The Miami Heat parted ways with Duncan Robinson in exchange for an Italian star.
Following an underwhelming 2024-25 season, the Miami Heat decided to part ways with Duncan Robinson.
The Heat engaged in a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons. In exchange for Robinson, the Heat welcomed Simone Fontecchio to the roster.
Photo by Andrea Masini/Insidefoto/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty ImagesSimone Fontecchio breaks Italy’s single-game scoring record at EuroBasket, Miami Heat fans are happy
While Robinson fits well in Pistons’ starting lineup for the 2025-26 season, Fontecchio’s position on the Heat roster was still in debate.
Well, Fontecchio has made life easier for the Heat following a historic performance for Italy during the 2025 EuroBasket.
Fontecchio broke Italy’s single-game scoring record during the team’s 96-79 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Heat star shot a terrific 13-of-20 from the field.
Upon seeing the performance, the Heat Nation was over the moon as they praised the 29-year-old on X.
“Better than Duncan Robinson,” one fan wrote. While another added: “This performance will go down in history.”
“He broke the record beautifully,” a third fan stated.
“Give him more minutes in the NBA,” a fan urged.
“Really hoping he carries some of this over into the regular season,” a fifth fan added.
Considering Robinson was with the team for seven seasons, the Heat fanbase is hoping for Fontecchio to fill his shoes during the regular season.
Simone Fontecchio vs Duncan Robinson career comparison
The Heat are known for developing overlooked stars into solid players in the NBA. In fact, Robinson was an undrafted prospect before finding a consistent role with the Heat.
In seven seasons, Robinson averaged 11.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 43.4% from the field and 39.7% from the three-point line.
Like Robinson, Fontecchio went undrafted as well. But following his stints with the Utah Jazz and Pistons, the Heat will be the third team of his career.
So far, he has three years of NBA experience under his belt, averaging 7.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. He has shot 41.9% from the field and 36.3% from deep.
All things considered, Robinson has had a better career than Fontecchio, at least till now. It will be interesting to see if head coach Erik Spoelstra can bring out his true potential next season.