Rajon Rondo Used To Play For Doc Rivers. Now, He's A Part-Time Coach For The Bucks

Nearly two decades ago, Rajon Rondo was taking the words that Doc Rivers would write on a whiteboard and translating them into well-executed plays for the Boston Celtics. Now, Rondo is doing the same thing, but in a fresh environment with the stars of tomorrow.

After serving as a consultant for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, the four-time All-Star point guard joined the team once again during their training camp prior to the 2025-26 campaign. As an extension of current Bucks head coach Rivers, Rondo has been helping to facilitate the growth of Milwaukee’s guards.

This early in the season, his former head coach has given him rave reviews.

“He’s been fantastic. I called him this summer and said, ‘Hey, we need you involved,’” Rivers said. “He watches tons of film.”

Rivers, who won an NBA title in 2008 with Rondo starting at point guard for the Boston Celtics, went on to describe how his former court general is helping establish a sense of discipline among the Bucks players.

“He’s chasing guys down. Like, no, no, no, we’re gonna watch the film first. Him, Ryan, Cole, Scoot, they just sit and watch film,” Rivers shared.

It might be no coincidence, then, that one of the players supposedly being chased down by Rondo has become an early candidate for a major award. Ryan Rollins, who has started at point guard in nine of the Bucks’ 10 games thus far, is putting up significantly better numbers compared to last season. Averaging 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, Rollins is now in the Most Improved Player conversation.

There’s something about former point guards making a smooth transition into the role of head coach. Rivers himself was a floor general during his 14-year stint as an NBA player. As such, the parallel between Rivers and Rondo (who certainly looks like an NBA head coach in the making) can’t be ignored.

“They hear my voice all the time,” Rivers said of his players in Milwaukee. “It’s great for them to hear someone else.”

With 72 games left in the season, there is plenty of time left for Rondo to plant more seeds of good habits among the Bucks roster. In time, these could yield sweet fruits like individual accolades, or perhaps even a shot at the NBA title.