Last month, E.J. Liddell slid to the second round of the NBA draft. It was a bit of a surprise given that during his final season of college basketball, the Ohio State standout was projected as a top 20 pick.
Last season as a junior at Ohio State, Lidell was one of the best players in a tough and balanced Big Ten. He averaged 19.4 points and 17.9 points per game this past season.
So to see Liddell go No. 41 overall to the New Orleans Pelicans was a bit of a surprise. The 6-foot-7 forward shot 49 percent from the floor last year.
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Former NBA scout Michael VandeGarde weighed in on why Liddell dropped out of the first round as well as his fit with the Pelicans.
“I think it is a good pick and spot for him…They are growing and looking to develop players and he needs that,” VandeGarde said.
“As a second-round guy he will have to prove he is an NBA player over the next few years. Not sure how his career will play out; he has the potential to be a 10-year guy in the NBA or out of the league in three to four. Time will tell.”
VandeGarde is a former NBA scout, having spent 18 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. He is currently involved with the innovative digital platform CoachTube, a portal that offers sports coaching courses from legendary coaches in the NFL, NBA and college sports.
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The former NBA scout also discussed the transition of former Rutgers star Ron Harper Jr. as well as why Lidell dropped to the second round.
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