Why Norvel Pelle Is A Perfect Fit To Help Nets Up Front
Norvel Pelle's rim protection prowess in the NBA G League and recent time with the 76ers suggests he could be just what the doctor ordered for the Nets.
The Nets cashed in many of their assets in the acquisition of James Harden. The departure of one of those assets, Jarrett Allen (one of the best young big men in the game), has left the team rather thin up front.
The Harden trade also created flexibility for Brooklyn in the form of multiple open roster spots. It’s just a matter of figuring out where to look for help. Last week, I highlighted the importance of prioritizing experienced NBA G League veterans for competitive NBA teams that need players they can depend on from the get go.
Such a concept seems to resonate with Brooklyn, who will reportedly look to fortify its line of defense with Norvel Pelle.
Pelle couldn’t be a more perfect fit for the team right now. At 6’10” and 230 pounds, he boasts elite skills as a rim protector. When it comes to doing the dirty work, he’s as dependable as they come. In 24 games with the 76ers last season, Pelle averaged 4.8 blocks per 36 minutes and saw his Two-Way contract converted into a standard NBA pact. Behind the scenes, he made even more of an impression on his teammates.
“I told him if he got the minutes, he would probably lead the league in blocks,” Joel Embiid said last season (via NBC Sports). “He has a chance to become a fan favorite, so he should just keep doing whatever he’s doing.”
“He loves blocking shots, just risking his body for those blocks and protecting the rim,” Ben Simmons added while praising his energy. “I love having him as a part of this team.”
Unfortunately for Embiid and Simmons, Pelle will now be turning things up a notch as their competitor in the same division. A player with Big Apple roots, Pelle is sure to become a favorite in Brooklyn. So often, high-flying dunkers are regarded as human highlight reels. Nevertheless, Pelle’s athleticism and affinity for swatting back shots should garner him similar praise.
Before signing a Two-Way contract with Philadelphia last season, Pelle put together a special campaign with the NBA G League affiliated Delaware Blue Coats in 2018-19.
Pelle was a top 3 finisher in both Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player award voting.
He led the league with a 70.3% field goal percentage.
He ranked fourth in both blocks per game (2.9) and total blocks (105).
Pelle tallied thirteen double-doubles (seven of which came consecutively). Included in that stretch were three straight games with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds, two of which outings also featured 7 blocks.
All the while, the big man also averaged 4.6 blocks per 36 minutes. There’s a trend here. Set to turn 28 years old in February, Pelle fits the bill of a well traveled vet (through minor league and international play) fully prepared to hold his own in the NBA. From drawing comparisons to a player like Nerlens Noel, to competing against someone like Joel Embiid every day in practice, Pelle has put in the time and therein lies a competitive advantage for the Nets.
With similar playing styles, Pelle should be able to pick up on even more tools of the trade from DeAndre Jordan and complement him nicely. Brooklyn may be inclined to roll out smaller lineups, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Pelle receive spot minutes on a nightly basis. When the situation or matchup calls for it, he’ll see increased playing time and likely prove he can be depended on.
Pelle’s body of work is there and his experience should pay off for the Nets. As NBA teams look to compete, leaning on NBA G League vets to fill gaps could become an increasing trend.