Marco Belinelli, one of Italy’s most decorated players and an NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, has called it a career at 39 years old.
Belinelli shared the news on Instagram, leaving a heartfelt message to fans and teammates after nearly two decades as a pro.
“I gave it my heart. Every piece of me,” Belinelli wrote. “Every single day. Basketball gave me everything… and I gave it everything I had. Saying goodbye isn’t easy. But it’s time. I carry with me every emotion, every sacrifice, every cheer. Thank you to those who always believed. To the next generation – I leave a dream. Make it count.”
Belinelli entered the league as the No. 18 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. Over the next 13 seasons, he played for Toronto, New Orleans, Chicago, Sacramento, Charlotte, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and most memorably San Antonio. His biggest moment came during the Spurs’ 2014 title run, where he carved out a vital role as a sixth man, averaging 11.4 points per game that season.
For his NBA career, Belinelli averaged 9.7 points while shooting 37.6 percent from three-point range.
His long-range shot and ability to spark bench units made him a trusted role player on contending teams.
After leaving the league, Belinelli returned to Virtus Bologna, the club where his career began, and played the past five seasons in Italy. He was named Lega Basket Serie A MVP in 2024, won Sixth Man of the Year in back-to-back seasons, and helped Bologna capture two Serie A titles.
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