SACRAMENTO KINGS

One-time Kings guard Rajon Rondo announces retirement after 16 seasons

Apr 2, 2024, 11:52 AM

Rajon Rondo #9 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at American Airlines Center on March 3...

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 03: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at American Airlines Center on March 3, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Rajon Rondo, who has not played on an NBA roster since 2022, confirmed his retirement in a conversation with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson via All the Smoke Productions. The Kentucky product spent one season with the Sacramento Kings from 2015-16 but is best known for his time with the Boston Celtics.

The Phoenix Suns selected Rondo with the 21st overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, but the guard was quickly rerouted to Boston, where he spent the first eight and a half years of his 16-year career.

During that time, Rajon Rondo was the starting point guard on the Celtics’ 2008 NBA Championship team and was named to four All-Star teams. 2011-12 was the only season Rondo was selected for an All-NBA team, making the third team.

After Boston, Rajon Rondo played for the Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Twelve years after winning his first championship, the 6’1 guard won another ring alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Lakers in the bubble. The Lakers and Celtics are the only teams Rajon Rondo spent more than one season as a member of.

Highly regarded for his impressive basketball intelligence, Rondo was an elite playmaker who led the league in assists on three occasions (2011-12, 2012-13, and 2015-16). He was also an effective defensive player, as evident by his four All-Defensive team appearances in his career.

Rajon Rondo is one of two players joining Clyde Lovellette from the 1950s and 60s to win an NBA Championship as a player with both the Lakers and the Celtics — one of the most historic rivalries in sports.

The former point guard has often featured on All the Smoke Productions, but his future endeavors are unknown. But his basketball playing career is behind him, with 16 years and two rings to show for it.

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