14-year NBA veteran and former New York Knicks No. 6 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Danilo Gallinari has not ruled out an NBA return yet.
Although Gallinari stated his plans to retire at the conclusion of this year’s EuroBasket tournament for Italy, Gallinari has yet to close the door on any opportunities that may come forward for the 2025-26 season. Gallinari expressed his interest in being a veteran leader on an NBA roster to Iacopo DeSantis of Pianeta Basket by saying: “I always hope so. If I were to return, it would be as a veteran, kind of like insurance for a franchise,” and added “I wouldn’t play much and would serve as a helpful presence.”
Gallinari would have plenty of wisdom to offer young players, especially overseas players, having played in Milan for three years before being drafted.
As far as NBA knowledge is concerned, Gallinari is no slouch in that regard either. Despite missing two full seasons to injury, Gallinari has accumulated 777 games played for eight different franchises.
Throughout his career, he has been a proven scorer with career averages of 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists. In his best season, Gallinari posted 19.8 points per game, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2018-19 season.
In his most recent NBA season, Gallinari played for three different teams, being traded twice by the Wizards and Pistons before signing with the Milwaukee Bucks to end the year.
As for Italy, they will take a 4-1 record through group play into a matchup with Slovenia in the round of 16 at EuroBasket, in what could be Gallinari’s final game representing his country.
