Danilo Gallinari Retires: 20-Year NBA Sharpshooter

Danilo Gallinari announced his retirement after 20 pro seasons, 16 in the NBA. The No. 8 pick in 2008 averaged 14.9 points and 4.7 rebounds across stops with eight NBA teams. He was a key piece in the Carmelo Anthony trade that helped Denver reach three straight playoffs, hit a 19.8 ppg peak in 2018‑19, shot over 40% from three for three seasons, and helped the 2020‑21 Hawks reach the Eastern Conference Finals. He closed his playing days by winning a championship and Finals MVP in Puerto Rico and represented Italy at EuroBasket 2025. Merlin sees a career built on size, shooting and stubborn heart — two torn ACLs and still a 20‑year run is testament to that. Not a marquee superstar, Gallinari was the kind of veteran who reshaped lineups and steadied locker rooms. His legacy will live in clutch threes and veteran mentorship; expect him to stay in the game as a coach, mentor or international ambassador.