With the New Orleans Pelicans’ search for a new head coach underway, the name of Rajon Rondo has been brought up among potential candidates. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Rondo has been interviewed for the post in the early stages of the Pelicans’ hunt for a new coach.
Reportedly, there are a number of players-turned-coaches who are also on the Pelicans’ radar: Bucks assistant Darvin Ham and Pistons assistant Jarrett Jack. However, there’s an argument to be made that Rondo is the best prospect out there for New Orleans.
3 reasons why Rajon Rondo is the best candidate to become new Pelicans head coach
Rajon Rondo has the credentials
Credibility is important when it comes to managing an NBA locker room full of egos and accomplished athletes. Rondo should have little to no issues with that, as his resume as a former NBA court general is quite stacked.
In his 16-year career, Rondo was named an All-Star on four occasions. A tenacious defender with quick hands and excellent anticipation, he led the league in steals during the 2009-10 season and made the All-Defensive Team four times. A former All-NBA Third Team member, Rondo won an NBA championship with the ’08 Celtics squad; he then won his second ring with the LA Lakers in the 2020 NBA bubble.
Rajon Rondo has ties to New Orleans
Another thing that gives Rondo the edge in this race is his connection to the Pelicans organization. Back in the 2017-18 season, he and Anthony Davis played for coach Alvin Gentry, leading the team to a 48-34 finish and going all the way to the second round of the playoffs.
Rondo’s playing stint in New Orleans was brief, but it’s certainly worth revisiting as the Pelicans organization consider their options at this point.
Rajon Rondo has ambitions of becoming a head coach
Simply put, Rondo has wanted to become a head coach for quite some time. As far back as that 2017-18 season, Rondo told NBA insider Marc Stein that he wants to become a GM and a head coach one day. The GM position might very well come in the future, but with the Pelicans looking for a head coach at the moment, Rondo’s time could soon arrive.
