The NBA tipped off its 2020-21 preseason schedule on Friday night with five matchups around the league.
Perhaps the biggest storyline of the evening emerged from the Houston Rockets following the debuts of John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins. The two former college teammates at Kentucky reunited on the court and each looked to be in excellent shape.
Wall tallied 13 points, nine assists and five rebounds in 18 minutes of work while Cousins had 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks in 14 minutes. Wall and Cousins sent a message to the rest of the league that they are back and that could be trouble.
The preseason opener also marked the debuts of several rookie players, from Killian Hayes to Obi Toppin and even Cole Anthony and Tyrese Haliburton. On Saturday, several other rookies will hit the court for the first time of their young careers.
Rookie Wire took a look at those first-year players set to debut on Saturday.