In italiano su Corriere della Sera.
Trade deadline
As the only Italian player currently representing his country in the NBA, Simone Fontecchio carries himself with poise in a league that leaves no room for error. The small forward from Pescara is navigating his journey with maturity within the world’s most competitive basketball circuit. His words are measured, yet they vividly illustrate what it means to build credibility and consistency in an environment where nothing is guaranteed.
In a league where the market can shift the balance of power at any moment—particularly as the trade deadline approaches—the Italian star maintains a pragmatic attitude: “You feel a bit more nervousness; it’s normal. But after playing here for years, I’m used to it. I try not to think about it and just do my job.”
The Legacy of Danilo Gallinari
The retirement of Danilo Gallinari inevitably carries significant weight for Italian basketball. Fontecchio speaks of his former national team teammate with deep admiration: “His career speaks for itself. Danilo was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Italian player in history. He had an incredible career in the NBA and deserves everything he has achieved.” There remains some regret over having shared so little time on the court together in the national jersey, though a curious detail connects them today: both currently live in Miami. “We see each other every now and then,” Fontecchio says with a smile.
Embracing “Heat Culture”
This season, Fontecchio has become part of the famous Heat Culture. On a day-to-day basis, the 30-year-old athlete describes an environment that demands constant attention and absolute discipline. In Miami, he has found a structure that emphasizes mental work as much as physical effort:
“You feel a different mentality here, a different way of living basketball. Everything is based on mindset, on physical and mental effort, and on never giving up. These are things I’ve always been used to, so I feel right at home.”
Even the frequent monitoring of body weight and body fat percentage is part of this professional logic: “They check them often, but it’s all normal. These are things I already pay attention to on my own.”
Routine and Stability
Then there are the habits that help maintain stability within an intense routine. Before games, Fontecchio sticks to a light meal: “I usually eat pasta and chicken.” It is a simple detail, but one that reveals a linear and focused approach. He is careful about what he eats, complying with the team’s strict standards without needing to be forced into a formal diet.
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