NBA Champion Marco Belinelli Bids Farewell to Basketball After Legendary Career, Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Marco Belinelli, the Italian sharpshooter known for his sweet three-point stroke and pivotal role in the 2014 San Antonio Spurs’ championship run, officially announced his retirement from basketball on Monday, bringing a close to a storied career that spanned almost two decades.
Belinelli’s journey in professional basketball began in 2007, when the Golden State Warriors selected him as the 18th overall pick in the NBA Draft. His time with the Warriors, however, was brief. After two seasons, Belinelli moved through several teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers. It was with the Spurs, however, that Belinelli truly made his mark on the NBA. In 2014, he was part of a legendary Spurs squad that swept the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, securing the team’s fifth championship title.
Throughout his NBA career, Belinelli was known for his shooting prowess, especially from beyond the arc. Across 860 NBA games, he averaged 9.7 points per contest, while shooting an impressive 39.5% from three-point range. His stint with the Warriors was marked by a promising start, with Belinelli starting 23 of the 75 games he played, but he was traded away to the Toronto Raptors in 2009 in exchange for Devean George and some cash. Interestingly, George played just 45 games for the Warriors, while Belinelli would go on to have a much longer and more decorated career.
After his time in the NBA, Belinelli returned to Italy to play in his home country’s top league. It was here that he added another championship to his resume, leading Virtus Bologna to a league title in the final chapter of his playing career. Despite being 39 years old, Belinelli’s farewell was graceful and filled with gratitude. In a heartfelt message posted on social media, he reflected on his incredible journey: “I gave it my heart. Every piece of me. Every single day. Basketball gave me everything… and I gave it everything I had. Saying goodbye isn’t easy. But it’s time.”
He went on to thank his supporters and the next generation of players, urging them to “make it count.” Belinelli leaves behind a legacy of determination, excellence, and a commitment to the game. Though he may be stepping away from the court, his impact on the sport and his fans will remain lasting.
