The Contenders' Staggering Starts
If you thought the top of the league was predictable, think again. The Boston Celtics, a popular pick to dominate the East, immediately stumbled, blowing a massive 22-point lead in a stunning loss to the Detroit Pistons. Paul George put up 38 points in his
Celtics debut, but the team's late-game execution looked shaky. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers did their own impression of a meltdown, losing a 29-point lead to the 76ers, raising early questions about their ability to close out games under new coach Kenny Atkinson. In the West, the San Antonio Spurs, fresh off a Finals appearance, were handled by the Oklahoma City Thunder in their opener, with Victor Wembanyama struggling from the field against Chet Holmgren's defense. These early losses don't spell doom, but they show that the path to the top will be anything but a cakewalk.
The Rookie Class is Ready Now
Forget a learning curve; the 2026 rookie class is making an immediate impact. The Memphis Grizzlies may have won their opener, but it was despite a rough shooting night from No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer, who still impressed with his rebounding and defense. Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 pick, has already shown flashes of dynamic scoring for the Utah Jazz, getting to his spots and drawing contact. On the Sacramento Kings, Darius Acuff Jr. has been compared to Jalen Brunson and is expected to be a primary offensive weapon from day one. Even later picks like Yaxel Lendeborg are getting opportunities, with the Warriors rookie expected to see significant minutes. This isn't just a class with future potential; it's a group of players already demanding attention and minutes.
New Faces, Immediate Impact
The offseason shuffle is paying early dividends for several teams. In Charlotte, former Timberwolves fan-favorite Naz Reid had a fantastic debut for the Hornets, nearly notching a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. His all-around game could be a huge lift for a team looking to surprise. The Los Angeles Lakers are thrilled with their acquisition of Walker Kessler, who went a perfect 12-for-12 in his debut, providing an efficient and imposing presence in the paint alongside Luka Dončić. In Minnesota, the new backcourt of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball is already clicking, with the duo combining for 14 three-pointers in their first outing together and outscoring opponents significantly when on the floor at the same time. These new additions are not just fitting in; they're elevating their teams.
The Three-Point Obsession Continues
Just when you thought the league couldn't shoot more threes, some teams are doubling down. The Dallas Mavericks, who ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point attempt rate last season, have completely overhauled their offense. In the preseason, their rate of shots from deep skyrocketed from 35% to 53%. The Houston Rockets have also seen a massive jump in their three-point attempts, a clear point of emphasis from coach Ime Udoka. While the league-wide average for three-point attempts hit a plateau last season, these teams are betting that even more volume from behind the arc is the key to unlocking their offensive potential. Whether this leads to more wins remains to be seen, but the commitment to the long ball is reshaping offensive identities across the league.
The Rise of Surprise Offensive Hubs
While star players are getting theirs, some unexpected names are carrying the scoring load. Atlanta's Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the reigning Most Improved Player, started his season with a 31-point explosion, suggesting he may be ready for an even bigger role. In Memphis, while the rookie Boozer struggled to score, veteran guard Ty Jerome erupted for 45 points to lead the Grizzlies to a win, serving as a reminder of the depth on some of these rosters. These performances highlight a growing trend where secondary players are stepping up as primary offensive options, making teams less predictable and harder to defend on a nightly basis. It's a long season, but the early signs point to more players than ever being capable of taking over a game.
