The Philadelphia 76ers announced on Friday afternoon that they will upgrade the two-way contract of rookie Norvel Pelle to a standard multi-year NBA contract.
The 76ers utilized all 45 days of his service time by Jan. 22 and were forced to make a decision on his future. A report surfaced last month that stated multiple teams would be interested in Pelle if the 76ers released him but the two sides were able to come to an agreement.
Pelle has emerged as a strong shot blocker with the Sixers and has become a fan favorite given his Dikembe Mutombo-like finger-wag after each block. In 15 games this season, he is averaging 2.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
The 6-foot-10 center was ecstatic to finally see his dream come true, according to Ky Carlin of USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s Sixers Wire.
It was a sigh of relief. Like everything I put in actually worked and it got me here. So it’s a sigh of relief. … Every moment, every second I’ve been appreciating it. Last year, I appreciated it, this year it’s like a dream come true. I’m just taking it all in.
The Sixers signed Pelle after making a few roster moves prior to the NBA trade deadline on Thursday. The organization acquired Glen Robinson III and Alec Burks from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for draft compensation. The team also traded James Ennis to the Orlando Magic for a second-round draft pick.
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