After nearly two years since his last NBA appearance, Rajon Rondo has decided to close the chapter on his illustrious basketball career, officially announcing his retirement.
The four-time All-Star revealed his decision during a special appearance on the “All the Smoke” podcast with hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. When asked if fans had seen the last of him on the NBA court, Rondo replied, “Absolutely. I’d rather spend time with my kids.”
Rondo’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable 16-year journey in the NBA, filled with memorable moments and significant contributions to championship teams.
How many NBA Finals rings does Rajon Rondo have?
One of the standout highlights of Rondo’s career includes winning two NBA Finals rings. In 2008, during his sophomore season with the Boston Celtics, Rondo played a pivotal role in leading the team alongside the Big Three of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce. Starting all 26 games, he averaged 10.2 points and 6.6 assists, helping the Celtics secure the championship against the Lakers.
Twelve years later, Rondo found himself on the championship stage again, this time with the Los Angeles Lakers in the unique setting of the 2020 NBA Restart in the Orlando “bubble” at the Walt Disney Resort. Once more, Rondo proved to be a valuable asset, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ title victory.
With a 2-1 record in NBA Finals appearances, winning championships with both the Celtics and Lakers, Rondo joins an exclusive list of players to achieve this remarkable feat.
Even in retirement, Rondo has remained close to the game, coaching alongside former teammate LeBron James at the 2023 Nike Peach Jam, a premier event in the Nike AAU circuit.
His legacy extends beyond the court, with Basketball-Reference’s Hall of Fame Probability metric giving Rondo a 60.6 percent chance of receiving the prestigious Hall of Fame call. This places him above esteemed championship guards like Dennis Johnson and Maurice Cheeks, both already enshrined.
As per the Basketball Hall of Fame criteria, Rondo must be fully retired for four years to become eligible for enshrinement. As fans bid farewell to this NBA legend, they reflect on a career marked by brilliance, championships, and an undeniable impact on the game of basketball.
