He was one of the idols of Messina Basketball, only one year on the shores of the Strait during the time of the Giallorossi in Serie A. But he also left an indelible memory for being the only player to have played in Messina and then to have won the NBA title (even two). Matt Bonner arrived in Messina in the 2003-2004 season, after his experience at the University of Florida and having been chosen by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the NBA Draft. Then the season on the banks of the Strait where he closed with 19.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
The holiday in Messina
And in recent days Bonner returned to Messina for a holiday with his family, later writing on his social media. “The highlight of my trip to Sicily with my family was returning to Messina for the first time since I played for Pallacanestro Messina in the Italian championship over 22 years ago… The place where my career as a professional basketball player began. It brought back so many memories. And I was happy to see that my favorite neighborhood bakery was still in business and to be able to enjoy their amazing focaccia that has sustained me all season!” Six photos also accompany the post including the one with the Cannatas of the bakery and the one in front of the Duomo.
Career
After the season in Messina Bonner’s great consecration. The Chicago Bulls later traded him to the Toronto Raptors, where he played for two years. In 2006 he began playing with the San Antonio Spurs, a team for which he played until his retirement in 2016. In the meantime, in 2007 he won the first NBA title of his career, thanks to the 4-0 in the final series that the Spurs beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2013 the San Antonio Spurs, with Bonner on the roster, reached the NBA Finals after five years of absence; However, they were defeated 4-3 by the Miami Heat of the Big 3 LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. In the 2013-2014 season the San Antonio Spurs achieved the best record of the regular season and managed to return to the Finals, where they took revenge on the Miami Heat, beating them clearly 4-1. This is the second personal title for Bonner, and the fifth for the franchise.