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Brooklyn Nets: Norvel Pelle signing adds much-needed defensive depth

By Mike Luciano

Aug 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Norvel Pelle (14) Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Norvel Pelle (14) Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Brooklyn Nets might have the league’s best assemblage of offensive talent thanks to Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, but Wednesday’s loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers underscored the need for some interior defense.

General manager Sean Marks finally filled up one of the three roster slots that became open as a result of the Harden trade by addressing his interior defense. Pending clearance of the Health and Safety protocols, look for former Philadelphia 76ers big Norvel Pelle to join the Nets.

The 27-year-old has made his mark as a very good defensive center, and now with Jarrett Allen gone and DeAndre Jordan on the inside, the Nets need a lot of help in that department.

Calling Pelle’s offensive upside limited is being very generous, as he has averaged just 2.4 points per game in 24 NBA games and will turn 28 in a few days. However, Pelle, who was one of the more dominant bigs in the G League over the last few seasons with the Delaware Blue Coats, is known for his defense. He averaged 2.8 blocks per game in the G League over the last two years despite playing under 23 minutes per game.

Behind Jordan, the Nets are leaning on Reggie Perry as their backup center. Not only did the rookie play power forward in college, but he was almost undrafted, and relying on him alone to give Brooklyn depth makes no sense. With Nic Claxton still working his way back from injury, Pelle is a solid backup that can come in and swat shots away.

The Nets have some problems right now, but putting the ball in the basket is without question NOT one of them. All Pelle has to do after he arrives in Brooklyn is focus all of his effort on the defensive end, which he can do by blocking shots, becoming an ace rebounder, and occasionally finishing a put-back dunk from close range.

Until Claxton is healthy, Pelle should be in Brooklyn’s rotation.