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0 Retirement is a bittersweet moment for any athlete, even the greatest ones, and that’s what Rajon Rondo, one of the most prominent point guards of his generation, experienced recently. Rondo announced his official retirement from the NBA after a successful 16-year career that saw him play for nine different teams across the league, leaving a lasting impact on each of them.
Rondo’s decision to retire was revealed during his appearance on the “All the Smoke” podcast, where he was asked by Matt Barnes if he would be returning to the NBA anytime soon. Rondo replied promptly, stating that he was “absolutely” done with the league and that he would rather spend time with his kids.
Rondo’s last NBA game was with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2021-22 season, where he helped his team secure a win over the Milwaukee Bucks with six points and 14 assists. Throughout his career, Rondo was known for his incredible playmaking abilities, averaging 7.9 assists per game and recording double-digit assists in most games. He was a floor general who played with a unique style, standing at only 6 feet 1 inch, which made him a constant threat to opposing teams. Rondo achieved at least 10 assists per game in four seasons, with a high of 11.7, which he accomplished twice, once in 2011 and again in 2015. He has averaged 9.8 PPG throughout his career, with a career-high of 13.7 PPG in 2009.
Rondo’s impressive career is highlighted by his rankings on the all-time triple-double lists. He ranks 15th all-time in triple-doubles with 32 and 5th all-time for playoff triple-doubles with 10. Rondo’s journey across the league saw him play for the Chicago Bulls, LA Lakers (twice), Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks and the LA Clippers.
Rondo started his career as the 21st pick by the Phoenix Suns but was traded almost immediately on draft night to the Celtics along with Brian Grant for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first-round draft pick in the 2007 NBA draft and cash considerations. It turned out to be one of the worst draft day trades of all time as Rondo went on to win a championship in 2008 and was a key piece in the championship run. He was known for his ability to space the floor, get 3s and layups at will, and drop dimes relentlessly.
During his rookie season in the NBA, Rondo played a supporting role and would split time with Sebastian Telfair and Delonte West. Rondo only started in 25 games. He made his NBA regular season debut on November 1, 2006, in a loss against New Orleans. After officially becoming a starter, he began to receive more playing time, reaching a career-high 47 minutes of playing time, leading to an improvement in production. He recorded a career-high 14 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs and a career-high 7 steals against the Indiana Pacers.
As the mid-season approached, his numbers began to increase, which earned him an NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He finished the season with an average of 6.4 PPG and 3.8 APG, ranking in the top ten in the NBA in steals (128) and ranking in the top ten among rookies in several other categories, including first in steals, second in assists and sixth in minutes. During the All-Star break, he was selected to play on the Sophomore Team in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam. Following the All-Star weekend, Rondo recorded a career-high 16 assists in a home victory against the Charlotte Bobcats. They made the greatest improvement in NBA history earning them the number one seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
Following the regular season, Rondo finished in the top five for the NBA Most Improved Player voting. Rondo made his playoff debut on April 20, 2008, against the Atlanta Hawks and finished the game with 15 points, 9 assists, and 2 steals. The Celtics closed out the series in seven games, went on to defeat Cleveland in the next round, and then beat the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. In the NBA Finals, facing the Los Angeles Lakers, Rondo recorded two strong performances, including a career-high 16 assists in Game 2. In Game 3, however, Rondo left the court in the third quarter after rolling his ankle. In Game 6, the point guard posted a playoffs career-high 6 steals as the Celtics defeated the Lakers 4–2, giving Rondo his first NBA championship ring.
During the 2009–10 season, Rondo averaged career highs in points (13.7), assists (9.8), and steals (2.3), becoming the first Celtic to lead the league in steals. On November 2, 2009, Rondo signed a five-year extension with the Celtics worth a guaranteed $55 million. On January 10, 2010, Rondo recorded his third regular-season career triple-double, with 22 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds against the Toronto Raptors. On January 28, 2010, he received his first NBA All-Star selection as a reserve on the Eastern Conference squad for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. He also competed in the 2010 H-O-R-S-E contest but lost in the finals to Kevin Durant. Against the Sacramento Kings, Rondo entered the game tied with Rick Fox for a franchise record of most steals in a single-season (167), eventually establishing the record with a second-quarter steal from Sean May. In a game against the Houston Rockets on April 2, 2010, he broke Bob Cousy’s franchise record for most assists in a single season.
In the 2010 NBA Playoffs, the Celtics defeated the Miami Heat in five games and faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. In Game 2, Rondo dished out 19 assists tying his career-high and also tying a franchise record for most assists in a playoff game. In Game 4, he recorded his fourth postseason triple-double along with a playoff career-high 29 points.Rajon Rondo had a remarkable career, during which he achieved several milestones. He won two NBA championships, first in 2008 and another in 2020, proving his worth as an outstanding athlete. He was also selected for the NBA All-Star team four times consecutively, from 2010 to 2013. In 2012, he received the honor of being named in the All-NBA Third Team, which is a testament to his exceptional basketball skills.
Furthermore, Rondo was a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member, earning this recognition in 2010 and 2011, respectively. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice, in 2009 and 2012. Rondo’s abilities as a point guard were unmatched, and he led the league as a three-time NBA assists leader in 2012, 2013, and 2016. Additionally, he was the NBA steals leader in 2010, which further highlights his remarkable abilities on the basketball court.
It is a challenging time for all sports fans, whether they cheer for the same team or not, as we bid farewell to one of the greatest point guards of the 21st century. However as they get on in age, even the most remarkable athletes must eventually retire. The impact of his retirement is felt not only on the court, but also in the hearts of fans around the world, as they reflect on the legacy and contributions of Playoff Rondo, his well earned nickname. It’s a moment that prompts both nostalgia and anticipation for the future of the sport.
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