E.J. Liddell 2022 NBA Draft Profile

The 2022 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the E.J. Liddell 2022 NBA Draft Profile.

E.J. Liddell Background

Position: Forward

Size: 6-foot-7, 243 pounds

Class: Junior

School: Ohio State

2021-22 stats: 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.6 steals, 2.6 blocks per game, 49% FG, 37.4% 3FG, 76.5% FT

Liddell developed into one of the better players in college basketball during his time at Ohio State. He is now headed to the NBA.

Out of high school, Liddell was a four-star prospect who left the state of Illinois to attend Ohio State. He played as a reserve when he was a freshman and averaged 6.2 points per game. Liddell stepped into the starting lineup as a sophomore and averaged 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. The Buckeyes earned a no. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but fell in the first round to Oral Roberts. Liddell returned for his junior season, averaging 19.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game along the way. The Buckeyes were able to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Following his junior season, Liddell declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid to late first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

E.J. Liddell Strengths

Liddell has a chance to be a good three-level scorer at the next level. He can post-up defenders, even though he is just 6-foot-7. His post moves are solid and he can also drive. He can also shoot from the mid-range. Liddell was able to shoot 37.4  percent from 3-point range last season. He can score off the catch or off of the dribble, which helps make him a matchup problem given his size.

His defensive versatility is also a strength. At 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, he has the size to play on the perimeter or in the post. His almost 7-foot wingspan gives him an advantage when he is switched on to guards. When he is in the post he has the strength and length to match up with most power forwards. His ability to guard multiple positions will be extremely valuable.

Not only does he have good versatility on the defensive end, but Liddell also protects the rim at a great rate for a player of his size. He averaged 2.8 blocks per game for the Buckeyes last season. His timing on his jumps are great and his wingspan helps him. Teams may be able to play him as a small-ball center because of his ability to protect the rim.

E.J. Liddell Weaknesses

While he is versatile, this is also a catch-22, as he could be somewhat of a tweener in the NBA. He isn’t big enough to match up with the tallest big men in the NBA. Liddell can switch onto guards, but he shouldn’t primarily guard them at the next level.

There are times when he settles for bad shots instead of getting good ones. He takes some contested mid-range and deep jumpers. Liddell would be better served getting to the basket or passing to a teammate in these situations. Improving shot selection will help him be more efficient.

His length allows him to switch decently well as a defender. He doesn’t have the quickest feet to stay in front on the perimeter. This lack of foot quickness also limits his driving ability. He wins with length and strength more than athleticism.

Projected Draft Range: Mid to Late First Round Pick

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