LeBron James and many others have been pushing for Rajon Rondo to step into a coaching role in the NBA.
Rondo Joins the Bucks
The Celtics legend is finally answering those calls. On Thursday, Doc Rivers, who is now the head coach of the Bucks, shared that Rondo has joined their team as a guest coach for training camp. He will stay with them in some capacity through the 2024-25 season. Rivers told ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, “You’ll see him a lot. That’s all I’ll say,” adding that Rondo is not only smart but also knows when to speak up and how to build a team.
The Journey Begins
Rivers invited Rondo to join after meeting him at his wedding in Italy this summer, telling him, “Get your a– to camp.” Having played under Rivers for seven years in Boston, Rondo didn’t hesitate to accept. He dreams of becoming an NBA head coach one day and hopes this experience with the Bucks will prepare him for that role. “I’m learning what it looks like,” he said about being part of a coaching unit.
Fans love seeing players transition into coaching roles; it feels like watching them grow up all over again.
Rondo mentioned how people often jump straight into head-coaching jobs or become assistant coaches without any set path. He just wants to gather as much knowledge as possible.
A Leader on and off the Court
Throughout his 16-year career, Rondo was known as a leader who wasn’t afraid of tough conversations and pushed his teammates to excel. Anthony Davis praised him for helping unlock his potential during the Lakers’ 2020 championship win. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce also spoke highly of Rondo’s leadership during their time with the Celtics.
For Milwaukee, having someone like Rondo could be crucial after last season’s disappointing first-round playoff loss. The team faced challenges such as firing head coach Adrian Griffin midseason and dealing with awkward dynamics between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard on court. They struggled to find stability throughout the year.
Rondo joining the Bucks might be his chance to prove he’s ready for a head-coaching position elsewhere while giving Milwaukee an opportunity to turn things aroundโa potential win-win situation!
