Pelicans rookie E.J. Liddell suffers torn ACL

Pelicans second-round pick E.J. Liddell suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during a Las Vegas Summer League game on Monday, according to a team press release.

An MRI on Monday night confirmed the injury, which occurred during the third quarter of a game against the Hawks. A date for surgery has not yet been determined, and he’ll be out indefinitely.

Liddell, who was selected with the No. 41 pick, was unable to put any weight on his right leg as he was helped off the floor. Liddell also felt some knee pain in the first half, but it subsided and he re-entered.

The former Ohio State forward averaged 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.6 blocks over 33.2 minutes per game last season and was projected as a first-round pick. He has yet to sign a contract and the Pelicans don’t currently have an opening on the 15-man roster, but they have a two-way slot available. It’s unclear how New Orleans will handle the contract situation regarding a draft pick who will likely miss most or all of next season.