WOJ: NETS PLAN TO SIGN NORVEL PELLE

The Nets are planning to sign 6’10” center Norvel Pelle, reports Adrian Wojnarowski. Pelle is seen as a rim protector, an area where the Nets need a boost after losing Jarrett Allen in the four-team deal that brought James Harden to the Nets.

The Nets have three roster openings as a result of the trade, who of which have to be filled by a week from Saturday, under league rules.

Woj wrote later of the Nets plan for Pelle:

[T]hey hope Pelle can provide a measure of rebounding and shot-blocking depth to an offensive juggernaut desperate to tighten up defensively...

Pelle, 27, is a limited all-around big man but an electric shot-blocker who has shown an ability to control space near the rim in his brief NBA and G League career.

He played for the 76ers last season, averaging 2.1 points, 3.0 boards and 1.2 blocks in 9.7 minutes per game over 20 games but also racked up personal fouls at a rate of 8.5 per 36 minutes.

He signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Cavaliers in the fall, then was waived a day later. He appeared to be headed to the Cavs’ G League affiliate in Canton until word broke on his Nets deal. In 2018-19, he was one of the G League’s top defensive bigs with the Delaware Blue Coats, averaging 11.1 points, 8.6 boards and 3.1 blocks while shooting 69.5 percent overall and 76.5 from the line. He is not a 3-point shooter

Here’s some highlights from last season, including a big block on DeAndre Jordan, who he’ll now back-up...

And here’s a 76ers feature on he and his family from when he signed his first NBA contract.

It’s uncertain when he will be available with the league’s health and safety protocols which is likely to include a short quarantine.

Pelle has played in Taiwan, Lebanon and Italy as well as the G League. A native of Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean, he has played for the Lebanese national team.

Earlier Friday, Woj told Zach Lowe on the LowePost podcast that the Nets intended to sign veterans for their openings. “Nets have three open roster spots now,” said Woj.” I think they want to bring in more veterans. Not just size but some veterans, some good locker room guys.”

• Free-agent forward Norvel Pelle planning to sign with Brooklyn Nets - Adrian Wojnarowski - ESPN
• Nets address big man shortage with Norvel Pelle - Brian Lewis - New York Post
• Brooklyn Nets Planning To Sign Shot-Blocking Forward Norvel Pelle - Adam Zagoria - Forbes Sports Money
• Nets sign F/C Norvel Pelle - Coby Green - SNY
• Report: The Nets Attempted To Address Their Frontcourt Depth By Adding Former Sixer Norvel Pelle - Brendan Klee - DIME Magazine