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Ohio State Basketball: E.J. Liddell’s NBA ceiling

By Ryan Stano

Ohio State Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell (32) shoots over Michigan State Spartans forward Malik Hall (25) during the first half of the NCAA men's basketball game at Value City Arena in Columbus on March 3, 2022.Michigan State Spartans At Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell (32) shoots over Michigan State Spartans forward Malik Hall (25) during the first half of the NCAA men's basketball game at Value City Arena in Columbus on March 3, 2022.Michigan State Spartans At Ohio State Buckeyes /
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Former Ohio State basketball player E.J. Liddell was the best player the Buckeyes had this past season. He was the most consistent scorer and the most consistent shot-blocker the team had. Now, he’s taking his talents to the NBA and foregoing his remaining eligibility.

Liddell will likely be a first-round pick when the draft happens in late June. His stock does seem to have slid a bit since the end of the season though. Right after the Buckeyes’ season ended, he was projected to be a late lottery pick. Now, he’s projected to go in the 20s.

Fit matters more than how high a player gets drafted at the next level anyway, so that might not be a bad thing for Liddell. Since we are about a month away from the NBA Draft, what does Liddell’s ceiling look like as an NBA prospect? How good can he be?

To start out, Liddell is a guy who can come off the bench. He’s small for a power forward but has excellent offensive skills. He can make most midrange shots with a deadly fade away and is crafty enough around the rim to finish at an acceptable rate. Those are valuable skills off the bench.

The issue for him is on the defensive end. He’s in-between positions in terms of who he can guard. He’s smaller than most power forwards but not quick enough to guard most small forwards. Liddell got a lot better on defense in his last Ohio State basketball season though.

Liddell also has a flat shot, so his three-point shooting my suffer initially until he gets used to shooting from further back. That’s an issue he can correct with enough work though, and we know Liddell is an extremely hard worker. He’s got a motor that never stops.

I think Liddell’s ceiling is a starting power forward. I don’t think he can ever get to an all-star level, but I think he could be a solid starter for a team. That’s still good enough to make decent NBA money and stay in the league for a decade. Liddell can definitely make himself a valuable player.

Next. Noah Potter stays in-state with transfer. dark

We’ll find out where Liddell ends up starting his NBA career on June 23rd.

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