E.J. Liddell's Biography
Born on December 18, 2000, Eric “E. J.” Liddell Jr. is an accomplished American professional basketball player known for his relentless dedication and remarkable skills on the court. This overview of his life and career, so far, examines his early beginnings, his stellar high school and college performances, and his present contribution to the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Born and raised in Belleville, Illinois, E.J. Liddell began showing evident passion and talent for basketball while attending Belleville High School-West. Flourishing in his junior years, he averaged an outstanding 20.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he won coveted awards, such as the 2018 Illinois Mr. Basketball award and the 2018 St. Louis Post Dispatch Player of the Year, which he shared with Courtney Ramey. His combination of talent, hard work, and commitment also led his team to victory in the Illinois 4A class state championship. His stellar performance continued in his senior year, averaging 20.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game. Once again, he was the crowned the Illinois Mr. Basketball, the St. Louis Post Dispatch Player of the Year, and led his team to win the Illinois 4A class state championship.
Liddell’s high school accolades set the course for his college career, being consensus four-star recruit and recognized as the best player in the state of Illinois. Athletic programs jostled to offer him scholarships, but ultimately after intensive consideration, Liddell committed to playing college basketball for the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 1, 2018.
During his freshman year at Ohio State, Liddell, although coming off the bench, performed impressively with an average of 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He was instrumental in all the 31 games, scoring a double-double in a win against Illinois and ranked second on the team with 29 blocks. Despite enduring a bout of mononucleosis that took him out for several games, Liddell returned stronger in his sophomore season. His biggest achievement during that period was scoring a career-high of 26 points in a win against Illinois. At the end of his sophomore season, he averaged 16.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. Despite encountering unpleasant threats from disgruntled fans after Ohio State’s loss to Oral Roberts in the Round of 64, Liddell remained unshaken.
On March 31, 2021, Liddell declared for the 2021 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility. However, he later withdrew and decided to return to Ohio State for his junior season. His dedication and resolve bore fruit on January 9, 2022, when he scored a career-high of 34 points in a win against Northwestern, earning a spot on the “First Team All-Big Ten.” During his junior year, he averaged 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. His strong performance in his junior year led him to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declared for the 2022 NBA draft.
His NBA career took flight when he was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite suffering a torn ACL during his NBA Summer League game, Liddell persevered and signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans. He then signed a multi-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023, further cementing his place in the team.
On July 6, 2024, Liddell was part of a trade that saw him, alongside Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller, a 2025 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 first-round pick move to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Dejounte Murray. Shortly after, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns for David Roddy but was released in August that year.
E.J. Liddell started a new chapter in his career when he signed with the Chicago Bulls on September 7, 2024. His contract was later converted to a two-way contract with the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League. His journey, marked by triumphs, setbacks, and resilience, makes him not just an accomplished athlete but an inspiration for many who aspire to carve a niche in the world of professional basketball.
E.J. Liddell's Questions & Answers
Will E.J. Liddell Enter The Draft?
E.J. Liddell has already entered the draft, as he was selected in the 2022 NBA Draft Class.
What Position Does E.J. Liddell Play?
E.J. Liddell plays the position of Power Forward in the NBA.
Has E.J. Liddell Joined The Bulls From The Pelicans?
Yes, E.J. Liddell has joined the Chicago Bulls from the Pelicans, as confirmed by the Bulls' announcement of signing him to a two-way contract.
What Is E.J. Liddell's Salary?
E.J. Liddell's average annual salary is $2,074,683 as per his contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.
What Is The Age Of E.J. Liddell?
As an NBA journalist, I am unable to provide the exact age of E.J. Liddell as it requires the precise date of birth which isn't given in the context provided.
What Is The Status Of E.J. Liddell's Injury?
As of the current information available, the specifics of E.J. Liddell's injury status remains unknown.
