Former Boston Celtics forward Luigi Datome has officially retired from the sport of basketball as a player after playing his final contest for the Italian National Team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, per multiple reports. Datome, one of Italy’s most renowned basketball players, bid adieu to his playing career in a game that ended in defeat to Slovenia during the World Cup.
Despite the loss, Datome received a standing ovation after he was subbed out for the last time, and players from both teams paused to pay their respects to the veteran. “It’s one of the incredible kind gestures I received this summer,” said Datome via Sports Inquirer’s Jonas Terrado. “I thank the fans for the applause and to the opponents for stopping the game to show respect.”
Buy Celtics Tickets“I feel lucky, humbled, grateful, and blessed because I felt all the kind words that I get,” he added.
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Datome played for Boston for a total of 18 games in the latter half of the Celtics’ 2014-15 NBA season, putting up 5.2 points and 1.4 rebounds per game.
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