Simone Fontecchio has become one of the most notable Italian players in the NBA, making a name for himself with his sharp shooting and relentless work ethic. He is a key player for the Detroit Pistons, known for his journey from Italy’s top leagues to the world’s biggest basketball stage. Fontecchio’s story is one of perseverance, family legacy, and international success, inspiring both fans in his home country and basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
Simone Fontecchio’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simone Fontecchio |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1995 |
| Age | 29 |
| Education | No college; developed in Virtus Bologna youth system |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 209 lbs (95 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | $10-12 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $13,942,308 |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Girlfriend: Rosa; one daughter |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Simone Fontecchio was born in Pescara, Italy, into a family deeply rooted in sports. His mother, Malì Pomilio, was a standout basketball player for Italy and led her club to European championships, while his father, Daniele Fontecchio, was a decorated track and field athlete who competed in the 1984 Olympics.
Simone’s older brother, Luca, also played basketball, and his grandfather represented Italy’s national team in the late 1950s. Growing up in such an environment, Simone was surrounded by athletic excellence from a young age.
At 14, Simone moved to Bologna to join the Virtus Bologna youth program, a decision that would shape his basketball future. He lived with other young players, dedicating himself to the sport and quickly rising through the ranks.
By the 2011-12 season, he had already made a mark in youth tournaments, winning Italian Under-17 and Under-19 championships. He also participated in prestigious international events like the Jordan Brand Classic and the Euroleague Basketball Next Generation Tournament, signaling his potential on a broader stage.
Fontecchio’s professional debut came in 2012, at just 17 years old, when Virtus Bologna promoted him to their senior team. Despite the club’s struggles at the time, including a lack of success and eventual relegation, Simone found valuable playing time.
His development was rapid; by his third season, he was named the Best Player Under 22 in the Italian league, joining the ranks of other Italian NBA talents who had won the award before him.
Professional Career
Simone Fontecchio’s professional journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. After leaving Virtus Bologna, he joined Olimpia Milano in 2016, where he faced stiff competition for playing time. Although he didn’t see much action in the EuroLeague, he was part of a team that won three consecutive Italian Super Cups, adding to his growing list of achievements.
Seeking more playing time and a bigger role, Fontecchio spent a season on loan at Vanoli Cremona before moving to Reggio Emilia (Reggiana) in 2019. At Reggiana, he enjoyed a breakout season, averaging over 11 points and 4 rebounds per game. This performance caught the attention of teams outside Italy, and in 2020, he made a significant move to ALBA Berlin in Germany’s Bundesliga.
Under the guidance of veteran coach Aito Garcia Reneses, Simone flourished in Berlin. He averaged double figures in points and helped the team secure the German championship, marking a turning point in his career.
His success in Germany led to a contract with Baskonia in Spain’s Liga ACB, one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. At Baskonia, Fontecchio continued to develop, showcasing his versatility and shooting ability against some of the best players in Europe.
Simone’s international career also took off during this period. He became a leader for the Italian national team, playing a pivotal role in their run to the quarterfinals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His standout performance, averaging nearly 20 points per game, drew attention from NBA scouts and analysts, who wondered why such a talented forward wasn’t already in the NBA.
Girlfriend
Simone Fontecchio is in a committed relationship and has a family. His partner’s name is Rosa, and together they have a daughter named Bianca.
Multiple sources confirm that Simone and Rosa have been together for several years, and their daughter Bianca was born while Simone was playing in the NBA. The family has experienced frequent moves due to his professional basketball career, which has taken them across several countries and, most recently, to the United States for his NBA journey.
Despite the challenges of relocating and adapting to new environments, Simone has found joy and stability with his partner and daughter. There is no public information indicating that Simone and Rosa are married, but they are clearly a close-knit family, and Simone often credits his family for their support throughout his career.
Simone Fontecchio’s Net Worth Details
Simone Fontecchio’s net worth is estimated to be between $10 and $12 million as of 2025.
