Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio is one of multiple players on the Heat competing in EuroBasket, and Fontecchio will represent his native country of Italy in the tournament.

He put his job playing basketball in the NBA and his time playing for the Italian national team into an interesting perspective. Fontecchio indicated that he views NBA basketball as work and said that suiting up for the national team is “fun” in comparison.

“The NBA is work, the national team is fun,” Fontecchio said. “But without a medal, I wouldn’t be happy.”

Fontecchio also spoke on just how honored he feels to be representing Italy in EuroBasket and called the opportunity a “privilege.”

“Clearly it’s a responsibility, but above all it’s a privilege,” he said. “I take it very serenely and happily, honestly, because it’s a role I enjoy. Clearly, it doesn’t happen to everyone, so I welcome it with a great sense of responsibility, pride, and positivity.”

He noted that he’s familiar with the players on the national team and said he’s known the group of guys for “15 years.”

“Being in a group with these guys I’ve known for 15 years, representing Italy is still a great experience and makes being away from Rosa and the girls less painful,” he said.

Forward Nikola Jovic and guard Pelle Larsson are two other Heat players set to play in EuroBasket, and the Heat reportedly are hoping that the young players will return from EuroBasket as “better versions” of themselves.

It wasn’t long ago when Fontecchio’s future with the Heat organization was very much in question. There were rumblings that Miami was weighing waiving him to avoid the luxury tax after acquiring him in the sign-and-trade deal that sent Duncan Robinson to the Detroit Pistons, but the Heat ended up moving forward Haywood Highsmith to the Brooklyn Nets in a trade to get under the tax.

Fontecchio played 75 games (zero starts) for a Pistons team that was shockingly successful in the 2024-25 campaign. He averaged 5.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game in his third NBA campaign and first full season as a Piston.

The Italian doesn’t necessarily project to be a vital part of the Heat’s rotation in the coming 2025-26 season, but he’s a somewhat experienced player whom head coach Erik Spoelstra could turn to for sporadic production.

Hopefully, Fontecchio will play well for the Heat in his maiden season with the team regardless of how often his name gets called, even if he views the NBA as work. He could give the Heat scoring boosts at times throughout the season with his knack for shooting the 3-point shot.