Miami Heat may already have their next undrafted breakout star — and he’s quietly been on the roster all along. Simone Fontecchio, acquired in the Duncan Robinson sign-and-trade deal with Detroit, is flying under the radar… but that may not last long.
While expectations are low for Fontecchio heading into the season, there’s growing belief he could turn into the Heat’s next underdog success story — a tradition Miami fans have come to expect like clockwork.
If we can take Fontecchio at his word, the toe injury he suffered in late 2024 limited his production last year. “I’ve always felt like I belonged,” he said, expressing confidence heading into his next NBA chapter with Miami.
Though he averaged just six points and shot 34% from three in Detroit last season, his 2023-24 campaign (split between Utah and Detroit) showed real promise: 11 points per game on 40% shooting from deep over 66 games. If that version of Fontecchio resurfaces, the Heat may have landed another low-key steal.
Of course, no one expects him to directly replace Robinson, but his combination of size and shooting could earn him a rotation role. And with Erik Spoelstra’s consistent approach, performance will determine opportunity. If Fontecchio steps up, Spo will reward him.
In a season where the Heat need every edge to stay competitive in the East, Fontecchio could help close the gap. Norman Powell may boost the offense, but it’ll take more than one addition to fix one of last year’s worst units.
Heading into the new season, Fontecchio is absolutely one name to watch — and he might just become Miami’s next undrafted .
