Klay Thompson Praised Heat Rookie Ryan Conwell
The veteran shooter noted the rookie's defensive intensity following a recent head-to-head practice drill.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Basketball
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NBA veteran Klay Thompson took notice of Miami Heat rookie Ryan Conwell after the 37th overall draft pick held his own during a competitive shooting drill. Thompson, one of the game's elite perimeter shooters, praised the 2026 draftee following practice on September 27.
Why it matters
As the Heat look to integrate new talent, Conwell's ability to impress a veteran who ranks fourth all-time in 3-pointers made offers a promising sign for the team's depth. Whether this chemistry translates to the upcoming regular season remains the core question for the roster.
Klay Thompson enters the season with a career 40.9% 3-point average, while Conwell arrives from his final collegiate season averaging 18.8 points per game. Conwell's collegiate shooting included a 40.8% field goal percentage.
The players
Klay Thompson
An veteran NBA player who ranks fourth all-time in career 3-pointers made.
Ryan Conwell
A 6-foot-4 shooting guard selected by the Miami Heat as the 37th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Miami Heat
The professional basketball team based in Miami currently preparing for the 2026-2027 season.
The details
Thompson observed Conwell displaying full-court defensive pressure during recent workouts at the Heat practice facility. Conwell, who stands 6-foot-4, previously shot 34.5% from beyond the arc in college. The rookie's performance will be tested when the Heat take the floor for their preseason opener against Toronto on October 3.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: Klay Thompson shared his perspective on Conwell with the media.
October 3, 2026: The Heat compete in a preseason game against the Toronto Raptors.
October 21, 2026: The team begins the regular season against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Beyond the 305
Professional basketball development follows the established cycle of the annual NBA Draft. This interaction marks a typical step in the integration of new talent into the league's established competitive ecosystem.
Fans heading to the arena for the preseason opener against Toronto will get their first look at how Conwell fits into the rotation. Watching these early games remains the best way to track the rookie's progress before the regular season tips off on October 21.
The takeaway
The praise from a veteran as accomplished as Thompson suggests Conwell is adapting quickly to professional expectations. Keep an eye on the box scores during the October 3 preseason game to see if Conwell maintains his shooting consistency against NBA-level defenders.
What happens next
The Heat will face the Toronto Raptors in a preseason game on October 3, 2026, followed by their regular season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 21, 2026.
Further reading
Keep up with the latest on Basketball news for the team's upcoming preseason schedule.
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