What worked -- and what didn't -- in 12 NBA season debuts

ESPN's Ben Golliver graded 12 season debuts across the NBA's opening week, and the report cards ranged from perfect to forgettable.

Among the greats, Kawhi Leonard powered the Raptors' home rout of the Bulls, with Leonard, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley all topping 20 points in a balanced attack. Damian Lillard began rebuilding his career in Portland by carving up the Suns. Walker Kessler produced the week's most eye-popping line for the Lakers: a perfect 12-for-12 from the field, including 10 dunks, prompting Shaquille O'Neal to call him the best big man in the NBA. And Oklahoma City's retooled starters looked every bit the title favorites in a road win at San Antonio, where 7-foot-3 rookie Aday Mara swatted Victor Wembanyama in his debut and Cason Wallace filled Luguentz Dort's spot alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.

The "good" tier was headlined by LeBron James, whose unselfish debut helped the 76ers spoil the Knicks' ring night and sweep their first two games, with Tyrese Maxey carrying the scoring load. LaMelo Ball's Timberwolves debut came with a viral step-back three that officials later confirmed was a travel after four steps. Anthony Davis dropped 34 points and 12 rebounds to carry the Wizards past the Bucks, Paul George scored at least 38 in a losing Celtics debut against Detroit, and Darius Garland poured in 30 to lead the Clippers past Sacramento.

Then came the rough ones: Giannis Antetokounmpo's 35 points couldn't save the Heat from an embarrassing home loss to Minnesota in his first game since leaving Milwaukee. Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg's debut was overshadowed by his claim afterward that he'd "lost all respect" for Luka Doncic over his "whining and complaining." And Miles Bridges failed to move the needle in his Suns debut alongside rookie Khaman Maluach.