Danilo Gallinari Announces Retirement from Professional Basketball

Danilo Gallinari has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball, bringing an end to an illustrious 16-year career in the NBA. The 37-year-old Italian forward shared the news via a heartfelt post on X, highlighting his gratitude for a career filled with unforgettable moments.

A Glorious Journey Begins

Early Career:

• Gallinari started his professional journey in Italy, playing for Olimpia Milano before entering the NBA.
• He was selected as the 6th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, making him the second-highest player from Italy ever drafted.

New York Knicks Tenure:

• During his tenure with the Knicks from 2008 to 2011, Gallinari averaged 13.7 points, shooting 37.7% from three-point range.
• A significant mid-season trade in 2011 sent him to the Denver Nuggets as part of a blockbuster deal that brought Carmelo Anthony to New York.

Rise to Prominence

Performance in Denver:

• In Denver, Gallinari’s scoring average jumped to 16.2 points per game over six seasons.
• His versatility and shooting ability made him a valuable asset, helping the team compete in the tough Western Conference.

Adventurous Final Years

As his career progressed, Gallinari found himself playing for various teams in the NBA, including:

• Los Angeles Clippers
• Oklahoma City Thunder
• Atlanta Hawks
• Washington Wizards
• Detroit Pistons
• Milwaukee Bucks

Throughout these moves, he accumulated a total of 11,607 points, marking him as the highest-scoring Italian player in NBA history.

Recent Achievements

In the final year of his active playing career, Gallinari took his talents briefly to Puerto Rico, where he showcased his skills for the Vaqueros de Bayamón. During this stint:

• He contributed significantly to the team’s success, helping them win a Puerto Rican League title and earning the Finals MVP award.

Reflecting on His Legacy:
“It’s been an incredible journey filled with countless memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Gallinari expressed in his farewell message. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

Career Highlights & Statistics

• NBA Draft: 2008 (6th overall by the New York Knicks)
• Points per Game Average: 16.2 in Denver
• Total Points: 11,607 (most by an Italian in NBA history)

A Fond Goodbye

Gallinari’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player whose contributions will be remembered not just in the statistics but in the hearts of fans around the world. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, his tenure in the NBA will always be celebrated.

For more information on Gallinari’s incredible journey, check out his career statistics on Basketball-Reference.

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