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Top 3 rookie debuts from NBA's opening week

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

We all know how Lonzo Ball's first NBA regular-season game went by now, even if his dad brushed off the veteran defense of Patrick Beverley. Of course, one game is just one game, but a player only gets one NBA debut. Here are the three best of this year's class:

Ben Simmons, 76ers

The de facto rookie started at point forward with this year's No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz coming off the bench, which seems to be the Sixers' game plan for the foreseeable future. While Philly fell by five to the Washington Wizards, Simmons demonstrated his versatility with 18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Dillon Brooks, Grizzlies

Brooks may have had the best rookie debut of them all, and his Memphis Grizzlies managed to win, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 103-91.The 6-foot-6 wing looked like a seasoned pro, getting to the basket with ease and scoring 19 points with four steals and two blocks. Not bad at all for a Canadian picked in the middle of the second round.

Dennis Smith Jr., Mavericks

Smith is a sleeper pick for Rookie of the Year, and he showed why in the Mavericks' season-opening loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The point guard tied for the team lead in scoring while dishing out 10 assists and shooting 50 percent from the floor. He also showed his finishing ability.

Honorable mentions: De'Aaron Fox, Kings (14 points, five assists in loss to Rockets); Jayson Tatum, Celtics (14 points, 10 rebounds in loss to Cavs)

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