Toronto Raptors opening-night roster features six newcomers

The Toronto Raptors are ready to begin the 2026-27 NBA season. 

Ahead of Wednesday's season opener, 16 players have been named to the Raptors' opening-night roster, including six newcomers. 

Kawhi Leonard headlines the group, as he makes his return to the team he left in 2019. 

Other players new to the team include Kyle Anderson, a 6-foot-8 forward with 757 games of NBA experience. The 33-year-old split last season between the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 43 games. 

Anderson was acquired via free agency, as were two other new additions via two-way contracts: Malachi Smith and Nate Bittle. 

Smith, 26, played 15 games for the Brooklyn Nets last season, averaging 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Bittle is an undrafted 7-foot centre who averaged 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game with the University of Oregon last season. 

A pair of 2026 draft picks were also named to the squad: Allen Graves (first round) and Jaden Bradley (second round). 

This is a big year for the Raptors, who became championship contenders after Kawhi's return. It remains to be seen what's left in the tank for the 35-year-old, though when healthy, he remains one of the NBA's best. 

The regular season tips off Wednesday at home to the Chicago Bulls.