Was going to mention that too, wasn't sure if this is new(purchased)hardware etc. Was also going to advise doing as that link advised if you can and contact Intel NUC support, they're sure to be familiar with gnu/Linux and/or does this home assistant thing have anything IT-deptish ? Would hope so, yeppers, seems whoever this is has excellent taste in Nix in favoring Debian stable. Somewhat suggests tech-compentent people.
They don't have a preferred iso for people to use ?
People having issues with whatever really doesn't mean much, newer hardware overall means opt for newer kernel, same for firmware too. Debian stable by nature is lagging in terms of newest hardware support, people can't have all the benefits of long time tested, long term supported etc software and bling of latest, greatest and cutting edge out-of-box. Gnu/Linux period tends to be lagging, even Arch or Gentoo or whichever others are still having to play catch-up to get the best support for newest hardware goodies. That's bound to change though, is changing blahblah. Until there's enough user$, enough intere$t and it's growing.
Anyway, don't know what issues these other people are having. MANY times it's pebcak in nature, refuse to google, refuse to RTFM, shoot themselves in the foot, blame xyz kernel or anything else, shrugs. You say they "prefer", indicates you have a choice, two what seem to be worthwhile avenues then ...
1. There's a global moderator on these forums Head_on_a_stick, one of the green fellows. He has a link to an upgraded install iso in his sigline. That is Debian Buster, only he's smoothed a bunch of the rough edges for folks with newer hardware and Hoas does know his tech + nix. So if Debian stable it should-shall be, seems that's the path of least resistance for you.
2. Mx linux ... ( also seems to get plenty of positive feedback and do much for benefit of users. Stevepusser also is no slouch when it comes to nix imo.) As close to Debian proper as anything I can think of, though with some added benefits for people who can't setup Debian for themselves ...
Also never said Debian proper can't be awesome for whomever, at whichever stage but yep, get ready for reading of F'ing manuals, docs and plenty of quality time spent with Google Inc.

Learn enough folks can use Debian to make anything out of an operating system they wish. It's not called the "Universal OS" for nothing. That's about all I can think to try to help ya out here.
