On Tuesday, Rajon Rondo formally declared his 16-year NBA career was over.
Rondo, an NBA champion twice and a four-time All-Star, last competed for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers in the 2021–2022 season.
When presenter Matt Barnes asked Rondo if the NBA had seen his last, he responded right away during an interview on the “All the Smoke” podcast.”Yes,” said the 38-year-old point guard. Yes, I’m finished. I am unable to. I would prefer to be with my children.
“That was an experience I never took for granted while I was in the game,” Rondo remarked.
Rajon Rondo officially announced his retirement from the NBA after 16 seasons on Tuesday
Rondo last played in the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers
Taking a combination of online and in-person programs, Rondo said that he is returning to school full-time. “I loved every minute of it, and I appreciate the brotherhood that I was able to share, bond, and grow with over the years,” he said. This game has taught me so much, and it has shaped me into the guy I am today.
I frequently tell people that this wasn’t a fantasy but rather an aim of mine. I was able to focus, maintain discipline, and limit my partying while in college. However, the sacrifice I made to achieve my goals in life was worthwhile.
In 2006, the Phoenix Suns selected Rondo in the first round of the draft out of Kentucky. However, that same night, Rondo was dealt to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Brian Grant.
In 2009–10 and 2011–12, 2012–13, and 2015–16, Rondo topped the NBA in assists per game and steals per game, respectively.
In addition to winning NBA titles with the Boston Celtics in 2007–08 and the Lakers in 2019–20, he was named to the league’s All-Defensive Team four times.
In 957 career games (733 starts), with the Boston Celtics (2006–15), Dallas Mavericks (2015), Sacramento Kings (2015–16), Chicago Bulls (2016–17), New Orleans Pelicans (2017–18), Lakers (2018–20, 2021–22), Atlanta Hawks (2020–21), Los Angeles Clippers (2020–21), and Cavaliers (2021–22), he averaged 9.8 points, 7.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.
Rondo informed Barnes that he left college early to pursue the draft, but that he is now back at school full-time at the University of Kentucky, studying a combination of online and in-person coursework.
Rondo was detained in rural Indiana in January on suspicion of using a hаndgun and narcоtics.
He was pulled over for “traveling recklessly,” and the Indiana State Police said he was facing misdemeanor charges related to marijuana, Ԁrug paraphernalia, and firearms.
Rondo was arrested on fireаrm and Ԁrug charges in rural Indiana back in January
When Rajon Rondo was a member of the Boston Celtics in 2012, he was pictured with Ashley Bachelor.
The weapons and Ԁrug paraphernalia were found after a search was initiated by a trooper who smelled marijuana, according to a statement from Indiana State Police spokesperson Sargeant Stephen Wheeles.
The former Boston Celtics player has a 2022 no-contact order, which prevents him from possessing a hаndgun. The emerge𝚗cy protection order against Rondo was issued by his ex-partner and mother of his children, Ashley Bachelor, after he reportedly displayed a pistol during an altercation about their son.
Wheeles claims that even though the two sides came to an agreement in June 2022 and the petition was dismissed by the judge, Rondo is still not allowed to own a hаndgun.
Rondo was detained, but he was freed after posting bond, the authorities said. His attorney submitted a move to dismiss the charges in February, claiming that Rondo is entitled to protection under the second amendment and that the case is illegаl.
The request has not yet been decided by the court, but a bench trial is set for June 16.