In an intriguing development for the Milwaukee Bucks and their fans, Rajon Rondo, a former LA Lakers champion from the 2020 NBA championship team, is reportedly extending his guest coaching stint under the tutelage of Doc Rivers. This move comes as Rondo, renowned for his sharp basketball intellect during his playing days, makes strides toward a full-time coaching career.
Rondo’s relationship with Doc Rivers, the head coach for the Bucks, goes back to their time together with the Boston Celtics, where they secured an NBA title in 2008. It’s this bond and mutual respect that have likely paved the way for Rondo’s current role in Milwaukee.
Transition from Player to Coach
The transition from player to coach is rarely straightforward, and Rondo is experiencing this firsthand. Despite retiring as a player after the 2021-22 season, his involvement with basketball remains as intense as ever. Rajon Rondo’s career spanned impressive stints with several NBA teams including the Celtics, Lakers, and others, culminating in notable averages of 9.8 points, 7.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds over 957 games. His journey now continues off the court as he explores the intricacies of coaching alongside one of his mentors.
Learning Under Doc Rivers
According to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, Rivers has high hopes and expectations for Rondo, hinting at a significant role for him this season.
“You’ll see him (Rondo) a lot. That’s all I’ll say,”
Rivers commented, suggesting a robust involvement for Rondo with the Bucks. This collaboration marks a full-circle moment for Rondo, learning the ropes of NBA coaching where he first tasted championship success.
Rondo himself has expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the learning curve he’s navigating:
“There’s a lot of factors that go into coaching. You just can’t say, I’m going to be a coach, and then everything works out and that’s how it happens. So certain personalities have to mesh, [and there’s] a lot of sacrifice,”
he shared with ESPN.
The Bucks’ Road Ahead
For the Milwaukee Bucks, the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season is about redemption. After a disappointing postseason that saw their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to injury, the team is keen on making a strong comeback. With Rondo’s guest coaching role now seemingly extended, his experience and leadership could prove invaluable as the Bucks aim to navigate the challenges of the new season.
Rondo’s stint as a guest coach not only enriches his coaching resume but also adds a layer of strategic depth to the Bucks’ bench. As Milwaukee gears up for another run at the championship, having a seasoned veteran like Rondo, who understands the highs and lows of an NBA season, could be just what the team needs to optimize their performance on the court.
As the Bucks prepare for the upcoming season, the basketball community will be watching closely to see how Rajon Rondo’s transition from NBA champion player to insightful coach unfolds. Under the guidance of Doc Rivers and with a team hungry for success, Rondo’s journey in Milwaukee is just beginning, and it promises to be as eventful off the court as it was on it.
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