The New Orleans Pelicans have added another intriguing big man to their developmental pipeline, bringing 7-foot center Aziz Bandaogo into the organization’s G League system.
The Laketown Squadron, New Orleans’ newly relocated NBA G League affiliate, acquired Bandaogo’s returning-player rights from Raptors 905 in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2027 NBA G League Player Draft.
New Orleans subsequently brought Bandaogo into the organization through a brief NBA transaction, positioning the athletic center to continue his development with Laketown during the 2026-27 season.
The move gives the Pelicans another young frontcourt prospect to evaluate while supplying their Kenner-based affiliate with a legitimate rim protector and interior finisher.
Who is Aziz Bandaogo?
Bandaogo is a 7-foot center from Senegal who played five collegiate seasons across Akron, Utah Valley and Cincinnati.
He concluded his college career with the Bearcats during the 2024-25 season, starting all 35 games and averaging:
- 7.4 points
- 6.0 rebounds
- 1.4 blocked shots
- 61 percent shooting over his overall college career
Bandaogo produced his biggest college season at Utah Valley, averaging approximately 11 points, 10 rebounds and nearly three blocks per game. His rebounding, shot-blocking and above-the-rim finishing helped establish him as an intriguing developmental center.
After completing his college career, Bandaogo spent his first professional season overseas. Raptors 905 then selected him with the second overall pick in the 2026 NBA G League International Draft.
Laketown acquired his rights on September 10, surrendering a future G League first-round selection to bring the young center into the Pelicans’ developmental system.
What Bandaogo brings to Laketown
Bandaogo’s offensive game is built around his length, mobility and activity near the basket.
He can operate as a pick-and-roll target, finish lobs, run the floor and create second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass. He does not need the offense built around him to make an impact.
Defensively, Bandaogo’s greatest value comes as a rim protector. His length allows him to challenge shots around the basket, while his mobility gives him the potential to defend ball screens and recover to the paint.
There are still areas that require development. Bandaogo needs to continue adding strength, improving his positioning and becoming more consistent against physical centers. His offensive production outside the restricted area also remains limited.
The G League should provide the playing time and repetition necessary to address those areas.
A crowded Pelicans frontcourt
Bandaogo is unlikely to receive an immediate opportunity with the NBA team because New Orleans already has significant depth at center and power forward.
The Pelicans’ frontcourt currently includes Zion Williamson, Yves Missi, Derik Queen, Karlo Matković, Christian Koloko, Malik Dia and veteran DeAndre Jordan.
That depth makes Laketown the logical destination for Bandaogo. Instead of sitting at the end of the Pelicans’ bench, he can receive consistent minutes and develop inside the same organizational system.
The move also gives New Orleans additional emergency depth. If injuries strike during the season, the Pelicans will have a 7-foot center nearby who is already familiar with the organization’s terminology and expectations.
Why Laketown matters
The Squadron’s relocation from Birmingham to Kenner should strengthen the connection between the Pelicans and their G League affiliate.
Laketown will play its home games at the Pontchartrain Center, allowing Pelicans executives, coaches and development personnel to monitor prospects without the travel previously required.
Players can also move between the NBA and G League teams more efficiently. That should make the Squadron a more useful developmental resource for young players who need meaningful game repetitions.
Bandaogo represents exactly the type of prospect the Squadron should target: young, athletic, physically gifted and equipped with at least one potentially NBA-level skill.
What the move means
This is not a major move for the Pelicans’ immediate NBA rotation, but it is a sensible investment in organizational depth.
Bandaogo offers size, rebounding and shot-blocking upside without requiring New Orleans to commit a regular rotation spot. If his strength, defensive discipline and offensive awareness improve, he could eventually compete for an NBA opportunity.
For now, he should become one of the more interesting prospects to watch during the Laketown Squadron’s inaugural season in Kenner.
Johnny O’Neil Returns to the Pelicans’ G League Pipeline
The Pelicans have added another familiar frontcourt piece to their developing Laketown pipeline. New Orleans signed and waived 6-foot-10 forward Johnny O’Neil on an Exhibit 10 contract, a transaction designed to send him back to the Laketown Squadron, which controls his G League rights. The official G League profile lists O’Neil at 6-foot-10 and 220 pounds, with 2025–26 averages of 8.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists. NBA G League profile, transaction report
O’Neil gives head coach Brandon Demas another mobile frontcourt option alongside newly acquired 7-foot center Aziz Bandaogo and Trevon Scott. His return strengthens New Orleans’ player-development pipeline as the franchise prepares for its first Laketown season in Kenner. Bandaogo announcement, Scott announcement
Laketown Squadron roster currently known
The final opening-night roster has not been released. The latest 2026–27 roster listing includes three players, while recent transactions identify three additional expected affiliate players. Laketown is also still holding open tryouts, so this list can change. Roster snapshot, team news
| Player | Position | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| Aziz Bandaogo | Center/forward, 7’0″ | Returning rights acquired from Raptors 905 |
| Malik Dia | Forward, 6’9″ | Pelicans two-way player |
| Jaron Pierre Jr. | Guard/forward, 6’5″ | Pelicans two-way player |
| Trevon Scott | Forward, 6’8″ | Returning rights acquired from Long Island |
| Johnny O’Neil | Forward, 6’10” | Signed and waived; expected to join Laketown |
| Christian Shumate | Forward, 6’6″ | Signed and waived; expected to return to the affiliate |
Returning candidates still needing official 2026–27 confirmation: D.J. Carton, Caleb Mills, Jalon Moore and Jaykwon Walton.
Staff: Thomas Scott, general manager; Brandon Demas, head coach. Staff directory
