This is the beginning of a new series by Sixers Wire to pass the time for everybody before the Philadelphia 76ers return from the All-Star break. We’re going to take a look back at the 3 goals series from the offseason and see how each player has done in achieving those goals as well as give them a rating on how their season has gone. The rating will be based on a scale of 10 with 10 being how their season has gone based on the goals.
After first taking a look at rookie Marial Shayok, we now take a look at Norvel Pelle. Pelle began the season on a two-way deal and has since been converted to a guaranteed contract at the NBA level. He joins Shake Milton from the previous season as one of the Sixers’ two-way guys to have his contract converted.
It’s now time to take a look at Pelle’s season from his 3 offseason goals:
Expanding the offensive game
Pelle has not exactly become some offensive maestro, far from it in fact, but he is active on the offensive glass and as a roller in the pick-and-roll which is big for this specific team. His biggest impact is made on the defensive end where he averages 1.4 blocks in just 10.3 minutes. In Pelle’s case, as long as he remains active on the hustle plays, he will make an impact in Philadelphia.
Becoming more aggressive
Again, the offensive output is not what the Sixers are looking for from Pelle. They are looking for him to protect the rim on defense and just give the team a spark when he is called upon. His offensive game is limited to what was stated above so that is probably where his game will remain. His defense has been impressive as he has a defensive rating of 99 despite not playing so much. He has made a huge impact on that end.
Pushing Jonah Bolden
This was the biggest goal for him. Bolden was the one guy in the preseason who could absolutely lose his spot to Pelle and that turned out to be the case. Pelle continued to work hard down in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats and Bolden had his struggles both with the Sixers and in Delaware. That gave Pelle his opportunity and he pushed him out as Philadelphia waived him to make room for Pelle.
The challenge for the rookie now is to not relinquish this opportunity. Pelle has worked hard to get to this point, but he can’t stop now. He has to continue to add to his game and continue to grow as a player and then he will be able to eventually become a rotational player. He just needs to continue to smooth out the rough edges of his game.
Rating: 10/10, because he earned a contract. [lawrence-related id=25725,25709,25700]