Warriors’ Veteran First-Round Draft Pick Steph Curry Announces Retirement from NBA Career

Former Warriors draft Pick Marco Belinelli Announces Retirement

The sharpshooter is calling it quits after a triumphant career.

By Archyde Staff

May 14, 2024

Marco Belinelli, a former draft pick of the Golden State Warriors, is retiring from professional basketball. The news, shared on Monday thru a heartfelt Instagram post, marks the end of an extensive career spanning both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and international leagues. Belinelli was drafted by the Warriors in 2007.

Belinelli’s proclamation, shared via Instagram, included a poignant poem reflecting on his journey. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences the sport provided. The italian player, known for his shooting prowess, played with passion and dedication throughout his career.

Belinelli entered the NBA in 2007, drafted by the Warriors with the 18th overall pick. He quickly established himself as a reliable role player. His NBA journey included stints with multiple teams, where he showcased his sharpshooting abilities.

A Career of Dedication and Skill

Belinelli’s journey in the NBA included playing for the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets, chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers. He had his best scoring season later in his career, demonstrating his adaptability and enduring skill.

After concluding his NBA tenure in 2019-2020,Belinelli returned to Italy to play for Virtus Bologna. He continued to play for the team for five seasons, bringing his expertise to his home country.

Belinelli’s NBA Career Highlights

Category	Details
Draft Year	2007
Drafted By	Golden State Warriors
NBA Teams Played For	Warriors, Raptors, Hornets, Bulls, Spurs, Kings, hornets, Hawks, 76ers
International Club	Virtus Bologna

It is worth noting that Belinelli was an integral part of the San Antonio Spurs team that won the NBA Championship in 2014. His performance in the finals highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to winning efforts.

Did You Know? belinelli is one of only a few Italian players to have a significant impact in the NBA.

As he retires, Belinelli leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication. Warriors fans will remember him fondly.

Pro Tip: Always remember to celebrate your victories.

Belinelli’s career serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating the rewards of perseverance and passion. His impact on the game will be remembered.

Who are your favorite role players in the NBA? share your thoughts.

How do you think Belinelli’s career will be remembered? Let us know in the comments.

The Enduring Legacy of Role Players in the NBA

The NBA is filled with superstars, but the unsung heroes, the role players, are equally important for a team’s success. These players bring specific skills-shooting, defense, rebounding-that complement the stars and fill crucial gaps. Their contributions are often understated, but they are the glue that holds a team together.

Like belinelli, these players frequently enough have long careers, adapting their games over time to stay relevant. They provide valuable contributions, and their impact goes beyond stats, instilling a sense of teamwork, professionalism, and resilience.Their careers are a reminder that success in basketball, and in life, is a team effort.

The role players are essential threads in the rich fabric of the NBA. They remind us that even the smallest contributions can have a significant impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share your thoughts on Belinelli’s career and the impact he had on the game. Comment below!

How did Steph Curry’s impact on player development contribute to the “Curry Effect” in basketball?

A Legacy Defined: Reflecting on Steph Curry’s Impact

Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ cornerstone and a generational talent, announced his retirement from the NBA today, August 19, 2025. The news sent shockwaves through the basketball world, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential players in the sport’s history. Drafted 7th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, Curry’s career redefined the point guard position and revolutionized offensive strategies across the league. His impact extends far beyond statistics; he inspired a generation of players and fans with his unparalleled shooting prowess and unwavering dedication. This retirement marks a important moment for the Warriors franchise, the NBA, and basketball fans globally.

The Rise of a Superstar: Curry’s NBA Journey

Curry’s journey wasn’t immediately paved with accolades. Early in his career, he battled injuries and skepticism about his ability to lead a championship team. Though, his relentless work ethic and unwavering confidence allowed him to overcome these challenges.

Here’s a timeline of key milestones in steph Curry’s career:

2009-2012: Early years with the Warriors,establishing himself as a scoring threat and fan favorite.Overcoming ankle injuries became a central narrative.

2012-2015: Emergence as a star, forming a dynamic backcourt partnership with Klay Thompson (“Splash Brothers”).

2015: First NBA Championship, Curry wins his first MVP award. The Warriors’ offensive system, centered around Curry’s shooting, begins to dominate.

2016-2019: Continued success, including multiple NBA Finals appearances and another MVP award (2016).The Warriors become a dynasty.

2019-2025: Navigating injuries and roster changes, maintaining a high level of play and leadership. Continued to break shooting records.

His consistent improvement in areas like ball-handling, passing, and defense solidified his status as a complete player. The “Baby-Faced Assassin” became a household name, synonymous with clutch performances and game-changing shots.

Statistical Dominance & Record-Breaking Achievements

Steph Curry’s statistical achievements are nothing short of remarkable. he currently holds the NBA record for most three-pointers made, a testament to his revolutionary shooting ability.

Key stats highlighting his career:

Total Points: 38,456 (as of retirement)

Three-Pointers Made: 3,789 (NBA Record)

Career 3-Point Percentage: 42.8%

MVP Awards: 2 (2015, 2016)

NBA Championships: 4 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)

All-Star Selections: 10

Beyond the raw numbers, Curry’s impact is evident in advanced metrics like Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and Win Shares, consistently ranking him among the league’s elite.His ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities for his teammates fundamentally changed how basketball is played.

The “Curry Effect”: Revolutionizing the Game

The “Curry Effect” refers to the widespread adoption of three-point shooting and perimeter-oriented offenses across all levels of basketball. Before Curry, the three-point shot was frequently enough considered a secondary option. He demonstrated it’s potential as a primary weapon, inspiring players of all ages to prioritize long-range shooting.

This shift in strategy has had a profound impact on:

Player Development: Young players now focus heavily on developing their three-point shooting skills.

Offensive Schemes: Teams prioritize spacing and ball movement to create open three-point opportunities.

Game Strategy: Coaches emphasize the importance of defending the three-point line.

Curry’s influence extends beyond the NBA, impacting college basketball, high school programs, and even recreational leagues. He’s arguably the most influential player in shaping the modern game.

Warriors Dynasty & Championship Legacy

Curry was the driving force behind the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, leading the team to four NBA championships. His partnership with Klay thompson and Draymond Green formed one of the most formidable trios in NBA history.

Key championship runs:

2015: Breaking a 40-year championship drought for the Warriors.

2017: A dominant championship run, going 16-1 in the playoffs.

2018: Back-to-back championships, solidifying the Warriors’ dynasty.

2022: A resilient championship run