NBA Players React to San Antonio Spurs Champion's Career Announcement

Former San Antonio Spurs champion Marco Belinelli has officially retired after 13 seasons

Oct 27, 2018; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Marco Belinelli (18) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: John Glaser-Imagn Images | John Glaser-Imagn Images

This week, former San Antonio Spurs champion and international legend Marco Belinelli officially announced his retirement from the NBA after 13 seasons.

The 39-year-old forward was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2007 and managed to play on several teams all the way until 2020. For the last five years, he has been playing with Virtus Bologna, adding to his international resume. Belinelli played in the 2007, 2013, 2015, and 2017 FIBA EuroBasket, and played in the FIBA World Championship in 2006 and 2019.

On Monday, Belinelli made a heartfelt post on Instagram about the retirement.

"I gave it my heart," Belinelli said. "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. 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."

NBA Players React and Draw Inspiration

Belinelli's retirement drew congratulations from a plethora of NBA players on Instagram, both past and present.

Danny Green: "👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 congrats big dawg!!!💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽"

Bogdan Bogdanovic: "Grande leggenda!! 🙌🫡"

Dennis Schroder: "LEGEND!!!"

Justin Holiday: "Congrats brother!!🙏🏾🙏🏾"

Joakim Noah: "It was an honor brother"

Danilo Gallinari: "Dear Beli, Over these years, we have shared so many moments that I will never forget. Your passion, your mindset, and your dedication have been and will always be a source of inspiration. You have made history, and you did it in your own way. Best of luck for everything💙"

Caro Beli,
In questi anni abbiamo condiviso tanti momenti che non dimenticherò mai.
La tua passione, la tua mentalità e la tua dedizione sono stati e saranno sempre fonte d’ispirazione.
Hai fatto la storia, e lo hai fatto a modo tuo.
In bocca al lupo per tutto💙@marcobelinelli pic.twitter.com/wQRgnTR52V

— DANILO GALLINARI (@gallinari8888) August 19, 2025

Via @the_ELPA: "Marco Belinelli leaves a lasting legacy in European basketball. Thank you for the passion and unforgettable moments. Wishing you the best in your next chapter 👏"

Marco Belinelli leaves a lasting legacy in European basketball. Thank you for the passion and unforgettable moments.

Wishing you the best in your next chapter 👏

#ELPlayers #MarcoBelinelli pic.twitter.com/KikE3tmHb6

— EuroLeague Players Association (@the_ELPA) August 19, 2025

Belinelli's Impact With the San Antonio Spurs

In 2014, Belinelli won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs after they defeated LeBron James and the Miami Heat. That season with the Spurs, Belinelli averaged 11.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 49/43/85 shooting from the field.

Dec 19, 2019; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Marco Belinelli (18) lays the ball up against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Belinelli had multiple the Spurs, both from 2013-2015 and 2018-2020, where he eventually finished his NBA career with the team.