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Torn ACL will sideline Ohio State product E.J. Liddell's rookie season in New Orleans

adam jardy, the columbus dispatch
·2 min read

Former Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell suffered a torn ACL, the New Orleans Pelicans confirmed.

A second-round pick in June’s NBA draft, Liddell injured his right knee while playing against Atlanta in Monday night’s Las Vegas Summer League game. He was evaluated by the team’s medical staff and was cleared to return to action, but he later fell awkwardly during the third quarter when his leg got trapped underneath his body.

Immediately after the game, coach Jarron Collins said Liddell had suffered a knee sprain and would undergo an MRI to assess further damage. On Tuesday, that revealed the injury that will sideline him indefinitely.

New Orleans Pelicans forward E.J. Liddell is helped off the court after suffering a knee injury on Monday.
New Orleans Pelicans forward E.J. Liddell is helped off the court after suffering a knee injury on Monday.

Picked No. 41 overall, Liddell has not yet signed a contract with the Pelicans and has been in line for either a full roster spot or a two-way contract. The Pelicans will cover Liddell’s medical care and still might be signing him to a contract.

E.J. Liddell: Ohio State's E.J. Liddell inspires those back home in southern Illinois while winning with the Buckeyes

In less than two summer league games, Liddell scored 8 points and pulled down eight rebounds.

“No question our guy comes back stronger than ever,” Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann posted to Twitter. “Book it.”

That echoed a sentiment Liddell shared from the St. Clair Country Club in his hometown of Belleville, Illinois, on the night he was drafted. The hope had been to possibly be a first-round pick, so to slide to No. 41 put an extra chip on Liddell’s shoulder.

New Orleans Pelicans forward E.J. Liddell after suffering a knee injury Monday.
New Orleans Pelicans forward E.J. Liddell after suffering a knee injury Monday.

“I’ve been proving people wrong my whole, entire life so this isn’t anything new,” Liddell said June 24. “I’m gonna keep doing that until the day I’m gone. I’m happy they took a chance on me and I appreciate them for the opportunity.”

Now he’ll unfortunately have to wait a while longer to do so.

ajardy@dispatch.com

@AdamJardy

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State's E.J. Liddell suffers torn ACL with New Orleans Pelicans