Within a week of cutting ties with frontcourt piece Tosan Evbuomwan, a two-year pro on a two-way contract, the Brooklyn Nets have found his replacement. On Wednesday, the Manhattan Mad-Hatters agreed to sign former Ohio State standout EJ Liddell to a two-way contract, per HoopsHype senior insider Michael Scotto. It will be the third two-way contract Liddell has signed in his burgeoning career.
Nets Sign EJ Liddell To Two-Way Contract
The 41st overall pick in 2022 NBA Draft, Liddell has averaged 16.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 blocks per game in 53 G League appearances. Notably, the All-American managed to find his touch beyond the arc, a major concern the previous season. While taking 5.4 3-point attempts per game, he shot 36.1 percent from deep. That’s a far cry from his rookie showing, when he made 27.0 percent of his 3s.
The Brooklyn Nets have signed forward E.J. Liddell to a two-way contract.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 3, 2025
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The above numbers only reflect how he’s come along in the NBAGL; it’s unwise to make a grand statement based on that. Nevertheless, at 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, Liddell looks well suited to play a stretch-four role. In fact, he shot 33.3 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s during his call up with the Chicago Bulls last season.
His familiarity with being a roll man doesn’t just make him any old pick-and-popper though. He has the look of a specialized weapon as well. His strength and low-post skill could come in handy when facing teams like the Golden State Warriors (Draymond Green) or Atlanta Hawks (Onyeka Okongwu), who both deploy players 6-foot-8 or under as small-ball centers.
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This possibility is emphasized by his natural shot-blocking ability. In fact, Liddell averaged 1.8 blocks in 23.4 minutes per game in this year’s Summer League.
The Last Word On Nets, EJ Liddell Signing
The Nets are in a rebuild.
As a result, the idea that they’re thinking about strategically winning games probably sounds like nonsense. Yet, as Brooklyn showed last year, they don’t walk out on the court defeated. Though they may not have enough talent to win night-in and night-out, they have the will to compete. This is partially due to their own volition as they have a few particularly proud players, but a lot of that is the result of the gritty culture instilled by Nets second-year head coach Jordi Fernandez.
It remains to be seen just where Liddell figures into their long-term plans. However, his ability to rise above his current standing can’t be discounted. With a little more polish, everyone might see that he’s a gem.
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