NBA player AJ Liddell signs two-year deal with Greek club Aris

AJ Liddell, a 26-year-old NBA player, has signed a two-year contract with the Greek basketball club Aris, a move that has generated significant excitement within the team and its fanbase.

Liddell, who was drafted 41st overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans, experienced a major career hurdle when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during a Summer League game shortly after being drafted. This injury sidelined him for the entire 2022-23 season.

He made his NBA debut with the Pelicans in the 2023-24 season and also played in the G League, regaining his rhythm with averages of 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds. Liddell also had stints with the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets organizations, continuing to split time between the NBA and G League. He showed promising performances towards the end of the recent regular season, including a 21-point game against the Milwaukee Bucks in April.

Liddell's decision to join Aris highlights the increasing appeal of European basketball leagues for American players, even those with NBA experience. His move is seen as a significant acquisition for Aris, which has had an impressive start to its season with standout players like Kem Birch and Nenad Dimitrijevic.