Marco Belinelli retires after a 39-year journey that began in Italy and blossomed into an NBA championship legacy with the San Antonio Spurs. Drafted by Golden State in 2007, he found his footing with Toronto before becoming a pivotal role player for the Spurs, helping them win the 2014 title as a trusted floor spacer. His path meandered through the league as a reliable bench gun, a reputation reinforced by a star-making 2013-14 season that saw him post 11.4 points on strong shooting splits and a 43.0% three-point mark during the run to the championship. After his NBA days, Belinelli returned to Virtus Bologna, winning titles and earning league MVP honors in 2024, closing his career with a storybook finale.

For fantasy enthusiasts, Belinelli’s arc underscores the enduring value of elite shooting and floor-spacers who can elevate a second unit in clutch moments. His career highlights a player whose efficiency and versatility translated across continents, offering a lens into how international backsides can impact modern lineups. His retirement marks the end of an era for a European guard who etched Italian basketball into NBA championship lore, while also illustrating how a player can evolve from a rotation piece to a globe-trotting champion and mentor.