Former Ohio State star EJ Liddell sends message to fans after NBA Summer League injury
Former Ohio State Buckeye star E.J. Liddell recently saw a lifelong dream come true when he was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. However, it wasn’t long before he had to deal with a pretty serious injury. The star forward tore his ACL in his right knee in the third quarter of the Pelicans Summer League matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, July 11. Following the injury, Liddell has received an outpouring of support via social media the past few days. On Thursday afternoon, he took to Twitter to let everyone know he was appreciative of their messages.
EJ Liddell suffers torn ACL during Summer League
Liddell will be out indefinitely, as explained by the Pelicans’ official statement on his injury. Liddell was selected by the Pelicans in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Ohio State with the 41st overall pick. The star forward averaged 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game last year with the Buckeyes and was projected by some as a potential first-round pick.
The injury appeared to be a serious one as he left the court requiring assistance, unable to put weight on his leg. After the game, Pelicans’ Summer League coach Jarron Collins spoke about the sad nature of injuries taking place as players are attempting to make NBA rosters.
“It’s tough,” said Collins. “We mentioned it the other day with Dyson [Daniels]. Injuries are part of the game. You don’t want to see anyone get injured out there.”
Dyson Daniels, another Pelicans’ rookie, injured his ankle during their opening game of the Summer League. Luckily for Daniels, team x-rays were negative for any serious injury, although the injury will certainly linger with him as he adjusts to the NBA game.
“It’s really tough seeing that,” said Pelicans’ teammate Trey Murphy III about Liddell. “It’s his second game of summer league. Hasn’t even got his feet wet in the NBA yet. Hopefully everything is all good, but you know how severe an injury could be like that.”
On3’s Austin Brezina also contributed to this article.