More stars for the NBA: Kawhi, Simmons, Wall, Lillard, Murray, Williamson and Wall return

In a firmament with so many shining stars, it's hard to miss some of them. But they are missed. In Spain, the return of Ricky Rubio, back in a Cavaliers jersey, is eagerly awaited. But there are more players to whom basketball owes another chance and who have been away from the spotlight for too long. 

One of them is Kawhi Leonard, out for 15 months. The forward of the revamped Clippers played 16 exciting minutes to sign off 11 points, four rebounds and two assists. Alongside him, one of the signings who, if recovered from his multiple injuries, can contribute a lot from the point guard position: John Wall (32), with 5 points in 14 minutes. The fact that his team beat the Blazers (102-97) means almost nothing now. 

There was also good news for Portland with Damian Lillard (32), who was absent during the previous season's last few months and was on the court for 23 minutes to contribute 16 points. 

Jamal Murray (25) spent more time in white. His, and MVP Jokic's Nuggets, lost to the OKC Thunder, but the shooting guard finished with 10 points, two rebounds and two assists in 14 minutes on the court.

The sight of Simmons alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving for the Nets was an interesting one. And against his former Sixers. Simmons, who can play all five positions in the starting five, started at power forward and played 19 minutes with six points, four rebounds and five assists. They won 127-108. 

And let's see how Zion Williamson (22) does after missing another year in the NBA. Willy Hernangomez's teammate at the Pelicans can give New Orleans the quality jump they need to fight for the ring.