The Knicks signed center Norvel Pelle to a multi-year deal

Norvel Pelle’s second 10-day contract ended Wednesday, but it didn't take long for his next Knicks’ contract to be signed. Not long after the New York Knicks beat the Atlanta Hawks in overtime on Wednesday, the Knicks and Pelle agreed to a multi-year deal, per Shams Charania of the The Athletic and Stadium.

Pelle made a solid impression with the team and has maximized the minutes he has seen on the court. He saw more playing time after Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson went down with injuries. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised the 6’10” center for the extra work he has put in.

“Norvel was terrific,” Thibodeau told reporters on April 15. (h/t Marc Berman of The New York Post) “He’s been putting in a lot of extra work. He’s still finding his way, learning the system. But his length, shot blocking, the rim protection, is huge for us.”

After Mitchell Robinson went down with an injury, the Knicks needed to bring in a big man for frontcourt depth. Norvel Pelle made a huge impact in the G League with his defense and shot blocking, which is an asset under Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks big man has shown what he could do on the floor in the G League and could bring a lot to the table.

Prior to joining the Knicks, Pelle spent time with the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings. He spent one year with the Philadelphia 76ers where he averaged 2.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 9.7 minutes in 24 games. He is averaging 1.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in just 7.1 minutes per game as the third-string center.