New Orleans Pelicans rookie EJ Liddell said on Friday his plan is to play with the team in summer league as long as there are no setbacks in his recovery from a torn right ACL.
Liddell, who suffered the injury while playing in the Las Vegas Summer League, missed the season after undergoing surgery in late July. He is progressing in his rehab and was seen putting up shots with the team toward the end of the season.
It was the first major injury for Liddell at any level of basketball. He is beginning to gain strength back in his knee and will start 1-on-1 drills this week as he ramps up his on-court work.
“It was definitely difficult, mentally and physically, just pushing through things early in the rehab process,” Liddell said. “It has been nine months, so I feel pretty normal but just going out there and feeling comfortable with myself mentally.”
The Pelicans signed Liddell to a two-way contract in October ahead of the start of the season. He wasn’t guaranteed a roster spot as a second-round pick but the organization valued his addition through the draft and wanted to keep him on the roster.
Liddell was the 41st pick in the NBA draft last year after a decorated junior year at Ohio State. He was a consensus All-American after averaging 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.5 assists. He led the Big Ten in blocks and was ninth in the country in free throws (169).
He was able to learn throughout the year with the team, despite being injured. He had the opportunity to get to know his teammates and observe practices and games from afar.
“I’ve taken a lot of little mental notes I’m going to use for myself,” Liddell said. “The talent level that this league has just seeing it in person and being on the bench just watching guys out there is definitely exciting to see. I know what it takes to be great.”
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