Oct 8, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; /Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey (19) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Top NBA Rookies to Watch in Tonight’s Preseason Slate

Originally posted on NBA Draft on SI | By Derek Parker | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The NBA preseason continues tonight, helping us churn one day closer to the 2025-26 regular season.

There’s already been numerous strong rookie performances, from Cooper Flagg’s half of all-around impact, to VJ Edgecombe’s stat-stuffing debut with the Sixers and more.

Below, we’ll evaluate three rookies to watch in tonight’s action:

Jase Richardson, Magic

Richardson has made overachieving in his role a habit in recent years, doing so with Michigan State in his lone collegiate season, and then in Summer League with the Magic, and finally a few days ago in Orlando’s first preseason game.

Richardson saw a mostly quiet night, but exploded for 13 points in the third quarter alone versus the Heat. He scored a bench-high, managing to tack on four rebounds, two assists and a steal too.

This article first appeared on NBA Draft on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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