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The J-Notes
Fansided

Ranking the Utah Jazz rookies before the 2022-23 season

By Jonah Kubicek

Jacksonville State Gamecocks center Brandon Huffman (50) goes up for a layup over Auburn Tigers forward Walker Kessler (13) during the first round of the 2022 NCAA tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., on Friday, March 18, 2022. Auburn Tigers defeated Jacksonville State Gamecocks 80-61.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks center Brandon Huffman (50) goes up for a layup over Auburn Tigers forward Walker Kessler (13) during the first round of the 2022 NCAA tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., on Friday, March 18, 2022. Auburn Tigers defeated Jacksonville State Gamecocks 80-61. /
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MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 06: Simone Fontecchio, #13 of Italy, reacts during the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 group C match between Italy and Croatia at Forum di Assago on September 06, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 06: Simone Fontecchio, #13 of Italy, reacts during the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 group C match between Italy and Croatia at Forum di Assago on September 06, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images) /

#3: Simone Fontecchio

A 26-year-old free agent signing out of the Euro League, Fontecchio went undrafted in 2015 and then lit it up in the Spanish League, averaging 11.7 points in play last season. He also shot over 40% from deep, so if all goes well, the Jazz added some wing depth on a team-friendly deal.

Fontecchio led the Italians in scoring at the 2020 Olympic games, coming just shy of 20 points a game.

Here on a $6.8 million dollar deal over two years, it’s safe to say it’s now or never. I’m sure he will get plenty of time to show off and show out, but if he can’t play well in year one, I highly doubt he will get any playing time in year two. It reminds me of Jock Landale, who the San Antonio Spurs signed out of Australia’s NBL last year to provide center depth. The experiment didn’t work out, and he was traded to the Suns for cash considerations.

Fontecchio is not a defensive stopper, and with the modern NBA wing being a “three and D” type of player, I’m not confident he will be able to make the leap and defend with any sort of success. Still, shooting 40% from deep allowed Kyle Korver to thrive in the league, maybe Simone can have a similar story.