Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball One-And-Dones Set to Become Raptors Teammates

Following a Pelicans stint alongside Zion Williamson, Duke basketball pro Brandon Ingram is now joining a different Blue Devil in Toronto.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball products Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson
Duke basketball products Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Duke basketball pro Zion Williamson has never been part of a New Orleans Pelicans team that didn't also feature fellow NBA Blue Devil forward Brandon Ingram. But as of Wednesday night, per a report from ESPN's Shams Charania, that's the 24-year-old Williamson's new reality, as New Orleans has sent the 27-year-old Ingram to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, and draft picks.

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In Toronto, Ingram will join forces with Williamson's former one-and-done co-star in Durham, 24-year-old guard RJ Barrett, who is in his first full campaign with his hometown Raptors after getting traded from the New York Knicks last season.

Brandon Ingram, a 2020 All-Star with the Pelicans who came off the board No. 2 overall to the Los Angeles Lakers at the 2016 NBA Draft following his stardom as a one-and-done under Mike Krzyzewski, is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season. But he hasn't played since spraining his left ankle in early December.

Former No. 3 overall draft pick RJ Barrett, a durable bucket-finder and full-time starter throughout both his college and pro careers, is posting 21.6 points, 6.6 boards, and 5.7 dimes per game this go-round. He's shooting 47.0 percent from the field, 34.9 percent beyond the arc, and 65.5 percent at the charity stripe.

The Toronto Raptors sit at 16-35 overall and No. 13 in the Eastern Conference standings.

Meanwhile, former No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are currently alone at the bottom in the West at 12-39 overall, now in the midst of a seven-game skid.

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more updates on the long list of active NBA Blue Devils and other Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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