Fontecchio logged 14 points (4-9 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), four rebounds, two assists and two steals in 28 minutes during Monday's 114-112 win over the Pelicans.
The Jazz are now 2-0 with Fontecchio and Omer Yurtseven in the starting lineup, and the absence of Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) has effectively illustrated Utah's depth at multiple positions. Although the 6-foot-8 Italian will return to the bench when Markkanen returns, it will be interesting to see if Fontechhio's efficient play will earn more time in a platoon with John Collins.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Enters starting lineup
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Fontecchio will start Saturday's game against the Pelicans, Ben Anderson of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.
The Jazz are missing Jordan Clarkson (illness) and Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) Saturday, so Fontecchio will make his first start of the campaign. He has shot the ball well so far this season, hitting 49.1 percent from the field and 43.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Fontecchio logged eight points (3-5 FG, 2-4 3Pt) and one rebound over 15 minutes during Friday's 131-128 loss to Phoenix.
Fontecchio played double-digit minutes off the bench for the fifth time in the last six matchups Friday, but he was unable to generate much production despite a relatively efficient showing from the floor. Over his last six appearances, he's averaged 4.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Scores five off bench
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Fontecchio closed Wednesday's 133-109 win over Memphis with five points (2-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt), one rebound and one assist in eight minutes.
Fontecchio hasn't been a consistent part of Utah's rotation earky this year, but he saw some playing time during Wednesday's blowout win. As long as the Jazz remain relatively healthy this season, Fontecchio is unlikely to have much fantasy relevance.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Coming off bench in opener
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Fontecchio won't start Wednesday's game against the Kings, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News reports.
Fontecchio drew the starting nod during Utah's preseason finale; however, he'll return to the bench as expected for the regular-season opener. Last season, Fontecchio played 14.7 minutes per game across 52 games. However, the additions of John Collins, Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh could mean fewer opportunities for Fontecchio in 2023-24.
Fontecchio delivered 11 points (3-7 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists and a steal across 27 minutes in Thursday's 116-113 preseason loss to the Kings.
With Lauri Markkanen, John Collins and Kelly Olynyk resting, Fontecchio got the start Thursday. Fontecchio delivered a decent stat line, but he continues to struggle with his shot, and until he can improve his three-point shooting, his upside will be minimal. Fontecchio will be playing as the backup to Markkanen, who's the go-to player for Utah's offense.
Fontecchio is in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason matchup against the Kings, David Locke of the Jazz's official website reports.
Despite having a solid year as a rookie, Fontecchio has struggled in the preseason. He will get a chance to play extended minutes Thursday, as the Jazz are resting Lauri Markkanen, John Collins and Kelly Olynyk. Fontecchio is averaging just 4.3 points while shooting 33 percent from deep across four preseason appearances.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Struggles with outside shot
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Fontecchio recorded seven points (2-6 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes during Tuesday's 103-98 preseason loss to the Clippers.
While Fontecchio had a successful rookie campaign in 2022-23, his 33.0 three-point percentage is something he will look to improve upon. Fontecchio is expected to compete for a backup forward role this season and should see plenty of playing time throughout the preseason.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Comes off bench for 20 points
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Fontecchio provided 20 points (8-18 FG, 4-11 3Pt), nine rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes during Sunday's 128-117 loss to the Lakers.
Fontecchio was in a good rhythm between the second and third quarters, going 6-of-11 from the field over that stretch for 16 points, adding three rebounds and an assist. The rookie forward was unable to finish strong, however, knocking down just one of four field-goal attempts in the final period while missing all three of his attempts from downtown as the Jazz fell to the Lakers in their regular season finale. Fontecchio played 31 minutes off the bench and finished third on the team in scoring with 20 points to go along with nine rebounds, which trailed only Kris Dunn for the team lead.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Slides back to bench
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Fontecchio will rejoin the reserves for Sunday's game against the Nets.
