Rajon Rondo He insists on withdrawing from the NBA.
The 38-year-old veteran made the announcement on his “All the Smoke” podcast on Monday. Rondo was asked by host Matt Barnes if he was done pursuing his NBA career.
“Of course,” Rondo said on the podcast. “Yes, it's finished. I can not do it.I would rather spend time with my children”
Rondo, a Louisville native, spent two seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats from 2004 to 2006 and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2005. His 87 stolen bases as a rookie remains the program's single-season record. In his sophomore year, the 6-foot-1 point guard averaged 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game before heading to the NBA.
After being selected 21st overall in the 2006 NBA Draft, Rondo enjoyed a 16-year professional career, becoming a four-time All-Star. He spent most of his career with the Boston Celtics, but also played for the Mavericks, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans, Lakers, Hawks, Clippers, and Cavaliers.
Rondo's best years as a pro were from 2009 to 2013, when he earned all four All-Star Game nominations. He averaged 12.4 points, 10.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 steals in 37 minutes per game over those four years, and was a top 10 MVP candidate in 2011 and 2012.
“Oh my god, it definitely wasn't the norm when I was playing the game,” said Rondo, who has recently run into some legal troubles. “I loved every moment of it and am grateful for the brotherhood that we were able to share, bond and grow over the years. It made me who I am.
“I always tell people, This wasn't my dream, it was my goal. I was able to take care of myself and stay disciplined, and I didn't party much in college. But it was worth the sacrifice to get where I wanted to go in life. ”
Throughout his NBA career, Rondo earned many accolades. He was a key contributor on two different franchises that won championships (Celtics in 2008, Lakers in 2020), was named to the All-Defensive Team a total of four times, All-NBA Team once, and had an assist. He led the league in steals three times (2012, 2013, 2016), stole bases once (2010), and earned more than $117 million in contract money.
Before committing to Kentucky, Rondo attended Eastern High School in Louisville for three seasons before moving on to prep school. He transferred to Oak Hill Academy during his senior season and was later named a McDonald's and Parade All-American.
Twenty years later, his basketball career remains in the record books.
