Rajon Rondo, the seasoned point guard renowned for his strategic prowess on the basketball court, has officially announced his retirement from the NBA after an illustrious 16-season career.
Making his declaration during an appearance on the “All the Smoke” podcast, Rondo left no room for doubt when questioned by host Matt Barnes about his future in the league.
“Absolutely,” asserted the 38-year-old veteran. “Yeah, I’m done. I can’t. I’d rather spend time with my kids.”
A decorated athlete boasting four All-Star selections and two NBA championships, Rondo last graced the hardwood during the 2021-22 season, donning jerseys for both the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Rondo expressed gratitude for the invaluable experiences garnered throughout his tenure in professional basketball.
“What a time, it was definitely something that I never took for granted when I was in the game,” reminisced Rondo. “I loved every minute of it, and I appreciate the brotherhood that I was able to share and bond and grow with over the years. I’ve learned so much in this game and it’s made me the man who I am today.”
Rondo’s impact transcended individual accolades, with his contributions instrumental in shaping championship-caliber teams. He led the league in steals per game during the 2009-10 season and topped the assists per game charts in 2011-12, 2012-13, and 2015-16. Additionally, he earned recognition on the NBA’s All-Defensive Team on four occasions.
With championship triumphs under his belt with the Boston Celtics in 2007-08 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019-20, Rondo etched his name in NBA lore as a consummate winner.
Throughout his distinguished career, Rondo showcased versatility and skill, averaging 9.8 points, 7.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 957 games, with 733 starts, for various franchises, including the Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
As Rondo embarks on the next chapter of his life, he faces legal proceedings, with a trial set for April 25 in Jackson County, Indiana. The charges against him include unlawful possession of a firearm as well as misdemeanor drug paraphernalia and marijuana offenses. Despite rejecting a plea agreement offer from prosecutors in February, Rondo’s legal team contends that the firearm charge infringes upon his Second Amendment rights.
With his retirement marking the end of an era in professional basketball, Rajon Rondo leaves behind a legacy defined by his unparalleled court vision, defensive prowess, and championship pedigree.
