them on a silver plate. None of the true leaders wait till they are the most senior guy or everyone else is an inferior player. If you have to wait, you are NOT a leader. You either have it or don't.
Speaking of leadership of the Rockets, J. Howard was much better a vocal leader last year than any of the 2 star players. SF3 could be one, but it needs time to find his game back. A leader steps on the court with the chip on his shoulder. He acts like a leader, and the others will follow. If nobody is following you, you are not leading, claiming or not.
Neither TMac, nor Yao, has such quality in them.