“I don’t like to be seen as a European player who doesn’t defend”

Despite the media uproar surrounding the Terry Rozier affair, Miami trying to keep his head in basketball. The start of the season remains encouraging, between a narrow loss in Orlando and a big success (+32) in Memphis.

In this context, Simone Fontecchio is gradually integrating into his new team. Arriving in Florida as part of the “trade and trade” that sent Duncan Robinson to Detroit, the Italian winger already seems to have found his place in a demanding environment that suits his mentality perfectly.

“It’s definitely different. It’s a big change. When you come here, you immediately recognize that this team is different, that the franchise is different, that you have a certain level of expectation, a certain standard that you have to reach if you want to play here. So, obviously, it’s good to be in this environment. Everyone has a lot of expectations, so you have to make sure you can deliver.”, he explained.

Not just a shooter

And if her outside shot remains her first weapon, Simone Fontecchio is more than just a shooter. His involvement on defense is also part of his identity, an aspect he wants to revive after a frustrating time in Detroit.

“It’s tough, that’s something I lost a little bit in Detroit, especially last year. I don’t think I was given a lot of responsibility, especially defensively, in a way.” he confided. “But here, everybody has to have that kind of responsibility in defense. You have to defend the opponent, you have to defend your zone, you have to help everybody. So it’s a state of mind that suits me completely. I think the same way. I’m not going to say I like to defend, but it’s something close to my heart. And I don’t like to be seen as this European player, and I don’t like to be seen as this European player, and I don’t like to defend? And I think that I was never like that. So I’m hoping to keep working on this, keep making progress, and people will start to pick up on it. »

After Utah and Detroit, the Italian international discovers his third NBA franchise. His experience has taught him that the biggest challenge often remains the same: understanding and accepting your role.

Clearly define your role

“Every year you have to take the time to really understand your role, what the team really expects from you, what you can give and accept your role. And every year is different, every season has its roles and what not, but I try to adapt every time, even if it’s not easy. And mentally, it’s not always easy to have, for example, five minutes to do what you can, and you just try to do your best. field, and then things can eventually become better, as they can stay the same. But you have to have a clear mind, a clear conscience, because in the end, if you’ve done everything you can, you feel good. This is the most important. »

Just like last season, Simone Fontecchio starts on the bench, but her contribution is already noticeable in the first two matches. And the player has a patient and positive approach.

“It’s only the beginning of the season, but I’m trying to understand what the coach and the team want from me. Like I said, I’m just trying to understand my role and see if I can fit into it, and I think I can and I can help the team every night. We’ll see how it goes, but I’m very positive. I accept the challenge and try to meet it as best as I can.”he concluded.

Next test today against New York, for the Heat’s first home game of the season.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.