Heat's Fontecchio Explains Why National Team Games Are More Fun Than NBA

Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio recently said that playing in international tournaments is more fun than playing in the NBA. 

Fotecchio is currently playing for the Italian team in the EuroBasket tournament currently taking place. In an interview with Il Foglio, an Italian news source, the hooper gushed about playing ball with his friends:  

"The NBA is work, the national team is fun. But without a medal, I wouldn't be happy. Clearly it's a responsibility, but above all, it's a privilege. I take it very serenly and happily, honest, because it's a role I enjoy. Clearly, it doesn't happen to everyone, so I welcome it with a great sense of responsibility, pride and positivity."

Fontecchio was born in Pescara, Italy, to a father who was a hurdler and a mother who played professional basketball in Italy. He has played for some of the best International teams in the world including Olimpia Milano and Baskonia. 

The swingman went undrafted in 2017 and would stay in Europe until 2022 when he signed a two-year deal with the Utah Jazz. 

Fontecchio had his breakout season in 2023-2024, spent with the Jazz and the Detroit Pistons. He was especially strong in Detroit, playing 16 games and averaging 15.4 points per game along with 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists. 

A career 36% shooter from three-point range, Fontecchio was traded in the offseason to the Heat in exhange for Duncan Robinson. The Italian swingman should be able to earn minutes for a Miami team that traded Jimmy Butler last year.