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A Dream That Started in Childhood
A huge smile, the kind you have when a dream not only comes true, but becomes even bigger. It’s truly a great moment for Simone Fontecchio, currently the only fully Italian player in the NBA.
His bond with the Miami Heat — the third NBA franchise of his career after the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons — goes far beyond a professional opportunity. It’s a love story rooted in childhood.
“They were the first NBA team I watched and supported as a kid. It was my very first NBA jersey,” the 29-year-old told Valeria Rubino. Emotions in his eyes as he remembered the moment this Summer when he learned he had been traded to the Heat.
A Confident Beginning in Miami
Fontecchio’s first steps with the Heat have been promising, fueling strong expectations and showing a player even more motivated than before.
“I feel good. It’s been a great start. Everyone welcomed me right away, both the guys and the staff,” he said after the NBA Cup matchup at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, where he knocked down three threes in under 15 minutes on there court.
Spoelstra’s System Fits His Game
Fontecchio has immediately found his place in Miami’s structure, a perfect match between his strengths and Erik Spoelstra’s offensive philosophy.
“I always manage to find my spots, even when I don’t play tons of minutes. I get my opportunities, and I feel the trust of the coach and my teammates. That’s the most important thing.”
And that trust is no coincidence.
Spoelstra Already Knew His Talent
Spoelstra was part of Team USA’s staff at the 2023 World Cup and the Paris Olympics — and paid close attention to Simone, even during his past NBA seasons.
“We talked about it,” Fontecchio explains. “He watched a lot of my games. Facing his teams helped him get to know me even better. He knows what I can bring on the court and recognizes my value. That means a lot.”
Conquering that trust so quickly is something only top-level talents accomplish.
Feeling at Home Off the Court
And then there is the lifestyle factor, where Miami shines.
“Definitely better than Detroit,” he says with a laugh, adding that his family is loving the tropical climate and Caribbean vibe.
No Soccer Career Ahead
Recently, the Heat posted a social clip of Simone kicking a basketball like a soccer player, suggesting he might also be good with his feet.
“Not true at all,” he laughed. “Let’s shut that rumor down immediately.”
A New Chapter — Full of Emotion and Ambition
No soccer future for Simone, just the desire to keep flying high in a Heat jersey, living a dream he once believed was nearly impossible.
Another huge dream realized.
And a future still waiting to be written.
