Former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Khalen "Bink" Saunders is trying his hand at a different professional sport. Saunders was among the players participating Saturday in an open tryout for the Laketown Squadron, the NBA G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Squadron held the one-day tryout so prospective players could perform in front of the team's coaching and basketball operations staff. Participants competed for a chance to earn an invitation to training camp ahead of Laketown's inaugural 2026-27 season.
Via @GleagueSquadron IG pic.twitter.com/pu8wh9vA7S
— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) September 19, 2026
Saunders' basketball appearance might not be as random as it sounds. During his college career at Western Illinois, defensive line coach John Haneline recalled Saunders joining
coaches for a pickup game and immediately playing point guard, crossing defenders over and finishing difficult layups. The 300-plus-pound defensive tackle earned the nickname "Fat Kyrie" for his basketball skills.
Saunders spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with New Orleans, starting 27 of his 30 appearances for the Saints. New Orleans traded him to the Jacksonville Jaguars in August 2025 in exchange for offensive lineman Luke Fortner. The two-time Super Bowl champion is currently a free agent after his latest NFL stint with the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee released Saunders during final roster cuts on Aug. 30, which left the 30-year-old available for the tryout.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Former Saints DL Khalen Saunders tries out for Pelicans' G League team
