7:48pm: The signing is now official, per RealGM’s NBA transactions log. Pelle will compete for a two-way roster spot, according to Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
7:04pm: Norvel Pelle will sign a training camp contract with the Trail Blazers, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The 29-year-old center had two brief NBA appearances last season when he signed 10-day contracts with the Celtics and Jazz under the hardship exception. He didn’t play during his time in Boston, but appeared in three games with Utah, averaging 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 6.3 minutes per night.
After going undrafted in 2013, Pelle played in the G League and spent time overseas before getting an opportunity with the Sixers during the 2019/20 season. He also had short stays with the Nets, Kings and Knicks.
In case you missed it, free agent guard Isaiah Miller is also expected to complete a deal with Portland.
They could use a big that can defend pick and roll and protect the rim, so I think he should make it. They have a lot of pieces at the 4, and I expect at least 1 of them to be moved, if not 2 of them
The big problem with Pelle’s game is that due to his previous days as a soccer star, he still is having a tough time remembering that he is NOT supposed to kick the ball into the net.