Veteran guard Rajon Rondo has realized that he is capable of becoming a future coach. He was given a chance to feel the role during his most recent stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Former Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo had the limelight of his career after winning a ring in the NBA 2020 finals. The championship run proved that he can still compete with the younger players in the league.
Rondo, who averaged 8.9 points and 6.6 assists off the bench for the Lakers, signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks. The 6-foot-1 floor general is on his way to guide Trae Young, who currently leads the Hawks with 29.6 points per game in the 2019-2020 season.
Just this year in July, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel offered Rondo a drill if he wanted to be part of the coaching staff for a while.
At that time, the 34-year-old guard could not do anything for the team. First, he was sidelined due to an injury, and second, he was quarantined for two weeks because of the rapid coronavirus spread.
Rondo could not get back into the bubble at the soonest time, but Vogel entrusted him to contribute in another way. Vogel took his chance to tour Rondo through a Zoom meeting routine, where he can practice his decision-making skills.
That was the time when his former teammate Danny Green believed in his leadership. "It's a blow, but not as big of a blow because of how much he helps us on the sideline and coaching-wise. I know he'll still be there, he'll still help coach and teach."
After joining rising team Hawks this off-season, Rondo finally knew his part to the East squad, with him being the oldest player on the team for the first time in his whole career.
The two-time champion was at the point of his post-career. Rondo does not yet know when he should retire, but slowly he sees glimpses of a coach in him in the future. On another note, he also wants to handle a team one day as a general manager.
The challenge in Rondo was also a challenge for the fans. They wanted to figure out how an old point guard can carry a 20-47 team in the playoffs.
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In addition, Rondo did not demand any more of his playing time in his new home. The 2009-2010 steals leader only expected that he would lead as an example on the court. While it is true that his prime had long passed, his knowledge can be a valuable asset that the youngsters could learn from.
"I want to help these young guys as much as possible, to learn what it takes to play at a high level on a consistent basis."
Atlanta Hawks may be lacking experience - and guidance. Maybe Rondo is the missing key for a playoff spot to happen.
Hawks frontrunners rotate on French center-forward Clint Capela, shooting specialist Bogdan Bogdanovic, guard Kris Dunn, and forward Danilo Gallinari. The Trae-led squad of Cam Reddish, De'Anre Hunter, John Collins, and Kevin Huerter is anticipated to become a set of rising stars.
Rondo's days are already numbered, and it is only a matter of time until he shifts to a new career. He was more than thankful that Atlanta gave him another room to play.
"This is a young team with so much upside and versatility. We're on the upswing for great things here in the city of Atlanta," Rondo posed a challenge that the Hawks can also compete with strong teams from the West.
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