NBA veteran Danilo Gallinari hints at a possible return to the league, expressing a desire to be a veteran leader for a team despite plans to retire after EuroBasket.
With a career spanning 14 years, Gallinari, the former No. 6 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, isn’t shutting the door on opportunities for the 2025-26 season. His intention to retire following the EuroBasket tournament hasn’t deterred his openness to a potential comeback, emphasizing his interest in offering guidance and support as a seasoned player on an NBA squad.
Gallinari’s experience, both in Europe with Milan and in the NBA with eight different teams and 777 games played, makes him a valuable asset in terms of leadership and knowledge. Despite injury setbacks that cost him two entire seasons, the Italian forward has maintained impressive career averages of 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
The veteran forward’s willingness to take on a mentorship role and provide valuable insights, particularly to young overseas talents, showcases his commitment to offering more than just on-court contributions. Gallinari’s peak season, where he averaged 19.8 points and 6.1 rebounds, underlines his scoring prowess and versatility that could still benefit a team seeking experience and depth.