Rajon Rondo’s next coaching journey could be in New Orleans, where he could guide the struggling Pelicans. According to NBA insider Marc Stein on Sunday, the two-time champ has been interviewed for the post after serving as a special assistant to Doc Rivers in Milwaukee last season.
The news of Rondo’s potential hiring ramped up the excitement of Pelicans fans. One fan wrote:
“I would take Rondo over Darvin Ham every day of the week and twice on Sunday.”
Another fan added:
“One of the few players that every NBA fan can see as a coach.”
One more fan continued:
“Rondo always had that coach-on-the-floor IQ. Wouldn’t be shocked if he’s actually really good at it.”
Another fan commented:
“Joe Dumars, pull the trigger.”
One fan tweeted:
“Rondo would be good JUST for the FA looks we get.”
Former LA Lakers coach Darvin Ham, who was also part of Rivers’ coaching staff, is expected to get some interest from teams. This early, Pelicans supporters are casting their vote on Rondo, who impressed in the 2018 playoffs for the team.
The Pelicans were expected to have a coaching search as soon as their season ended. Joe Dumars, the team’s vice president of basketball operations, dismissed former coach Willie Green after a 2-10 start. James Borrego, who took over as an interim coach, guided the team to a 24-26 finish.
Green replaced Stan Van Gundy to start the 2021-22 season, helping the team to a playoff appearance in his first year at the helm. New Orleans returned to the playoffs in 2024, only to miss the postseason back-to-back.
Rajon Rondo could be at the helm when the Pelicans try to end a playoff drought if the team will oblige the fans by hiring Rondo.
Rajon Rondo Helped Carry Pelicans to Playoffs in Lone Stint With Team
After nearly nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, where he was a four-time All-Star, Rajon Rondo hopped on multiple teams. He had stops in Dallas, Sacramento and Chicago before going to New Orleans.
The Pelicans signed Rondo to form a lethal backcourt with Jrue Holiday and to reunite with former Kings teammate DeMarcus Cousins.
In Rajon Rondo’s only season with the Pelicans, he helped the team to the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference with a 48-34 record. The 2008 champ with the Celtics averaged 8.3 points, 8.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
In the playoffs, Rondo’s championship pedigree and skills stood out. In the Pelicans’ 4-0 sweep of the No. 3 Blazers, “Playoff Rondo” was at his best, averaging 11.3 ppg, 13.3 apg and 7.5 rpg.
Pelicans fans could see him work his magic again if the team hires him as coach.
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