STWF SPORTS | KENNER, La.| NOVEMBER 5, 2026 – The Laketown Squadron have officially unveiled their 13-player opening day roster for the 2026-27 NBA G League season, bringing together returning talent, emerging prospects and players with NBA experience as the organization prepares for another competitive campaign.
The New Orleans Pelicans’ G League affiliate will begin its Tip-Off Tournament schedule Sunday, November 8, against the Austin Spurs. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
The roster features three players on NBA two-way contracts, five returning Squadron players and several newcomers seeking to establish themselves within the Pelicans’ developmental system.
With a combination of size, versatility and professional experience, Laketown enters the season focused on player development and building chemistry.
Key Players in the Laketown Squadron for 2026-27 Season
Three Two-Way Players Headline Squadron Roster
Malik Dia, Jaron Pierre Jr. and Julian Reese enter the season as Laketown’s three designated two-way players.
Their contracts allow them to develop within the G League while remaining connected to the Pelicans’ NBA roster.
Dia, a 6-foot-9 forward from Mississippi, provides size and physicality in the frontcourt.
Pierre, a 6-foot-6 guard from SMU, brings perimeter versatility and the potential to contribute in multiple roles.
Reese, a 6-foot-9 center from Maryland, adds another interior presence while entering the season with NBA experience.
The trio represents an important component of the Pelicans’ developmental approach, with each player seeking to strengthen his professional résumé.
Returning Players Provide Continuity
Five players return for their second seasons with the Squadron, providing valuable familiarity with the organization.
Hunter Dickinson, Jalon Moore, Johnny O’Neil, Christian Shumate and Ethan Taylor form the returning group.
Dickinson, a 7-foot-1 center from Kansas, brings significant size and experience to Laketown’s frontcourt.
Moore, a 6-foot-6 guard from Oklahoma, offers positional flexibility, while O’Neil provides additional length at 6-foot-10.
Shumate, who played collegiately at McNeese State, adds another familiar Louisiana basketball connection to the roster.
Taylor, a 6-foot-5 guard from Air Force, rounds out the returning group.
Their experience with the organization could prove valuable as Laketown works to integrate its newcomers and establish consistency early in the season.
NBA Experience Strengthens Laketown’s Depth
The Squadron’s opening roster includes three players with at least one season of NBA experience.
Dickinson, Markquis Nowell and Reese provide professional experience that could benefit the team’s younger players.
Nowell, a 5-foot-7 guard from Kansas State, adds another experienced option to Laketown’s backcourt.
His presence offers the Squadron an additional ball-handling option as the coaching staff evaluates combinations throughout the season.
Laketown also features 7-foot center Aziz Bandaogo, providing another imposing interior presence.
The addition of multiple frontcourt players gives the Squadron flexibility when constructing lineups and managing matchups.
Newcomers Look to Make Their Mark
Beyond the returning core, several newcomers will have opportunities to establish themselves.
Chris Bell, a 6-foot-7 forward from California, adds perimeter size, while Dominique Daniels Jr., a 5-foot-10 guard from California Baptist, provides another backcourt option.
Solomon Washington, a 6-foot-7 forward from Maryland, brings additional versatility to the roster.
Together, the newcomers will compete for roles as Laketown begins its regular-season preparations.
The combination of established contributors and developing prospects provides the organization with several potential lineup combinations.
Squadron Prepare for Opening Road Challenge
Laketown’s first test arrives Sunday against the Austin Spurs, marking the beginning of the 2026-27 Tip-Off Tournament.
The opening matchup will provide an early opportunity to evaluate roster chemistry, defensive execution and offensive identity.
With 13 players available, the Squadron will look to establish a productive rotation while balancing competitive expectations with individual development.
STWF Sports Final Takeaway
Laketown enters the season with an intriguing combination of returning players, two-way talent and experienced professionals.
The presence of Dickinson, Nowell and Reese provides veteran experience, while Dia, Pierre and the organization’s younger prospects offer opportunities for continued development.
For the Squadron, success will involve more than victories. Establishing a competitive culture while preparing players for potential NBA opportunities remains central to the franchise’s mission.
As the new campaign begins, Laketown will look to translate its roster depth and developmental potential into consistent performances throughout the NBA G League season.
STWF Sports | NBA G League Coverage | New Orleans Pelicans Organization | 2026–27 Season
