Rajon Rondo Joins Bucks as Guest Coach at Doc Rivers’ Request

Rajon Rondo, a two-time NBA champion and former All-Star point guard, has joined the Milwaukee Bucks as a guest coach during training camp. Doc Rivers, who coached Rondo during their time with the Boston Celtics, practically demanded that his former player get involved in this role, leading the Bucks to this position. During Rondo’s wedding in Italy this summer, Rivers urged him to help out, telling him, ‘get your ass to camp,’ according to ESPN.

Rivers’ demands were met, and Rondo has been sharing his basketball knowledge with the Bucks as they prepare for the 2024-25 season. Rondo is now retired and exploring what it takes to become a coach, using this opportunity as a learning experience.

“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. There are certain things that I’m learning. The morning meetings, the amount of hours you’re spending watching film, it’s a lot,” he said.

After winning championships with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Rondo officially retired from playing in April. During that time, he was part of four All-Star teams and was awarded four All-Defensive Team honors. Rivers was left with a lasting impression of Rondo’s intelligence on the court after his time with the Celtics.

“He’s the smartest player I’ve ever coached—and not just smart,” Rivers said via ESPN. “He knows when to and when not to say stuff. He’s a great team builder. It’s just fun, and it’s great to have him around.”

Rondo’s basketball IQ was exceptional throughout his career, and he was often regarded as one of the league’s best at understanding and reading the game. During the NBA’s yearly general manager surveys, he was consistently ranked as one of the most likely players to succeed as a coach, frequently placing just behind Chris Paul in recent years.

Rivers suggested that fans could see more of Rondo in the future, even though his current role with the Bucks may be short-lived.

“You’ll see him a lot,” Rivers said. “That’s all I’ll say.”

Rondo’s guest coaching stint with the Bucks is a great way to start his transition into coaching as he looks toward his future basketball career. Rondo’s wealth of knowledge and passion for the game are valuable assets in any coaching role he pursues, whether he stays with Milwaukee or moves on.