What happened: The franchise is looking to rebound from one of the most significant season-to-season declines in the league during the 2025-26 campaign. Tyrese Haliburton's return to the floor provides the central piece for that turnaround effort this October.

Why it matters: Regaining his playmaking dictates whether the team can swing the pendulum back in their favor. The guard completed a between-the-legs dunk recently to showcase his physical progress.

What to watch: Preseason evaluations continue ahead of opening night.