Injured rookie E.J. Liddell signs two-way deal with Pelicans

Forward E.J. Liddell, who tore his ACL during Summer League this year after the Pelicans drafted him at No. 41 overall out of Ohio State, has inked a two-way contract with the Pelicans, New Orleans has announced in a press release.

During a 2021/22 NCAA season in which the 6’7″ swingman was named a Third Team All-American, an All-Big Ten First Teamer, and a Big Ten All-Defensive Team honoree, he averaged 19.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.5 BPG and2.5 APG for the Buckeyes.

Though he will most likely not be healthy until at least 2023, the 21-year-old right-hander will join Dereon Seabron in filling the team’s pair of two-way player contracts heading into the 2022/23 season.