Danilo Gallinari Retires After 14-Year NBA Career: A Skilled Scorer Bows Out
Danilo Gallinari has officially called it a career, wrapping up a 14-year NBA journey that spanned multiple teams, countless three-pointers, and a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable stretch forwards. The Italian-born forward’s final stop came in Milwaukee during the 2023-24 season, a brief 17-game stint with the Bucks that marked the end of a career far more defined by his earlier years with the Knicks, Nuggets, and Clippers.
A Career Built on Shooting, Skill, and Savvy
Gallinari entered the league in 2008-09 as the sixth overall pick, drafted by the New York Knicks. By his second season, he had already carved out a starting role, showcasing the kind of smooth shooting and offensive polish that would become his trademark. From 2009-10 through 2021-22, Gallinari averaged double-digit scoring every season - a run of consistency that speaks to both his skill and adaptability in a league that was rapidly evolving.
What made Gallinari so valuable over the years wasn’t just his size at 6-foot-10, but his ability to stretch the floor without sacrificing efficiency. He knocked down 1,456 three-pointers in his career, connecting at a 38.1% clip - a number that holds up against some of the best shooters of his era. He wasn’t just a volume shooter; he was a smart one, picking his spots and rarely forcing bad looks.
And when it came to the free-throw line, Gallinari was elite. He finished his career shooting 87.6% from the stripe, with multiple seasons above the 90% mark. For a forward, that kind of reliability at the line is a rare asset - and it often made him a go-to option in late-game situations.
Peak Years and Career Highlights
Gallinari’s best statistical season came in 2018-19 with the Clippers. That year, he averaged 19.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 46.3% from the field and 43.3% from beyond the arc. It was a season that showcased the full range of his offensive game - pick-and-pop threes, midrange touch, and the ability to get to the line and convert.
The following year, in his lone season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Gallinari posted a career-best 2.9 made threes per game. He was a critical piece on a Thunder team that defied expectations, providing veteran stability and floor spacing around a young core and a resurgent Chris Paul.
Gallinari also had solid runs with the Hawks and Wizards before injuries began to take their toll. He missed the entire 2022-23 season due to injury - the second full season he lost in his career - and by the time he landed in Milwaukee midway through 2023-24, it was clear his playing days were winding down.
Final Chapter in Milwaukee
The Bucks brought in Gallinari hoping to add some size and shooting depth on the wing. But by then, the wear and tear of a long NBA career had caught up.
In 17 games, he averaged just 2.8 points in nine minutes per night, hitting only three of his 17 attempts from deep. It wasn’t the storybook ending, but it was a final run for a player who had already made his mark.
A Pro’s Pro
Gallinari retires with career averages of 14.9 points and 4.7 rebounds over 777 games. His ability to adapt to different roles - from primary scorer to floor-spacing veteran - made him a valuable piece wherever he went.
He wasn’t flashy, but he was effective. And in a league that increasingly values shooting and versatility, Gallinari was ahead of the curve.
For fans who followed his journey from a young talent in New York to a seasoned vet in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, and beyond, Gallinari’s retirement marks the end of an era. He may not have been the loudest voice in the room, but his game spoke volumes - and it echoed across every team he suited up for.
As he steps away from the game, Gallinari leaves behind a legacy built on skill, professionalism, and a jumper that defenders never stopped respecting.