Torn ACL For Pelicans Rookie At Summer League

The Las Vegas Summer League is for showcasing young talent; for teams to see what they've got and how players might fit into their roster. Unfortunately, injuries sometimes play havoc with those plans, and for the New Orleans Pelicans, they've now been hit twice in Vegas. 

After suffering an injury to his right knee during the first quarter (and then returning after being checked out by team doctors), former Buckeye and current New Orleans Pelicans rookie EJ Liddell suffered another knee injury during the third quarter. pic.twitter.com/DIESBfvMwR

— Josh Poloha (@JorshP) July 11, 2022

2nd round pick E.J. Liddell, out of Ohio State, went down with a scary-looking knee injury in the Pelicans game on Monday. Unfortunately, the worst-case scenario has played out, as they've just announced that Liddell has a torn ACL.

Injury Update: E.J. Liddell will be out indefinitely after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee.

An MRI done last night confirmed the injury, which occurred during the third quarter of yesterday’s Summer League game against the Atlanta Hawks. pic.twitter.com/fSU4Cxqj8v

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 12, 2022

It's a terrible break for the young forward, who, as a second-rounder, was trying to make the team. “It’s tough,” Pelicans coach Jarron Collins said. “We mentioned it the other day with Dyson (Daniels). Injuries are part of the game. You don’t want to see anyone get injured out there."

Daniels, the Pelicans' first-round pick at No. 8 overall, suffered an ankle sprain in his first Summer League game on the weekend. 

Liddell will be out indefinitely, and is likely to miss the entire season.

Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports