Simone Fontecchio got Minnesota's blowout of Miami only once it was already decided, while the starters scored 82 of the team's 106 points. His shooting says he deserves more, but he has to win the minutes on the floor.
Bench Ran Dry
Miami's reserves scored 16 points in the 131-106 home loss to the Timberwolves. The starters scored 82. Fontecchio played only at the end and was on the floor at the final horn with Myron Gardner, Nick Richards, Nikola Jovic and Ryan Conwell, long after Minnesota had led by 30. A 30-year-old forward in his fourth season, wearing No. 0, should not be watching while the second unit stalls.
Last Season's Line
He played 70 games last season at 16.7 minutes, averaging 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists. He hit 37.5% of 4.7 three-point attempts a night, so most of his shots were threes and he made enough of them. The 41.2% overall field goal mark is ordinary. The 84.3% free throw shooting shows a reliable stroke.
The Advanced Case
His true shooting was 57.9% on an 18.4% usage rate. His net rating was plus-3.3, better than Miami's plus-2.1 as a team. His 110.5 defensive rating beat the Heat's 113.6. An assist rate of 12.1% and a rebound rate of 8.0% put a clear limit on his job: he does not create and he does not own the glass. He spaces the floor and finishes plays.
Hot, Not Proven
Over his last 10 games he has posted a 70.8% true shooting mark, far above his line from last season. Ten games is a small sample. The competition is real: Bobby Portis Jr. shot 45.6% from three last season, Andrew Wiggins 41.4%, Tim Hardaway Jr. 40.7% and Klay Thompson 38.3%. Fontecchio trailed all four. He is not on the injury report, so he has no reason to be held back except the coach's choice.
Bottom Line
Detroit visits Friday after going 60-22 last season, and Miami needs more than one unit that can score. At $2.4M, Fontecchio is the cheapest shooting the Heat have. He has to take open threes without hesitating, defend well enough that he isn't hunted, and turn a hot stretch into a steady role. If he can't, he will keep playing only after the result is settled.
Is Simone Fontecchio in the Heat rotation?
Not firmly yet. In the opener against Minnesota he played only late in the blowout, finishing the game alongside other reserves.
How much is Simone Fontecchio paid by the Heat in 2026-27?
His 2026-27 salary is $2.4M. He is healthy and not on the injury report.
