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Andrew LopezESPN
LAS VEGAS — New Orleans Pelicans Second-round pick E.J. Liddell He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Monday’s summer-league contest. He will be out indefinitely.
In the third quarter, Liddell was defeated by the Atlanta Hawks When his right knee buckled beneath him. Liddell had a combined average of 4.5 points and 4.0 rebounds during two Las Vegas games.
Pelicans fear the worst when the injury occurred on Monday. He was then carried off court by teammates. A Monday night MRI in Las Vegas confirmed that the injury had occurred.
Liddell was a three-year Ohio State student and received a first round grade from draft experts, including ESPN’s Jonathan Givony who ranked him No. 21 overall prospect. Liddell fell to No. 41 overall.
Liddell was a third-team All-American in the 2021-22 college seasons. He was also named to the All-Big Ten first and defensive team first teams. In 32 Ohio State games last year, he averaged 19.4 points and 7.9 rebounds. He also had 2.5 assists, 2.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks.
After 14 contracts were carried over from 2021-22, New Orleans now has 15 guaranteed contracts. The team was also selected. Dyson Daniels With the No. 8 pick in the draft
The Pelicans might be able to free up space for Liddell’s contract or place him in one of their two-way spots.