Pelicans Eye Another Duke Star

Pelicans Eye Another Duke Star to Join Zion Williamson in the Big Easy

Could New Orleans become the new home of the Brotherhood?

After years of stop-and-start success with their former No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans are now positioned to potentially add another piece to their puzzle one that just might come wrapped in Duke blue.

During Monday night’s NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago, Zion Williamson was on hand representing the Pelicans, and by night’s end, New Orleans found itself in a sweet spot in the 2025 NBA Draft: the mid-lottery. That range aligns perfectly with two of the most talked-about prospects from this year’s Duke basketball roster sharpshooting wing Kon Knueppel and towering 7-foot-2 center Khaman Maluach.

According to The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman, the Pelicans are already narrowing their focus.

“I think the Pelicans are deciding between the two Duke guys  Kon Knueppel or Khaman Maluach  and I think they should take Kon,” Goodman said Tuesday.

And why not? Knueppel, a highly skilled guard, and Maluach, a defensive menace with freakish length, were ironmen for the Blue Devils. Both started all 39 games and played crucial roles on a Duke squad that marched all the way to the Final Four alongside superstar freshman Cooper Flagg. Together, Knueppel and Maluach accounted for over 25% of Duke’s total minutes played.

This year marks a potentially historic draft for Duke, with not just Flagg but also Tyrese Proctor and Sion James in the mix. If all five get selected, it would be the program’s first five-draftee class since 2022 when Paolo Banchero went No. 1 overall and Coach K bowed out.

But the Pelicans’ interest isn’t just about talent it’s about chemistry and culture.

Since his NBA debut, Zion has always shared the locker room with at least one fellow Blue Devil. That changed earlier this year when Brandon Ingram a staple in New Orleans and fellow Duke alum was traded to the Toronto Raptors. For the first time in his pro career, Zion was flying solo. Could the Pelicans be looking to change that?

Reuniting Zion with a fellow Dukie would do more than just scratch a nostalgic itch it could help unlock the best version of the often-injured star. Kon Knueppel’s playmaking and floor spacing could create easier lanes for Zion to operate, while Maluach’s presence in the paint would give New Orleans a rim protector it sorely lacks.

And let’s be honest pairing Zion with another young Blue Devil in the Crescent City? That’s box office.

As the NBA Draft approaches on June 25-26 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, all eyes will be on who joins Zion in the Pelicans’ next chapter. Whether it’s Kon Knueppel’s silky jumper or Khaman Maluach’s sky-scraping defense, one thing is clear: New Orleans may soon be adding another brother to the Duke fraternity and giving Zion a familiar face to chase greatness with.

The Brotherhood might just be back in the Big Easy.