Contract
Simone Fontecchio signed a two-year, $16 million fully guaranteed contract with the Detroit Pistons in July 2024. This deal marks a significant step up in his NBA career, reflecting his increased value and performance on the court.
Under the terms of the contract, Fontecchio will earn $7,692,308 for the 2024-25 season and $8,307,692 for the 2025-26 season. The contract is fully guaranteed, which means he will receive the full amount regardless of injuries or team decisions, providing both financial security and recognition of his important role with the Pistons.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Simone Fontecchio will earn a base salary of $7,692,308 as a member of the Detroit Pistons. This salary represents a significant increase from his previous contracts, highlighting his rising status and contributions in the league.
Fontecchio’s earnings place him among the higher-paid players on the Pistons roster, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities and the value he brings as a versatile forward and reliable shooter. This guaranteed salary ensures financial stability for Fontecchio and his family as he continues to build his NBA career.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Salary | Cumulative Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Utah Jazz | $3,205,128 | $3,205,128 |
| 2023-24 | Utah Jazz/Detroit Pistons | $4,377,579 | $7,582,707 |
| 2024-25 | Detroit Pistons | $7,692,308 | $15,275,015 |
| 2025-26 | Detroit Pistons | $8,307,692 | $23,582,707 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Utah Jazz | 52 | 6.3 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.2 | .369 | .330 | .795 |
| 2023-24 | Utah Jazz/Detroit Pistons | 66 | 10.5 | 3.7 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.3 | .460 | .401 | .818 |
| 2024-25 | Detroit Pistons | 75 | 5.9 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.2 | .382 | .313 | .811 |
| Career | 193 | 7.6 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.2 | .416 | .362 | .820 |
FAQs
1. What is Simone Fontecchio’s nationality and basketball background?
Fontecchio is an Italian professional basketball player who started her career in Italy before joining the NBA, noted for her scoring ability and versatile forward play.
2. Which NBA team has Fontecchio played for since moving from European leagues?
Fontecchio currently plays for the Utah Jazz, signing with the team after several productive seasons in EuroLeague and top-flight Italian basketball.
3. What positions does Fontecchio play and what are her strengths on the court?
She plays small forward and power forward, known for three-point shooting, athletic finishes, and defensive versatility while matching up against multiple positions.
4. Where did Fontecchio build her career before joining the NBA?
Fontecchio played for top European teams including Virtus Bologna, Olimpia Milano, Alba Berlin, and Baskonia in Spain, developing as a prominent scorer and contributor in EuroLeague play.
5. Has Fontecchio represented Italy in international basketball competitions?
She has competed for the Italian national team at FIBA EuroBasket, World Cup qualifiers, and Olympic tournaments, recognized for her leadership and key scoring contributions.
6. What have been Fontecchio’s major achievements and memorable performances with Italy?
Fontecchio was Italy’s leading scorer at several major international tournaments, delivering clutch shooting and helping Italy secure important wins in knockout rounds and qualifiers.
7. What is Fontecchio’s reputation among coaches, teammates, and analysts?
Coaches praise her work ethic and basketball IQ, teammates value her adaptability and team-first approach, and analysts highlight her development as an elite shooter and defender.
8. How has Fontecchio adjusted to the NBA’s playing style and demands?
She managed the NBA’s pace and physicality, earned steady playing time with Utah, and contributed with perimeter shooting and effort in transition and half-court sets.
9. What challenges has Fontecchio faced in her pro basketball journey?
Fontecchio navigated injuries and changes in team roles both in Europe and the NBA, showing resilience and focus as she earned a spot in the rotation and improved with experience.
10. What goals does Fontecchio have for her continuing basketball career?
Fontecchio aims to solidify his role with the Jazz, contribute to playoff runs, and maintain leadership on Italy’s national team, while further developing skill sets for success in the NBA.
