Injuries, 0-3 starts and more: The best and worst from the NBA's first week

Our insiders break down standout moments and answer the biggest questions from the first days of the NBA season.

The top 3

  1. Early Team Performance Volatility: Unexpected results have dominated the opening week, with the Memphis Grizzlies achieving their best start since 2017-18 at 3-0, while defending Eastern Conference champions, the New York Knicks, have struggled to a 0-3 start.
  2. Impact of Financial Constraints and CBA Rules on Roster Moves: NBA roster flexibility is heavily influenced by the new salary cap rules. Specifically, teams over the first and second aprons, such as the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, are prohibited from signing players like Zach LaVine if he were to be bought out, due to his salary exceeding the non-tax midlevel exception.
  3. Injury Impact on Contender Stability: Opening week injuries have directly impacted high-profile teams, with players like Jalen Williams (Thunder), Jalen Duren (Pistons), and Jalen Suggs (Magic) sidelined. These absences create immediate depth concerns for teams aiming for championship contention.

Sources

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