After an illustrious 16-season career in the NBA, Rajon Rondo has officially announced his retirement during an appearance on the “All the Smoke” podcast. When asked if the NBA has seen the last of him, the 38-year-old point guard responded with a decisive, “Absolutely. Yeah, I’m done. I can’t. I’d rather spend time with my kids.”
Rondo, a four-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, last played in the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Reflecting on his career, Rondo expressed gratitude for the experiences he had on the court, saying, “I loved every minute of it, and I appreciate the brotherhood that I was able to share and bond and grow with over the years.”
The seasoned point guard emphasized the importance of sacrifice and discipline in achieving his goals, remarking, “I tell people all the time, this wasn’t a dream of mine, it was a goal.” Rondo’s dedication to his craft is evident in his impressive career statistics, including leading the NBA in steals per game in 2009-10 and assists per game in multiple seasons.
However, Rondo’s retirement announcement was not without controversy, as he is scheduled to stand trial on April 25 in Jackson County, Indiana, on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, as well as misdemeanor drug paraphernalia and marijuana charges. Despite rejecting a plea agreement offer from prosecutors in February, his attorneys are arguing that the gun charge violates Rondo’s Second Amendment rights.
Rajon Rondo’s retirement from the NBA marks the end of an era for one of the league’s most talented point guards. While his on-court achievements speak for themselves, his legal troubles serve as a reminder of the complexities that athletes often face beyond the game. As Rondo transitions into retirement, his legacy as a fierce competitor and dedicated teammate will undoubtedly endure in the annals of NBA history.
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