BREAKING: In a stunning turn of events, NBA veteran Danilo Gallinari has announced his retirement from professional basketball just days after a brawl involving DeMarcus Cousins at a Puerto Rican league game. The altercation, which occurred on June 9, 2023, during a match between Gallinari’s Vaqueros de Bayamon and Cousins’ Mets de Guaynabo, has overshadowed what would be Gallinari’s final season on the court.
Gallinari, speaking candidly from his home in South Florida, revealed that he inadvertently ignited the chaos by poking Cousins in the eye during a scramble for the rebound. “I hit him in his eye twice… That’s when everything started,” Gallinari confessed to ESPN, detailing how the situation escalated into a dramatic scene with fans and chaos erupting around them.
The 37-year-old forward, who earned over $200 million throughout his career, was playing in Puerto Rico to maintain his form ahead of representing the Italian national team in the EuroBasket tournament. His decision to join the Vaqueros de Bayamon was driven by a “pure love for basketball,” as he sought to contribute meaningfully before ending his career.
Gallinari’s time in Puerto Rico culminated in a tangible success; he led the Vaqueros to the BSN Championship and was named Finals MVP, marking a triumphant close to his professional journey. “It was perfect… I played 35 minutes a game and felt like a key player again,” he remarked, reflecting on his impactful role in the league.
However, Gallinari’s summer took a harrowing turn on July 31 when a family outing at Isla Verde Beach nearly ended in disaster. His wife, Eleonora Boi, was bitten by a shark while they waded in shallow water. Thankfully, both mother and unborn child were unharmed, but the incident left a lasting impression on the family, leading Gallinari to reconsider his priorities.
“I have a big beautiful family, three kids, and I want to be able to play with them at a high intensity,” Gallinari said, emphasizing his desire to spend quality time with his children after a demanding career that included stints with multiple NBA teams.
As he steps away from the sport, Gallinari’s legacy remains significant. His journey through the NBA has been marked by resilience despite numerous injuries that prevented him from fully realizing his potential as an All-Star. “Without injuries, we are talking legendary,” he stated, accepting the ups and downs of his career.
Officials and fans alike have expressed gratitude for Gallinari’s contributions to basketball, both in the NBA and in Puerto Rico. As his chapter in professional basketball closes, Gallinari leaves behind a legacy of dedication and passion for the game.
The basketball community is now left to ponder what comes next for this seasoned player. As other players transition from their careers into new roles, Gallinari’s story serves as a reminder of the emotional journey athletes undertake, both on and off the court.
Stay tuned for further updates on Gallinari’s future endeavors and reflections on his illustrious basketball career.