Main Story

Several early-season developments offer reasons for optimism—and questions to watch—in Memphis, Charlotte and San Antonio. Grizzlies rookie Cam Boozer has made an immediate impact, Charlotte’s offseason additions are producing amid injuries, and Spurs rookie Tarris Reed Jr. is making a case for backup-center minutes behind Victor Wembanyama.

By the Numbers
  • Boozer’s first 3 NBA games: 48 points and 35 rebounds—the first player to reach both totals that quickly since Shaquille O’Neal in 1992-93.
  • At age 19, Boozer recorded 25 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists against Golden State, becoming the 3rd-youngest player to post at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.
  • Memphis won all 3 games in Boozer’s opening stretch.
  • Charlotte started 2-1; Naz Reid averaged 20.0 points and 8.7 rebounds, while Dennis Schroder averaged 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
Yes, But

Three strong games don’t establish Boozer as a future star, and Reed’s promising performance hasn’t earned him a permanent rotation spot. Charlotte’s early progress also comes with caveats: the Hornets lost by 47 points to Atlanta, and several players remain sidelined.

State of Play
  • Memphis is moving forward after trading Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., with Boozer’s all-around play offering an encouraging start.
  • Charlotte is getting production from new additions while Coby White, Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams are out.
  • San Antonio has veteran Luke Kornet and rookie Reed as options at backup center behind Wembanyama.
Bottom Line

These early returns aren’t proof of a turnaround, but they give all three teams useful options: Memphis has a rookie contributing across the board, Charlotte is finding help beyond its injured players, and San Antonio may have another answer for the minutes when Wembanyama sits.