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

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

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 3:32 AM ET

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marco Belinelli (@mbeli21)

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.