By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
After sitting out the last chunk of games of the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season due to a left great toe contusion, Simone Fontecchio discussed his future with the Detroit Pistons and potentially playing for Italy’s senior national team in an Olympic Qualifying Tournament this summer.
“Obviously, the last month was not easy with the injury. I would love to be on the court with the guys,” mentioned the veteran of 77 games played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, “As I said many times, I am looking forward to the future. I love my time here. I love Detroit. I love the Pistons organization. I think we are going to work this summer, everybody, towards me staying here long-term. That is what I want. That is what we want.”
Fontecchio, 28, is set to become a restricted free agent during the offseason. Besides planning to re-sign with the Pistons, he will continue rehab in Italy.
“Right now, I am focused on recovery, honestly. I want to recover and I hope to succeed as soon as possible,” he explained, “Once this situation is resolved, I will think about the national team. For now, I do not feel like saying anything else.”
From 2 to 7 July, Italy will compete for a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in San Juan opposite Bahrain, Cote d’Ivoire, Lithuania, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The OQT winner will join Serbia, South Sudan, and the United States in Group C of the preliminary round.