Instead of taking the scorched earth strategy, the Detroit Pistons decided to be patient last summer and add senior players to their core.
Simone Fontecchio, who averaged almost 15 points per game and shot 42.6 from long range in 16 games for the Pistons previous season, was retained by them.
It appeared to be one of the league’s greatest deals when the Pistons signed him to a two-year, sixteen-million dollar contract.
Fontecchio was anticipated to play a significant role in the rotation regardless, and there was discussion in the winter about moving him to the starting five for additional shooting.
However, Fontecchio has not yet shown himself, and he might be playing himself out of the lineup now that Ausar Thompson is back.
No part, no shots, Simone Fontecchio
After playing more than 30 minutes every game the previous season, Fontecchio is now only playing 18 minutes per game. The Pistons are deeper this season, particularly at his position after selecting Ron Holland II, so that was to be expected.
Additionally, after averaging around 12 attempts per game the previous season, he is now only getting up fewer than five shots per game due to the arrival of THJ, Harris, and Beasley.
Fontecchio is only shooting 36% from the field and 34% from long range, so he isn’t making many of the baskets he is receiving.
Last night, he only played nine minutes and was a non-factor, committing two turnovers, which is equal to the sum of his assists, rebounds, and points. His declining role was evident.
Fontecchio primarily provides cardio when he isn’t taking or making shots because he doesn’t offer much else. He’s not a bad defender, but despite playing few minutes, he averages 1.3 fouls per game despite not being very big or athletic.
He is a role-less player, and in the foreseeable future, his playing time will probably decrease even further.
Ausar Thompson rotates the pistons.
Last night, Ausar Thompson made his debut and immediately had an effect on both ends. He still needs to get over his slump, but last night he played 16 minutes, Fontecchio nine, and rookie Ron Holland just over eleven.
While Thompson recovers, we’ll likely see both Fontecchio and Holland, but one of them will probably be removed from the rotation soon. At the moment, Fontecchio appears to be the most likely candidate.
Holland is a good defender who creates plays on defense and in transition, as we seen last night, and he still has a higher overall field goal % than Fontecchio despite only shooting 11 percent from long range.
Fontecchio will hopefully start making shots, but time is running out and as Thompson’s minutes grow, someone will have to give up something.
Is Simone Fontecchio a lure for traders?
Indeed.
Fontecchio must currently be regarded as one of the players who may be moved at the deadline, as we have discussed extensively.
A team like Oklahoma City might be interested in trading for him if he is playing few minutes and has no route to a position. Because of his lowball contract, Fontecchio would be easy to relocate, and he might find a larger position on the appropriate team.
With Cade Cunningham out, the Pistons could use Tek’s scoring, so let’s hope he returns soon.
