Danilo Gallinari Retires After 20-Year Pro Career: A Look Back at the Italian Forward’s Impactful Journey
Danilo Gallinari is hanging up his sneakers. On Tuesday morning, the veteran forward announced his retirement from professional basketball, closing the book on a remarkable 20-year pro career - 16 of those seasons spent in the NBA.
“Today, with a heart full of gratitude, I am announcing my retirement from the career I’ve always dreamed of,” Gallinari shared on social media. “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.”
And what a journey it was.
A Brief Stop in Boston - Without Logging a Minute
Gallinari’s path brought him to Boston in the summer of 2022, when he signed a multi-year deal with the Celtics. The move felt like a savvy veteran addition to a team with championship aspirations - a stretch forward with deep playoff experience, known for his shooting touch and high basketball IQ.
But fate had other plans. Before he ever suited up for the Celtics, Gallinari tore his ACL while playing for Italy in a FIBA World Cup qualifier. The injury sidelined him for the entire 2022-23 season.
Still, Gallinari managed to make his presence felt in Boston - just not on the hardwood. From the bench, he became something of a cult favorite among Celtics fans, known for his sideline swagger and sharp fashion sense. Whether it was a tailored blazer or a clean streetwear look, he brought style to the TD Garden even when he couldn’t bring buckets.
A Journeyman's Final Stops
Gallinari’s time with the Celtics officially ended in June 2023, when he was included in the three-team trade that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. From there, Gallinari was traded to the Washington Wizards, then flipped to the Detroit Pistons - who waived him after a month. His final NBA stint came with the Milwaukee Bucks, who signed him in February 2024.
It wasn’t the ending he might’ve envisioned, but Gallinari’s legacy was already secure.
From Milan to Madison Square Garden
Gallinari’s NBA story began in 2008, when the New York Knicks selected him sixth overall in the NBA Draft. A 6-foot-10 forward with a smooth shooting stroke and a savvy feel for the game, he was billed as one of the next big hopes from Europe - and he lived up to the billing.
After three seasons in New York, Gallinari was part of the blockbuster 2011 trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks and sent Gallinari west to Denver. That move turned out to be a pivotal chapter in his career.
In Denver, Gallinari found his rhythm. Over six seasons with the Nuggets, he played in 303 games and averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He shot 41.9% from the field and 36.6% from three - solid, consistent numbers that made him a reliable offensive option and a matchup problem for opposing defenses.
He wasn’t flashy, but he was effective. Gallinari could post up smaller defenders, stretch the floor with his shooting, and create just enough off the dribble to keep defenders honest. He played with a calm confidence that made him a trusted presence in any rotation.
The Veteran Years
After Denver, Gallinari joined the Clippers in 2017 via a sign-and-trade. From there, he became a well-traveled veteran, suiting up for the Clippers, Thunder, Hawks, and eventually the Celtics. Along the way, he brought scoring, experience, and leadership to every locker room he entered.
Though he never made an All-Star team, Gallinari's value went beyond accolades. He was a pro’s pro - a guy who understood the game, played it the right way, and made teams better.
Coaches trusted him. Teammates respected him.
And fans, especially those in Europe, saw him as a trailblazer.
A European Pioneer in the Modern NBA
Gallinari entered the league at a time when international players still had to fight for respect. He helped change that narrative.
Before Giannis, Jokic, and Luka became MVP candidates and faces of the league, Gallinari was one of the few European players consistently making an impact in the NBA. He wasn’t just representing Italy - he was helping to redefine what European talent could look like in the league.
He brought a blend of finesse and toughness, skill and savvy, and proved that international players could be more than just role players - they could be difference-makers.
The Final Word
Danilo Gallinari’s career may not have ended with a championship or a farewell tour, but it ended with something arguably more meaningful: the respect of his peers and the admiration of fans around the world.
He was a scorer, a shooter, a leader, and a pioneer. And now, as he steps away from the game, he does so with a legacy built on consistency, professionalism, and a deep love for basketball.
Grazie, Gallo.