In today’s EuroBasket round of 16 matchup, Slovenia defeated Italy 85-77, eliminating them from the competition. Following the game, Italian forward and former Nuggets standout Danilo Gallinari retired from international play.
Throughout the tournament, Gallinari mostly served as a player-coach, seeing little time on the floor. However, in his final game, Italy gave him the opportunity to go out strong and he did just that. Coming off the bench, Gallinari scored 10 points for Italy in 11 minutes.
Gallinari had a great 14-year career, averaging 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game through 777 career games played. He spent more time with the Denver Nuggets than any other team he played for, spending six years in the Mile High City after being traded from the New York Knicks.
Nuggets fans will remember this time fondly, as Gallinari 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists as a Nugget. Unfortunately for Gallinari, he struggled throughout his career with injuries, missing the entire 2013-14 season and 2022-23 seasons both due to ACL tears.
Although an NBA return is unlikely for the 37-year-old, Gallinari would be interested. Speaking to Iacopo DeSantis of Pianeta Basket, Gallinari said: “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.”
With plenty of experience overseas and in the NBA, Gallinari would make a great veteran presence in an NBA locker room, if given the chance to continue his career.
In the meantime, he’ll move on from Italian basketball and await what could be his final professional opportunity.
