Marco Belinelli retires after 23-year basketball career

Marco Belinelli, the renowned Italian basketball sharpshooter, has officially retired at age 39 after a remarkable 23-year professional career spanning both the NBA and Italian leagues. Belinelli was the first Italian to win an NBA championship, securing the title with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, the same year he also won the NBA Three-Point Contest. Over his NBA tenure, he played for nine teams, including the Spurs, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers, and was known for his veteran leadership and sharpshooting. Returning to Italy in 2020, he played for Virtus Bologna, where he won multiple titles including two Italian League championships and a EuroCup in 2022. Throughout his career, Belinelli earned numerous individual accolades such as the Lega Serie A MVP in 2024 and served as a mentor and inspiration to younger players, leaving a message to "the next generation" to "make it count." He expressed deep gratitude for the support he received from fans, teammates, and coaches, highlighting the emotional and sacrificial journey of his basketball career.