Pelicans second-round pick E.J. Liddell suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during a Vegas Summer League game on Monday, according to a team press release.
An MRI on Monday night confirmed the injury, which occurred during the third quarter of a game against the Hawks. A date for surgery has not yet been determined and he’ll be out indefinitely.
Liddell, who was selected with the No. 41 pick, was unable to put any weight on his right leg as he was helped off the floor. Liddell also felt some knee pain in the first half but it subsided and he re-entered.
The former Ohio State forward averaged 19.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 2.6 BPG over 33.2 MPG last season and was projected as a first-round pick. He has yet to sign a contract and the Pelicans don’t currently have an opening on the 15-man roster, though they have a two-way slot available. It’s unclear how New Orleans will handle the contract situation regarding a draft pick who will likely be out most or all of next season.
Why would his agent allow him to play in summer league without a contract…smh damn man, hopefully everything heals properly and with speed
That was exactly my thought, as well! It looks bad on his agent. It also looks bad on the team physicians, as he came out earlier in the game with an injury … and then he got RE-INSERTED later in that same game to blow out the ACL. Every ambulance chasing lawyer should be on the phone with EJ right now.
Wow
What a bummer
For reputation’s sake I would think the Pelicans would act as if a contract was signed… After all it would not be for that much… Probably the rehab will cost more.
They might go the Okeke route and have him rehab in the G-League this year on a G-League contract without actually having to play any games. That way they don’t have to cut anyone from the established roster and they could retain his rights
The reason Okeke did it was he was a First Round pick and his contract terms aren’t negotiable. He didn’t lose any money by waiting. Signing it while hurt would have started the clock on his career. He would only have 3 years to show he’s an NBA player, instead of 4 (i.e. prove he’s worth his NEXT contract).
As a second round pick, Liddell has no such guarantees. There isn’t a guaranteed contract waiting for him if he doesn’t sign one now.
I knew it just summer league, but he should sign contract before play for them. Poor poor kid.
Watched it happen
Live
He seemed hurt from the first fall
And then a non contact twist fell the second time
Tough to see
Been really high on EJ
Heal up