NBA players need to stop throwing punches and start shaking hands ... so says the guy who knows first hand what can happen when you get in a fight on the court.
TMZ Sports spoke with L.A. Clippers star Danilo Gallinari ... who broke his hand throwing a punch in an exhibition in Italy this past off-season. He was also present when the Clips got in a scuffle with the Rockets earlier this week.
D.G. says he's vowed to stop the violence ever since the summer incident .