Takeaways from the opening week of the 2023-24 NBA season

We are one week into this exciting NBA season, and the opening set of results and player performances have set the tone for what is to come.

We have seen electrifying new debuts and a number of exciting storylines that look like they could develop as the season continues.

Here are the takeaways from the opening week of the NBA season!

The Philadelphia 76ers have had a mixed start to the NBA season, picking up two wins and one loss without James Harden. Despite that, the absence of Harden has seen Tyrece Maxey elevate to an elite option for the Sixers.

Harden has completed a trade move to the Los Angeles Clippers, helping Maxey to elevate in his role as second scorer behind Joel Embiid. The young guard has averaged 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in his opening three.

After Brandon Miller was selected second overall before Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA Draft, fans and critics alike thought the Charlotte Hornets had made a mistake. The opening week wouldn't support that.

Henderson has played four games this season, scoring four and seven in two of them and averaging eight points. Miller has made a fine contribution for Charlotte, scoring 22 points against Brooklyn and averaging 17 and six in his first three games.

If there was any doubt the Denver Nuggets would challenge for a repeat, the opening week of NBA fixtures has put that to bed, with Denver winning four from four.

Nikola Jokic has come back from his summer vacation in Serbia and not missed a beat, finishing with 27/10/11 against Utah and averaging 26 points for the season. Jamal Murray has been the perfect Robin to his Batman yet again.

This season was supposed to be a transition period for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they were supposed to be passing the reigns of the franchise to Anthony Davis from LeBron James.

James rescued the Lakers in their victory over Phoenix last week, scoring the final few winning points and playing 35 minutes. 'The King' is already averaging over 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Not bad for the oldest player in the NBA.

Oklahoma City Thunders Shai Gilgeous Alexander was one of the league's premiere scorers last season, and this year looks no different, scoring 32 points against Detroit and averaging 26 in four games.

To be in the MVP conversation, Alexander has to effect winning performances, and so far, he is doing just that, with OKC winning three of their first four games.

Ja Morant looks like a bigger miss than the Memphis Grizzlies thought he would be this season, losing all four of their opening games.

Morant is still absent for more than 20 games in this NBA season, and if Jaren Jackson and Desmond Bane don't step up more effectively, their season could be done by the time Morant returns.

Will these storylines continue to come to fruition or is their more fairy tales to blossom as the season continues?