By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Simone Fontecchio is preparing for a busy and meaningful summer. The 29-year-old Italian forward has committed to the Miami Heat as part of a recent trade and is also expected to represent Italy at the upcoming EuroBasket tournament, according to the Miami Herald.
“I’m in Italy right now, so I was asleep when everything happened,” Fontecchio said of the trade during a call with South Florida reporters. “It was a little bit late over here… But I’m happy. I’m happy with the way everything went down and I’m really excited.”
Fontecchio joined the NBA in 2022 with the Utah Jazz after nearly a decade of playing in Europe. Though he went undrafted in 2017, his steady rise eventually earned him a place in the league.
“Especially last season, it’s been a little up and down for me,” he said. “I was coming off an important surgery on my left foot that I had last summer. So it was a bit of chasing my best shape all summer and also during the regular season. I think I was never quite my full self.”
With a fully healthy offseason for the first time in years, Fontecchio is looking to make the most of it.
“This is the first summer in a couple years that I didn’t have any problems or injuries, and I can really focus on myself — on my health and my skill set. I’ve always felt like I belonged in this league, and I think I can do some damage. I’m looking forward to getting back to that form.”
Fontecchio is expected to feature for Italy at EuroBasket later this offseason. Known for his versatility and defensive effort, he recalled taking on big assignments with the Jazz.
“The second year I was with the Jazz, I was guarding the best player on the other team probably every game,” he said. “It’s something I take pride in — taking the challenge and doing the best I can. I think my skill set fits right into that, and I’ll definitely put more focus into it,” Simone Fontecchio concluded.