[jwplayer txo21Wab-z6KDnl0B]
Some players have an unconventional journey to the NBA. It’s not always about having a great college season, grab the attention of every scout, and then be a high pick in the draft. For some, it’s all about continuing to grind until there is an opportunity.
That is what happened to Philadelphia 76ers big man Norvel Pelle who had that unconventional trip to the league toiling in the G League as well as overseas as he kept the dream alive. He made it as a 26-year old rookie in 2019-20 as he worked hard to have a two-way contract converted into a fully guaranteed deal.
2019-20 season averages
2.4 points
3.0 rebounds
0.3 assists
1.3 blocks
52.1% overall percentage
Pelle made his NBA debut on November 29 with the Sixers needing some depth at the big man spot with Al Horford out. He played 12:33 and he made an impact scoring three points and coming up with four blocks in a win over the New York Knicks. He quickly made his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor.
On the offensive end, Pelle is nothing more than a lob guy. A guy who can get his points mostly off the lob of a guard or he hustles his way to a bucket off the offensive glass or finding his way off the drop-off pass. His offensive game will have to develop more to earn consistent minutes.
Pelle only played one game in the playoffs at the end of the Sixers being on the wrong end of a blowout in Game 2. He played 6:31 and he came up with a block and a steal which is true to his form as a defensive player.
For next season, whether it’s with the Sixers or elsewhere, his focus should be on improving at the offensive end. He already has a ton of potential as a shot-blocker, but if he can add an offensive game, that would make him a possible rotation player. [lawrence-related id=37554,37550,37547]