Former Boston Celtics forward Luigi Datome officially retired from the sport as a player after 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 after a loss 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,” Datome said via Sports Inquirer’s Jonas Terrado. “I thank the fans for the applause and to the opponents for stopping the game to show respect.”
“I feel lucky, humbled, grateful, and blessed because I felt all the kind words that I get,” he added.
New episode of the Celtics Lab Podcast on YouTube, via @CLNSMedia ☘️🧪📺
Sorting out the pecking order in the Eastern Conference with @AdamTaylorNBA
Sponsored by: @FDSportsbook https://t.co/davJurbWn0
— Celtics Lab Podcast (@CelticsLab) September 9, 2023
Datome played 18 games for Boston in the latter half of the 2014-15 season, averaging 5.2 points and 1.4 rebounds per game.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=590969556]