Now that every team has played at least one game, it’s time for a quick look to see which players made the best impressions.
MOST PRODUCTIVE: Stephen Curry, Warriors
Stephen Curry had 40 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. He was 5-12 on three-pointers. His efficiency was three times the average player and his productivity was 16.7% higher than anyone else’s opening game!
Runner up: CJ McCollum, Blazers
MOST EFFICIENT PLAYER WHO CHANGED TEAMS: Derrick Williams, Knicks
Williams scored 24 points in 21 minutes in his Knicks debut. He added 7 rebounds. Williams showed the promise that made him the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft, behind Kyrie Irving. His efficiency was about 2.5x his career average.
Runner up: Jon Leuer, Suns
BEST ROOKIE CONTRIBUTOR TO A WIN: Jerian Grant, Knicks
Grant had 10 points, 5 assists and 3 steals in 24 minutes. His win shares were the highest among rookies, as the team was +20 with him on the court. The Knicks were +1 with starting point guard Jose Calderon on the court.
Runner up: Nemanja Bjelica, Timberwolves
MOST SURPRISING PLAYER IN A BAD WAY: Klay Thompson, Warriors
On opening night, Klay Thompson’s efficiency fell into the negative. His productivity in the opener was gauged at just 4% of his average productivity last season. This was in large part because he had 7 turnovers and 5 fouls.
Runner up: Kent Bazemore, Hawks
MOST SURPRISING PLAYER IN A GOOD WAY: Ricky Rubio, Timberwolves
Rubio was a star in the opener. His efficiency in the opener was second only to Stephen Curry. Rubio had 28 points and 14 assists, and only 1 turnover. It was the second-best single-game productivity of his 203-game career.
Runner up: Aaron Gordon, Magic
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.