One of the deadliest shooters in San Antonio Spurs history, Marco Belinelli enjoyed a 13-year career highlighted by an NBA Championship in the Alamo City in 2014.
While his second stint with the Silver and Black to end his career was a bit more forgettable, he still occasionally provided some highlight-worthy plays on the court using his impeccable off-ball movement. As a knockdown 39% shooter from deep with the Spurs, he used a quick release and pinpoint accuracy to his advantage on the offensive end.
In December 2019, the Spurs were visiting the Memphis Grizzlies for a pre-Christmas Eve showdown. In just Ja Morant's 25th game in the NBA, the Italian veteran gave him quite a "welcome to the league" moment.
👌 @marcobelinelli 👌 pic.twitter.com/eaomfrqxiQ
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 24, 2019
While the shot was worth three points, the move itself was worth a lot more. Notice just how much distance Morant covers as Belinelli drops him -- he starts at the corner three line and ends up pretty much under the basket.
When I resurfaced the memory Friday on Twitter, there were plenty of amused reactions from Spurs fans everywhere.
Yoooo I didn’t remember this. And we smoked them lmao beautiful https://t.co/7L8GzHp9hE
— Summer Frank (@Squirrely_Wrath) July 21, 2022
I know Marco had his defensive problems. Was asked to do more at the back end of that contract, but in the right setting with defenders around him…. He’s up there with some of the best ever off ball players in league history. Just knew how to play. That run in ‘14 was great. https://t.co/QNZu9KrADO
— Mr. Ass (@JohnchoVilla) July 21, 2022
Belli>>>>>Ja>>Jordan=Messi?
— Sebastian Acuña (@LuiElPanchero) July 21, 2022
Some fans even called for the Spurs to bring the 36-year-old back to San Antonio for a third stint.
BRING HIM BACK, YOU COWARDS! https://t.co/pTonQ24Jwd
— Dakota Mitchell (@dakmitch) July 21, 2022
We should give him a max contract and make him Tank Commander https://t.co/j4v0jclAEQ
— Chris (@Chris_ApTx) July 21, 2022
It's true Belinelli left a lot to be desired on the defensive end (especially toward the end of his NBA career), but it was always a joy to watch him create space and get his deadly jumper off with only a sliver of daylight.
The Spurs went on to obliterate Memphis 145-115 in that game behind 40 points from LaMarcus Aldridge, 26 from DeMar DeRozan, and 10 from Belinelli. Since Morant has pretty much had his way with the San Antonio Spurs since his sophomore season, something about seeing a 32-year-old Marco break his ankles is especially satisfying.
Belinelli continues to play professional basketball for Virtus Bologna of the Lega Basket Serie A in Italy.