What worked — and what didn’t — in 12 NBA season debuts

The article evaluates the opening week debuts and first impressions of several NBA stars who joined new teams this season. Notable successes included Kawhi Leonard scoring 23 points in Toronto's 43-point rout of Chicago, Damian Lillard tallying 25 points in his return to Portland against Phoenix, and Walker Kessler shooting 12-for-12 in the Lakers' blowout win over Golden State.

Meanwhile, other debuts yielded mixed or negative results, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo's 35-point effort in Miami's blowout loss to Minnesota and Miles Bridges struggling in Phoenix's 124-83 defeat. The piece also highlighted contributions from LeBron James in Philadelphia, Paul George in Boston, and Anthony Davis in Washington.