E.J. Liddell could be the Chicago Bulls’ next big fan favorite

As a two-time Illinois Mr. Basketball award winner, E.J. Liddell is a name some local basketball fans have been following for quite some time. He has become a fan favorite prospect among many fans and has consistently been one of the prospects most often mocked to the Chicago Bulls in recent weeks. But would drafting the two-time All-Big Ten team member really be in this team’s best interest?

Let’s dig into E.J. Liddell’s 2022 NBA Draft Profile.

Physical Measurements

• Age: 21
• Height: 6’5.5″
• Weight: 243 pounds
• Wingspan: 6’11.75″
• Standing Reach: 8’7.5″

Box Score Statistics

• Points: 19.4
• Rebounds: 7.9
• Assists: 2.7
• Blocks: 2.8
• Steals: 0.6
• Field Goal Percentage: 49.0%
• 3-Point Percentage: 37.4%
• Free Throw Percentage: 76.5%

Strengths

One of the biggest appeals to Liddell’s game is his knack for making the right plays at the right time. His defensive awareness and shot selection are exactly what you want to see from a quality role player in today’s NBA. He can take on a larger role when necessary though, as he did at Ohio State. The advanced stats heavily favor Liddell’s on-court impact, as he had the 8th highest box plus/minus in the nation last year (and the 6th highest offensive box plus/minus).

Liddell’s shooting percentages and assist averages are much higher than you’d expect from a player of his archetype. While his interior defense and shot-blocking ability may be his calling card in the NBA, Liddell has a surprisingly diverse offensive arsenal that could give him enough of an edge to carve out a big role with an NBA team.

Weaknesses

The biggest slight to Liddell as a prospect is his perceived lack of upside and star potential. He doesn’t have the speed, frame, or burst that you’d like to see in a truly promising prospect. There are also big question marks surrounding his shot’s ability to translate to the NBA, as the court is spaced out and the 3-point line is pushed back.

Fan-favorite E.J Liddell makes a strong case to be the Bulls’ pick No. 18.

Potential Fit on the Bulls

Although Patrick Williams and Nikola Vucevic are likely set to return to the starting lineup, the Bulls have practically no depth behind those two in the frontcourt. This is a glaring hole that could be addressed with the addition of Liddell, whose interior defense and floor spacing make him an ideal reserve power forward or small-ball center. Of all the players the Bulls seem interested in, Liddell appears to have the easiest path to a substantial role from day one.

NBA Comparisons

• P.J. Tucker
• Paul Millsap
• P.J. Washington

Should the Bulls Consider Drafting E.J. Liddell?

If the Bulls don’t feel like there are any players with true franchise-altering potential left on the board at No. 18, Liddell is as safe as a pick as the team could possibly make. While it might be interesting to see Chicago swing for the fences with this pick, the team will still be counting on the development of former No. 4 overall pick Williams more than anything else to continue improving.

Adding Liddell feels like one of those players that will get mixed reactions when drafted because of the wow factor, but fans will quickly change their tune if he goes on to have one of the best rookie seasons of this class.

Verdict: Yes, Liddell offers the most well-rounded and NBA-ready game you’ll find here in the mid-first round. His versatility would be a welcome addition to the Chicago Bulls.