E.J. Liddell’s journey from a small-town high school star in Illinois to an NBA player with the Chicago Bulls is a story of perseverance, talent, and heart. As of 2025, Liddell is making waves in the league, known for his defensive prowess, work ethic, and leadership on and off the court.
Fans and analysts alike have watched his steady rise, from overcoming injuries to seizing opportunities with every team he joins. Whether you’re a basketball enthusiast or simply love stories of determination, E.J. Liddell’s career is one to watch closely.
E.J. Liddell’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric “E.J.” Liddell Jr. |
| Date of Birth | December 18, 2000 |
| Age | 24 |
| Education | Belleville West High School, Ohio State |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 240 lbs (109 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth | ~$500,000 (est. 2025) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | ~$2.6 million |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @ejliddell |
| Twitter Profile | @EasyE2432 |
Early Career
E.J. Liddell grew up in Belleville, Illinois, where his love for basketball became clear at a young age. He attended Belleville West High School, quickly standing out with his skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ. As a junior, he averaged 20.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, earning the 2018 Illinois Mr. Basketball award and helping his team win the Illinois 4A state championship.
Liddell’s senior year was just as impressive: he averaged 20.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game, winning Illinois Mr. Basketball for the second time and leading his team to another state championship.
His high school coaches recall his dedication and leadership, both on and off the court. Liddell’s work ethic set him apart, as did his ability to lift his teammates and handle pressure in big moments. He was recognized as one of the top recruits in Illinois and received offers from major college programs, ultimately committing to Ohio State University.
At Ohio State, Liddell’s transition to college basketball was smooth. He came off the bench as a freshman, averaging 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds across all 31 games. His defensive skills were evident, ranking second on the team with 29 blocks. Even early in his college career, he was known for his hustle and willingness to do the dirty work, which quickly made him a favorite among coaches and fans.
Liddell’s sophomore year was marked by both challenges and growth. He missed several games due to illness but returned stronger, posting a season-high 26 points in a win over Illinois. He averaged 16.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game that season, showing significant improvement in his offensive game. Despite facing online harassment after a tough NCAA tournament loss, Liddell remained focused and resilient, using the experience to fuel his drive.
Professional Career
E.J. Liddell declared for the 2022 NBA Draft after his junior year at Ohio State. He was selected in the second round, 41st overall, by the New Orleans Pelicans. The excitement of being drafted was quickly tempered by adversity, as he suffered a torn ACL during the NBA Summer League in July 2022. This injury sidelined him for his entire rookie season, forcing him to focus on rehabilitation and mental toughness.
Despite the setback, Liddell remained determined. He signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans in October 2022, giving him the chance to split time between the NBA and the G League. His recovery was long and challenging, but he leaned on his family, coaches, and teammates for support. Liddell’s positive attitude and relentless work ethic helped him return to the court stronger than ever.
In the 2023-24 season, Liddell finally made his NBA debut with the Pelicans. Although his playing time was limited due to the team’s depth, he made the most of his opportunities, showcasing his defensive skills and versatility. He also spent time with the Birmingham Squadron in the G League, where he continued to develop his game and gain valuable experience.
The 2024 offseason brought significant changes for Liddell. He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a multi-player deal, then briefly to the Phoenix Suns, who ultimately waived him. Undeterred, Liddell signed with the Chicago Bulls in September 2024. The Bulls recognized his potential and converted his contract to a two-way deal, allowing him to play for both the Bulls and their G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls.
E.J. Liddell’s Net Worth Details
E.J. Liddell’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000 as of 2025.
Contract
E.J. Liddell is currently signed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls for the 2024-25 NBA season. This two-way deal allows him to split his playing time between the Bulls’ main roster and their G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. Under this contract, Liddell earns a salary that is higher than a standard G League player but less than a full NBA contract, with the potential for increased earnings if he spends more days on the NBA roster.
The contract provides flexibility for both Liddell and the team, giving him valuable opportunities to develop his skills at the professional level while also contributing to the Bulls when needed. At the end of this season, he will become a restricted free agent, giving the Bulls the option to match any offers he may receive from other teams.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, E.J. Liddell’s salary with the Chicago Bulls is $578,577. This amount reflects his current contract as a two-way player, which allows him to split time between the NBA and the G League. While this salary is lower than that of many regular NBA roster players, it provides Liddell with valuable experience and the opportunity to earn more if he spends additional days with the main team. At the end of the season, he will become a restricted free agent, giving him a chance to negotiate a new deal based on his performance and development.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | New Orleans Pelicans | $508,891 |
| 2023-24 | New Orleans Pelicans | $1,801,769 |
| 2024-25 | Chicago Bulls | $578,577 |
| Total | $2,889,237 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | New Orleans Pelicans | 8 | 0 | 2.9 | .167 | .000 | 1.000 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| 2024–25 | Chicago Bulls | 12 | 0 | 4.4 | .533 | .300 | 1.000 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 1.8 |
| Career | 20 | 0 | 3.8 | .429 | .200 | 1.000 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.3 |
FAQs
1. Who is E.J. Liddell and what teams has he played for in the NBA?
E.J. Liddell is an American professional basketball player born on December 18, 2000, in Belleville, Illinois. He currently plays as a power forward for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA on a two-way contract with the Windy City Bulls. He was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, later played for the Birmingham Squadron, and joined the Bulls in 2024.
2. What was E.J. Liddell’s college basketball career like at Ohio State?
At Ohio State, Liddell played 92 games and averaged 14.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He finished his college career with 1,298 points and 143 blocks, earning First Team All-Big Ten honors twice. In his junior year, he averaged 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game.
3. What were E.J. Liddell’s major achievements in high school?
Liddell attended Belleville West High School in Illinois, where he was a two-time Illinois Mr. Basketball winner and led his team to back-to-back Illinois 4A state championships. He averaged over 20 points and 8 rebounds per game both his junior and senior years and was named the St. Louis Post-Dispatch metro area high school player of the decade.
4. What position does E.J. Liddell play and what are his physical attributes?
E.J. Liddell plays as a power forward. He is listed at 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds. His playing style is known for versatility, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability.
5. How did E.J. Liddell perform in the NBA G League?
With the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League during the 2024–25 season, Liddell averaged 15.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game over 27 games. His field goal percentage was 47.2%, and he contributed both offensively and defensively for his team.
6. What injuries has E.J. Liddell faced in his career?
Liddell suffered a torn ACL during an NBA Summer League game in July 2022, which required reconstructive knee surgery and sidelined him for an extended period. He worked through his rehabilitation and returned to professional basketball afterward.
7. What are some notable moments from E.J. Liddell’s college career?
Notable moments include scoring a career-high 34 points against Northwestern, hitting a game-tying three-pointer at Purdue, and leading Ohio State to an NCAA Tournament win over Loyola Chicago with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.
8. What is E.J. Liddell’s current contract status?
In 2024, Liddell signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bulls, which was later converted to a two-way deal. This allows him to play for both the Bulls in the NBA and the Windy City Bulls in the G League. He will be a restricted free agent in 2025.
9. What honors and awards has E.J. Liddell received during his basketball career?
Liddell is a two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection, a two-time Illinois Mr. Basketball, and was named to several national award watchlists in college, including the Naismith Trophy Midseason Team and the Wooden Award Ballot.
10. What is known about E.J. Liddell’s personal background and family?
E.J. Liddell is the son of Eric and Michelle Liddell and has three siblings: Myah, Myles, and Erica. He grew up in Belleville, Illinois, and was recognized for his leadership and performance both on and off the court throughout his high school and college careers.
