The Miami Heat have done it again: taking a player without a strong reputation and carving out a career year. They are doing so with Simone Fontecchio, at least at the start of the 2025-26 season.
The Miami Heat has one of the best development programs in the league, offering players an opportunity to shine and making the most of their time on the court. A few great recent examples are Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, and Caleb Martin, all undrafted players who later earned respect after their tenures.
To dig a bit deeper: Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson, Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow, and Dion Waiters all had career years with the Heat compared to playing for other organizations.
In Erik Spoelstra's system, everybody on the roster has a chance to stand out and impact winning. It's something that isn't found in most organizations and this older player is experiencing the benefit of it.
Simone Fontecchio is 29 years old, despite entering his fourth year in the league. He's had previous stints with the Utah Jazz and the Detroit Pistons before joining the Heat. The Italian forward was part of a sign-and-trade this summer, sending Duncan Robinson to the "Motor City".
However, the acquisition didn't gather much attention, especially from the national media.
Fontecchio didn't stand out significantly at the beginning of his NBA career. He participated in the EuroBasket tournament this summer on Team Italy and averaged 16.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, shooting 43.4 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range in six games.
Still, not much buzz, but to begin the season, that all changed.
Fontecchio recorded 13 points in his Heat debut, making a good first impression. He has then gone on to score in double figures in every game thus far, currently averaging 13.8 points while shooting 60 percent from the field, and 59.3 percent from three-point range, which leads the league among players who average a minimum of 20 minutes and four three-point attempts per game.
This is the best start to a season in his early NBA career.
In Thursday night's game against the San Antonio Spurs, Fontecchio finished with 18 points, along with five three-pointers made, three rebounds, and two assists in 28 minutes.
It's been an excellent start for him to begin the season; he's also been an excellent defender.
Throughout Robinson's tenure with the Heat, he was known as a liability on the defensive end. However, Fontecchio provides size with his 6'7 frame and 6'11 wingspan.
Spoelstra has a way of getting the most out of his players compared to other head coaches.
Fontecchio has to be the most underrated acquisition of the offseason. There were rumors that the Heat considered waiving his $8.3 million expiring contract as a solution to the organization's luxury tax situation. Talk about dodging a bullet.
The Heat have a unique way of collecting gems and struck again.