Rajon Rondo is one of the best point guards of his generation. He was never a huge scorer, but he regularly racked up double-digit assists on a nightly basis. His basketball IQ has always been praised, and even into the later years of his career, he was still an integral player on several important teams. He hasn't played in the NBA since the 2021-22 season and may still have something left to come off the bench, but the 16-year NBA veteran recently officially announced his retirement.
During an appearance on the “All the Smoke” podcast, Rondo was quick to respond when Matt Barnes asked him if he had seen the last of him in the NBA.
“Of course,” Rondo said. “Yes, I'm done. I can't do that. I want to spend time with my kids.”
Asked what he thought about his long and lauded career, Rondo was reflective.
“What a time. I never took it for granted when I was in the game,” Rondo said. “I have loved every moment of this game and am grateful for the brotherhood that we have been able to share, bond and grow over the years. I have learned so much in this game and It made me the person I am today…I always tell people, this wasn't my dream, it was my goal.I was able to protect myself and be disciplined. I didn't party much in college, but it was worth the sacrifice to get where I wanted to go in life.”
Rondo was selected 21st overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, but was immediately traded to the Boston Celtics on draft night. By the end of his rookie season, he became the full-time starting point guard. In his sophomore year, he was forced into a high-pressure situation as the Celtics traded Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to team Paul Pierce and Rondo in order to win a championship. That goal was accomplished, and Rondo became an NBA champion in his second year in the league.
After nine seasons with the Celtics, Rondo bounced around with the Mavericks, Kings, Bulls and Pelicans before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2019. In his second season with the Lakers, he came off the bench proving to be a quality role player in the offseason and was a key piece in helping LA win the Orlando bubble. Rondo's last NBA game was with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2021-22 season, where he had six points and 14 assists (off the bench) in a win over the Bucks. This was a perfect example of Rondo's play. His scoring was minimal, but he was a good floor general and pass-first point guard.
Rondo retires as a four-time All-Star selection, four-time All-Defensive player and two-time champion. He also ranks in the top 15 in the NBA in career assists and is one of only five players to average at least 11 assists in at least four seasons. The other four players to do it are Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Steve Nash, and Oscar Robertson. The other members of that group are all Hall of Famers, and Rondo would definitely have a strong case to earn that honor now that his playing days are officially over.
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