Danilo Gallinari, the Italian basketball player who more than any other has managed to make his way in the NBA and earn a leading role overseas, has announced his retirement at age 37.
"With a heart full of gratitude, I announce my retirement from a career I've always dreamed of. It's been an incredible journey, filled with countless memories that I'll cherish for the rest of my life," he wrote on social media, accompanying a farewell video.
Son of Vittorio Gallinari, a legendary player for Olimpia Milano, Danilo began his career with the "Red Shoes." His career, however, quickly took off overseas: selected in the 2008 draft by the New York Knicks, he was traded after three seasons to the Denver Nuggets, where he enjoyed his best years. Combining his size, athleticism, and excellent scoring ability, he quickly became the team's key player.
The "Gallo"'s career, however, has not been without its challenges . In April 2013, he suffered a serious cruciate ligament tear: the first operation was unsuccessful, and Danilo had to undergo surgery again, missing the entire season. In 2015, after returning to the court, he produced record-breaking performances, including a 47-point performance against Dallas, and led the national team to Eurobasket, where Italy lost in the quarterfinals to Lithuania. Other injuries, including a hand injury in 2017 and a quarterfinal defeat at the Tokyo Olympics, however, marred the Azzurri's path.
Overseas, his career continued between Denver, the Los Angeles Clippers—where he enjoyed his best scoring season—Oklahoma City, Atlanta, and Boston. In 2022, a new ACL injury seemed to spell the end for his time at the highest level in the NBA.
Gallinari, however, ended his career with one final, great accomplishment: in 2025, he signed with the Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rico and led the team to the title, also being named Finals MVP. A final triumph that capped an "incredible journey," that of the most consistent and prolific Italian in the history of American basketball.
(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)