Simone Fontecchio: “My Priority Was Staying in the NBA. I Can Help Giannis and the Heat”

Simone Fontecchio is preparing for the upcoming season while getting ready to join the Italian national team’s training camp, which begins on August 10 in Folgaria. Speaking to Lia Capizzi of Domani, the Miami Heat forward revealed that he turned down more lucrative offers in order to remain in South Florida.

“My priority was to continue my NBA career. Pat Riley told me he wanted me to stay, and then coach Erik Spoelstra made it clear that he really wanted to keep me. I’ve always felt their trust, even when I fell out of the rotation.”

Fontecchio also discussed the arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo, which has transformed expectations around the franchise.

“Giannis’ signing has put Miami back at the center of the NBA map. We have completely different roles, so I would be more of a complementary player, and that’s only a positive for me. A player like Giannis needs plenty of shooters around him, so I think I can be useful.”

The Italian forward credited his family for helping him navigate the constant changes throughout his career.

“The biggest sacrifices are made by my wife and daughters. I’m always doing the same job, but they’re the ones who have to adapt every time. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to live this dream.”

Fontecchio also spoke about the importance of mental health support.

“Whenever I feel the need, I go back to working with a psychologist. It has helped me understand what truly matters and separate Simone the athlete from Simone the person.”

Looking ahead to international competition, Fontecchio is eager to begin a new chapter with Italy under head coach Luca Banchi.

“I can’t wait to reunite with the national team. It will be my first time playing for Luca Banchi as head coach, and I’m excited to see how the younger players have developed. Hopefully, we can finally achieve something important together.”

In his first season with the Heat, Fontecchio averaged 8.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 16 minutes per game, while shooting 37% from three-point range on 4.7 attempts per contest.