Nets sign F/C Norvel Pelle

The Nets were in need of frontcourt depth after the James Harden trade

1/22/2021, 7:42 PM
Aug 12, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers' Norvel Pelle, left, blocks a shot by Toronto Raptors' Dewan Hernandez during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. / © Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers' Norvel Pelle, left, blocks a shot by Toronto Raptors' Dewan Hernandez during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. / © Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

The Nets have signed F/C Norvel Pelle, his agent, BJ Bass, confirmed to SNY's Ian Begley.

Pelle will need to clear health and safety protocols before the signing is official.

The 6-10, 231-pound big man played for the Philadelphia 76ers last season after spending numerous years playing in the G-League and overseas.

In 24 games last season with the Sixers, Pelle put up 2.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in roughly 9.7 minutes per game. But most importantly, he blocked 1.3 shots during his time out on the floor.

The Nets lost their defensive identity when they included Jarrett Allen in the deal that brought James Harden to Brooklyn. Losing Caris LeVertTaurean Prince and Rodions Kurucs didn't help their defense, either.

With Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving on the team, they'll score an endless amount of points, but they're susceptible to giving up a ton as well. 

Just look at the 147-135 loss they suffered to the Cleveland Cavaliers this week — by the way, the Cavs were missing Kevin Love and Darius Garland.

The Nets hope that, combined with DeAndre Jordan, Pelle can help them find their defensive identity again.

Popular in the Community