Fontecchio has enjoyed starts in each of his last four appearances due to the absence of Lauri Markkanen (hand) but has been shifted back to the second unit with Markkanen back in action. Over that stretch, Fontecchio has averaged 11.8 points and 2.3 rebounds over 25.5 minutes.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Reaches double digits
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Fontecchio logged 12 points (5-13 FG, 2-8 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist and one steal in 31 minutes during Friday's 122-114 loss to the Celtics.
Fontecchio's scoring is wildly unreliable, but this was a fine performance from the 27-year-old rookie. He's started five of his past six appearances, averaging 10.7 points on 37/33/100 shooting, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Fontecchio is seeing extra time on the floor due to absences from Lauri Markkanen (hand) and Rudy Gay (back).
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Produces little in return
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Fontecchio had four points (2-6 FG, 0-3 3Pt) and one assist across 17 minutes during Wednesday's 128-117 win over San Antonio.
Fontecchio returned to the starting lineup after missing last game with a toe injury and because Lauri Markkanen (hand) sat out. Fontecchio played just under 17 minutes and contributed very little Wednesday night. Other than a few standout performances in March, the rookie out of Italy garners little fantasy value right now.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Cleared for action Wednesday
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Fontecchio (toe) will be available for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News reports.
Fontecchio has been upgraded from questionable to available and will suit up after taking a seat during Monday's loss to Phoenix. With Lauri Markkanen (hand) and Rudy Gay (back) out, Fontecchio figures to draw another start at small forward. Over his previous four starts, the undrafted rookie from Italy has averaged 12.3 points in 29.0 minutes.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Questionable against Spurs
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Fontecchio (toe) is questionable for Wednesday's game versus San Antonio, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Fontecchio is in danger of missing his second straight game Wednesday due to left turf toe. If he's unable to suit up, his next chance to do so will be Friday's matchup with Boston.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Out with turf toe
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Fontecchio won't play Monday against the Suns due to left turf toe, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Fontecchio has drawn back-to-back starts with Lauri Markkanen (hand) sidelined, but he appears to have picked up an injury and will take a seat Monday. It's unclear how serious the issue is, but Fontecchio's next chance to suit up will come Wednesday in San Antonio.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Erupts for 26 points
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Fontecchio ended with 26 points (9-16 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT) and two rebounds in 25 minutes during Friday's 144-116 loss to the Bucks.
Lauri Markkanen missed Friday's game with a hand contusion, and it was Fontecchio who stepped up the most for Utah. However, the score became pretty lopsided quickly, and not a single player for the Jazz played more than 26 minutes. With Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson (finger) banged up, Fontecchio could make some noise in the final couple weeks of the season.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Gets starting nod
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Fontecchio is in the starting five for Friday's game versus the Bucks.
Fontecchio will replace Lauri Markkanen (hand) in the starting five Friday. Fontecchio is averaging 9.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 31.0 minutes across his previous two starts.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Returns to bench
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Fontecchio will not start in Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers.
Fontecchio drew a spot start Monday in place of Lauri Markkanen (back) and scored 12 points over 33 minutes. However, he will return to his typical bench role with Markkanen back in action. In his last five appearances with the reserves, Fontecchio has averaged 12.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals across 19.4 minutes.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Scores 12 in spot start
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Fontecchio closed Monday's 128-120 victory over the Kings with 12 points (4-13 FG, 4-10 3Pt), three assists and one rebound in 33 minutes.
Fontecchio picked up his second start of the season Monday, taking on elevated minutes as a replacement at small forward for the injured Lauri Markkanen (back). The rookie proved to be a useful option for those that streamed him for three-pointers, but he brought little else to the table and actively harmed managers' field-goal percentage. Despite the somewhat underwhelming line Monday, Fontecchio should be in store for another start if Markkanen remains sidelined again Wednesday versus the Trail Blazers.
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Jazz's Simone Fontecchio: Starting Monday
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Fontecchio will start Monday versus the Kings with Lauri Markkanen (back) unavailable, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Fontecchio recently had a 23-point game over 30 minutes, so he's certainly someone to consider as a streamer, given the opportunity he'll see in a starting role. Joining him in the first unit will be Talen Horton-Tucker, Ochai Agbaji, Kelly Olynyk and Walker Kessler.
