The 2026-27 NBA season commenced with a preseason matchup between the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, October 3. This game followed an active offseason that included significant trades, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo joining Miami and Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto. Although Leonard did not play in the opener, Antetokounmpo made his debut with the Heat, drawing considerable attention.

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Both teams featured first-year players marking their NBA debuts. Miami selected only one player in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, while Toronto made selections in each round. Notably, Toronto's first-round pick, Allen Graves, did not participate in the game.

Here are the performances of the rookies in the preseason opener:

Jaden Bradley of the Toronto Raptors, drafted 52nd overall, scored nine points, grabbed three rebounds, tallied two assists, and recorded a steal, shooting 3-of-4 from the field, 1-of-1 from three-point range, and 2-of-4 from the free throw line.

Nimari Burnett, an undrafted free agent for Toronto, netted six points, collected three rebounds, recorded three assists, committed four turnovers, and had one steal. He shot 2-of-10 from the field, 1-of-8 from long distance, and 1-of-2 from the charity stripe.

Ryan Conwell, selected 37th by the Miami Heat, scored six points with two assists, one rebound, and one turnover, shooting 3-of-8 overall and missing all three attempts from beyond the arc.

Tre Donaldson, an undrafted two-way signee for Miami, also scored six points, alongside three assists, two turnovers, one steal, and one block. He shot 1-of-5 from the field, missed all three three-point attempts, but made 4-of-6 free throws.

J'Vonne Hadley, another undrafted free agent for Miami, contributed two points, six rebounds, and a steal, making his only field goal attempt.

Ian Schieffelin, also an undrafted free agent with Miami, had an impressive outing with 11 points, three rebounds, and one assist, shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from the field, 1-of-1 from three-point range, and 2-of-2 from the free throw line in just ten minutes of play.