Carlos Delfino , one of Argentina’s most respected basketball icons, has quietly closed the book on a remarkable 27-year career. The 43-year-old, who once lit up both the NBA and international courts, confirmed his retirement this week — without a farewell game, without fanfare, just the way he wanted. His decision marks the official end of Argentina’s “Golden Generation,” the group that stunned the world by winning Olympic gold in Athens in 2004.
Carlos Delfino reflects on the moment he knew it was time
Carlos Delfino shared the news during an interview on the YouTube channel Doble Doble. The veteran guard revealed the personal realization that finally pushed him toward retirement. “The moment came that I thought would never come. When I started making excuses not to train and didn’t feel like going, that’s when I said, ‘It’s time,’” he admitted.
He added, “I actually felt good about it because I went through a lot of injuries and spent four years without playing. Now I got to choose when to stop.”
Delfino last played professionally in Italy’s Serie A2 for Sella Cento, scoring three points with five rebounds and one assist in his final appearance. Despite the lack of a grand farewell, his decision felt fitting. Delfino never leaned on theatrics.
From NBA courts to Olympic glory — Carlos Delfino’s career that spanned continents
Drafted 25th overall in the historic 2003 NBA Draft — alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony — Delfino’s professional journey took him across the globe. He played for the Detroit Pistons , Toronto Raptors , Milwaukee Bucks, and Houston Rockets, earning more than $24 million across eight NBA seasons.
But it was with Argentina’s national team that Delfino secured his place in basketball history. As part of the legendary 2004 Athens squad led by coach Rubén Magnano, he helped Argentina defeat the star-studded U.S. team to capture Olympic gold. He later added a bronze medal in Beijing in 2008 and two FIBA AmeriCup titles.
Now, two decades later, Delfino departs the game as the last active member of that golden era. “I’m good, I’m whole, and I can choose for myself,” he said. Few retirements have ever sounded more complete.
Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick takes a savage swipe at fans who predicted LeBron James’ retirement
Carlos Delfino reflects on the moment he knew it was time
Carlos Delfino shared the news during an interview on the YouTube channel Doble Doble. The veteran guard revealed the personal realization that finally pushed him toward retirement. “The moment came that I thought would never come. When I started making excuses not to train and didn’t feel like going, that’s when I said, ‘It’s time,’” he admitted.
He added, “I actually felt good about it because I went through a lot of injuries and spent four years without playing. Now I got to choose when to stop.”
GRACIAS, CABEZA 🩵🤍
— Argentina Básquet (@cabboficial) October 7, 2025
Por tu entrega, tu compromiso incondicional, tu talento y tu pasión por la camiseta.
A sus 43 años, Carlos Delfino anunció su retiro del básquet profesional. Sin lugar a dudas, uno de los jugadores más importantes de nuestra historia:
🥇 JJOO Atenas 2004… pic.twitter.com/4HvbNh8WEN
Delfino last played professionally in Italy’s Serie A2 for Sella Cento, scoring three points with five rebounds and one assist in his final appearance. Despite the lack of a grand farewell, his decision felt fitting. Delfino never leaned on theatrics.
From NBA courts to Olympic glory — Carlos Delfino’s career that spanned continents
Drafted 25th overall in the historic 2003 NBA Draft — alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony — Delfino’s professional journey took him across the globe. He played for the Detroit Pistons , Toronto Raptors , Milwaukee Bucks, and Houston Rockets, earning more than $24 million across eight NBA seasons.
But it was with Argentina’s national team that Delfino secured his place in basketball history. As part of the legendary 2004 Athens squad led by coach Rubén Magnano, he helped Argentina defeat the star-studded U.S. team to capture Olympic gold. He later added a bronze medal in Beijing in 2008 and two FIBA AmeriCup titles.
Now, two decades later, Delfino departs the game as the last active member of that golden era. “I’m good, I’m whole, and I can choose for myself,” he said. Few retirements have ever sounded more complete.
Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick takes a savage swipe at fans who predicted LeBron James’ retirement
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