Last Updated on April 19, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

  • Full Name: EJ Liddell
  • Nickname: E.J.
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: December 18, 2000
  • Hometown: Belleville, Illinois, USA
  • Height: 6 ft 7 in (201 cm)
  • Weight: 240 lbs (109 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 ft 0 in (213 cm)
  • Shoe Size: US 14
  • Jersey Number:
    • #32 — Ohio State Buckeyes
    • #32 — New Orleans Pelicans
  • Position: Power Forward / Small-Ball Center
  • High School: Belleville West High School (Illinois)
  • College: Ohio State University (2019–2022)
  • NBA Draft: 2022 — 2nd Round, Pick 41 — New Orleans Pelicans
  • Player Archetype: Two-Way Small-Ball Forward
  • Primary Offensive Role: Secondary scorer; pick-and-pop threat; interior finisher
  • Defensive Role: Weak-side rim protector; switchable frontcourt defender
  • Play Style: Physical, high-motor forward who blends interior scoring with shot-blocking instincts and improving perimeter touch
  • Handedness / Shooting Hand: Right-handed
  • Athletic Profile: Strong frame, explosive leaper off two feet, good lateral mobility for size
  • Recruiting Status: 4-star recruit (consensus top-50 nationally in 2019 class)
  • Draft Status Detail: Stayed three years at Ohio State; productive collegiate scorer and defender but slid to second round due to positional tweener concerns and perimeter limitations
  • Injury Status Category: Moderate Risk — missed rookie season (2022–23) with ACL tear; returned with managed workload
  • Career Stage: Early Career / Developmental Rotation Player
  • Comparison Style: Undersized, physical scoring forward with rim protection flashes
  • Comparable Players:
    • Paul Millsap — undersized PF with strength and defensive instincts
    • P.J. Tucker — small-ball forward with physicality and defensive versatility
    • Grant Williams — compact forward with switchability and spot-up scoring
  • Teams Played For:
    • New Orleans Pelicans (2022–present)
  • Championship Rings: 0
  • Parents: Eric Liddell (father), Angela Liddell (mother)
  • Children: None publicly known
  • Siblings: Has siblings (not widely documented in detail)

EJ Liddell’s player archetype is best described as a two-way small-ball forward, built around physical strength, defensive activity, and efficient secondary scoring. Offensively, he operates as a pick-and-pop option and interior finisher, leveraging his sturdy frame to score through contact while gradually extending his range. Defensively, he brings value as a weak-side rim protector and switchable frontcourt presence, using timing and length to block shots despite being undersized for a traditional big. His physical traits—broad shoulders, strong base, and a near 7-foot wingspan—support a rugged, high-motor play style that prioritizes effort, positioning, and versatility. Overall, Liddell projects as a glue-piece contributor who can impact games without needing high usage, provided his shooting consistency and post-injury mobility continue trending upward.

Sources:
NBA.com — E.J. Liddell Player Profile
Sports Reference — E.J. Liddell College Stats
ESPN — E.J. Liddell Stats, News, Bio