Is Rajon Rondo a HOF?
When it comes to Celtics and point guards, they have had their share. Hall of famers Bob Cousy, JoJo White, Dennis Johnson and Chauncey Billups although traded were the names you remember. Rajon Rondo was part of 2 championship teams in his career, winning in 2008 with the Celtics and in 2020 with the Las Angeles Lakers. The 38 year old announced his retirement today from the NBA. Rondo was one of the smartest basketball players and the last of the pass first point guards of his kind and one of the most respected in the game.
The Celtics have not replaced Rondo since trading him to Dallas for Jae Crowder in 2014. The likes of Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart have held down the position but did not ultimately win a championship like Rondo in Boston. The current Celtics have a two-guard lineup with Derek White and Jrue Holliday who are both great defenders and can handle the basketball. This brings up the question, Rajon Rondo a basketball hall of famer? Basketball Reference has him with a 60% chance of getting in.
Rondo’s résumé:
- 2× NBA champion (2008, 2020)
- 4× NBA All-Star (2010–2013)
- All-NBA Third Team (2012)
- 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2010, 2011)
- 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2009, 2012)
- 3× NBA assists leader (2012, 2013, 2016)
- NBA steals leader (2010)
- 14th all-time in total career assists [RS] (7,584 assists)
- 7th all-time in total career assists [playoffs] (1,136 assists)
- T-15th in career triple-doubles [RS] (32 TDs)
- T-6th in career triple-doubles [playoffs] (10 TDs)
When Rondo left Boston he did win a championship but bounced around a bit. He played for Dallas, Sacramento, Chicago, New Orleans, LA Lakers 2x, LA Clippers Atlanta and Cleveland. He had his own controversies on and off the court. Overall he will be remembered as one of the best competitors in the game and always made an impact when engaged. Rondo does not have the numbers for Springfield. The amount of teams he played for at the end really stands out. It’s a no for me, and I don’t see number 9 going up to the rafters either. But don’t let the numbers get in the way.
