New York, December 02, 2025
Danilo Gallinari, the Italian NBA veteran known for his scoring and shooting prowess, announced his retirement from professional basketball on December 2, 2025, concluding a 16-season career that spanned multiple NBA teams and international success.
Retirement Announcement and Career Overview
Gallinari officially announced his retirement following the 2024 NBA playoffs, finishing his professional basketball journey after 14 active NBA seasons between 2008 and 2024. During his career, he played for eight different NBA franchises, including the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, and Milwaukee Bucks. His final NBA appearance occurred during the 2024 playoffs, in Game 6 of the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round defeat to the Indiana Pacers.
Career Highlights and Records
Gallinari established himself as a prolific scorer and an elite shooter for his size. He logged 11,607 career NBA points, making him the all-time leading Italian scorer in the league. His three-point shooting was particularly notable, as he made 1,456 three-pointers, ranking sixth among NBA players standing 6-foot-10 or taller. In February 2021, Gallinari achieved a rare feat by hitting at least 10 three-pointers off the bench, joining an exclusive group of only eight players in NBA history to do so.
His individual scoring highlight came in 2015 when he scored a career-high 47 points in a double-overtime contest representing the Denver Nuggets. On the postseason front, Gallinari experienced his deepest playoff run in 2021, when he reached the Eastern Conference Finals while playing with the Atlanta Hawks.
Overcoming Injury Challenges
Gallinari’s career was marked by significant resilience in the face of injuries. He missed 10 or more games in all but one NBA season, including two entire years sidelined due to ACL tears. Despite these setbacks, he consistently returned to contribute at a high level to each team he joined.
International Influence and Legacy
Gallinari played a pivotal role in redefining the archetype of European big men in the NBA, combining size with shooting range and versatile skill sets. His success helped pave the path for future European players able to stretch the floor and impact the game offensively. As the highest-scoring Italian player in NBA history, his legacy resonates deeply within international basketball circles.
Post-NBA Achievements
Following his NBA career, Gallinari continued to demonstrate his competitive edge by winning the Puerto Rican league championship with Vaqueros de Bayamon in the summer of 2024. He was also named the championship series Most Valuable Player, underscoring his sustained excellence beyond the NBA.
Gallinari’s retirement marks the conclusion of a notable era for international basketball professionals in the NBA. His journey reflects a blend of high skill, perseverance through injury, and a trailblazing influence on the global basketball stage.