Fontecchio has shown to be a terrific fit from the beginning

The fact that seven players who were born outside of the US played for the Pistons in the 2023–24 season is indicative of how globalized basketball has become. Roughly 25% of the player pool, or 125 players, representing 40 nationalities or territories, were on NBA rosters on the first night of the 2023–24 season. It seems like there are players everywhere, and NBA clubs are investing more money than they have in the past to locate individuals that don't fit into the typical trade, draft, or free agency categories. Two years ago, Simone Fontecchio was one of those players—a youthful, experienced player from the EuroLeague in his prime.

The Utah Jazz signed Fontecchio to a two-year contract in 2022 after snagging him from Spain's ACB, which is regarded as the top local league. Since the February trade deadline drew nearer, Fontecchio became one of the most talked-about players.