Italian veteran Danilo Gallinari retires after 16 seasons in the NBA

Veteran forward Danilo Gallinari has officially brought an end to his 16-year NBA career, announcing his retirement from professional basketball early Wednesday morning, December 3 (Philippine Standard Time).

Gallinari shared the news on social media, posting an emotional tribute to the game that shaped his life. “I don’t remember when you really came into my life. Maybe the day I first heard the ball bounce or maybe when I realized there was something more beyond that sound. You have been a dream, a refuge, a constant challenge. You made me grow up. You made me fall. You picked me back up, and you taught me to never stop believing and trying. Together we have lived moments that became snapshots in the album of my memories,” he said in Italian, accompanying a video montage of his career.

He continued: “Thanks to you I have met wonderful people, friends, rivals, travel companions. In every battle, every tear, every celebration, there was a piece of your story and of ours. So I say thank you with a heart full of gratitude for every fall, every comeback, every round of applause and every silence and above all for teaching me who I am on and off the court. Our journey doesn’t end here. It’s just the destination that changes, not because the love is gone, but because sometimes feelings evolve, and every story needs its final chapter. You will always be a part of me.”

Today, with a heart full of gratitude, I am announcing my retirement from the career I’ve always dreamed of.

It’s been an incredible journey filled with countless memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 🏀❤️ pic.twitter.com/UjRhTL8ZdP

— DANILO GALLINARI (@gallinari8888) December 2, 2025

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The son of former professional player Vittorio Gallinari—longtime teammate and roommate of NBA coaching icon Mike D’Antoni—Danilo began his career in Italy, spending four seasons there before entering the NBA draft. He was selected sixth overall by the New York Knicks, becoming the second-highest-drafted Italian player after No. 1 pick Andrea Bargnani.

Gallinari went on to carve out an impressive NBA résumé, suiting up for the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, and Milwaukee Bucks. His best stretch came in Denver before a torn ACL late in the 2012–13 season derailed his momentum. Injuries would continue to shape his career—he missed at least 10 games in all but one season, including two full campaigns (2013–14 and 2022–23) and most of his rookie year due to a back issue.

When healthy, however, Gallinari was one of the league’s most skilled scoring forwards. His 1,456 three-pointers rank sixth all-time among players standing 6-foot-10 or taller. He retires with 11,607 career points, the most by any Italian player in NBA history. Across 728 regular-season games, he averaged 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, shooting 42.8% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. In the playoffs, he posted averages of 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 51 appearances.

Gallinari exits the game as one of Italy’s most accomplished basketball exports, closing a career defined by resilience, shooting prowess, and a deep love for the sport that carried him across continents.

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