Sixers Sign Norvelle Pelle to Two-Way Deal
The Sixers have added a lot of size to their roster since free agency began. They signed Al Horford to a four-year deal. Mike Scott is back on a two-year pact. Kyle O’Quinn joins the team on the vet minimum.
It seems like they are looking to continue the trend of adding big men that play strong defense with their first two-way deal.
Philadelphia dips into their G League system for their latest two-way contract in 26-year-old center, Norvelle Pelle. His agent tweeted on Monday that Pelle is NBA bound. NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Noah Levick confirmed with Pelle’s agent that it is a two-way deal with the Sixers.
Two-way players can spend up to 45 days in the NBA. They are not eligible for the playoffs unless converted to a regular NBA contract. That is likely what happens this season with 2018-19 two-way guard Shake Milton.
Pelle spent 36 games with the G League Delaware Blue Coats last season. He averaged 11.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.9 blocks in 22.8 minutes per game. Pelle’s 2.9 blocks were good for fourth best in the G League.
“When Norvel is locked in and focused, he’s the best rim protector in the G-League and can very clearly be one of the better rim protectors in the NBA,” Blue Coats head coach Connor Johnson told The Painted Lines.
He’s most known for his size, athleticism, and rim protection skills.
“Timing. My timing is crazy when I’m blocking shots because I can time it to a point where it looks like you’re cleared to go or it looks like you have the open lane and then I just come over and I block the shot,” Pelle said.
Taking his own path…
Pelle has had a non-traditional route to the NBA, to say the least. He was barred from competing in college after failing to meet academic requirements, so he went pro right away in 2013. His first professional season came with the Delaware 87ers before playing in Taiwan and earning All-Star honors. In 2015, Pelle played in the Lebanese Basketball League and led the league in blocks. He spent the next two seasons playing in Italy before returning the Blue Coats. Pelle also has experience playing with the Lebanon National Team.
Pelle served a five-game suspension during the 2018-19 season for violating the G League substance abuse policy.
Both Norvelle Pelle and Shake Milton are on the Sixers’ Summer League roster. Their first game in the Vegas showcase will be on July 5 at 3:30 p.m. against the Milwaukee Bucks.
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