Not really, fans and media always saw him as a top player since his draft. That wasn't Kawhi's case.
This is true.He never put himself out there like Durant did when it came to giving interviews with media.
Even a low-key guy has more opportunities in a big market.Anyways Kawhi being low key like you said makes him and his people come across as re ed for ing about lack of endorsements due to being in SA. Sounds like you are making excuses for him.
People talk about Boston/Los Angeles/NYC players all time...Just being on the roster help them.
Kawhi did it well on marketability terms playing for a small market, he got his first Jordan deal, was top selling jerseys...But if he gets traded to some bigger market he could improve it.