NBA Rumors: A historic player could make his debut as head coach of a franchise

Just two years after his retirement, Rajon Rondo could be close to returning to the NBA, this time from the sidelines. The former point guard has generated significant interest in his new role as a coach and, as reported by journalist Marc Stein, is among the top candidates to take over as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to Stein, Rondo has already been involved in the initial stages of the selection process. The former player, a four-time All-Star, has been interviewed for the position after recently serving as a special assistant in Doc Rivers's coaching staff in Milwaukee. Rondo's interest in coaching is not new. According to the same sources, it began to take shape during his time as a player in Boston while recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

It was then that Brad Stevens included him in coaching meetings, sparking his interest in coaching. As the search for a new coach progresses, the current interim coach, James Borrego, has little chance of securing the position. The final decision will rest with Joe Dumars, the franchise's executive vice president, who is seeking a new leader for the team.

No experience, but with prestige

At 40 years old, Rondo lacks formal experience as an assistant coach or head coach, both in the NBA and at the college level. However, during his playing career, he stood out for his high tactical intelligence, being considered by many as a point guard capable of leading his teams on the court with the vision and composure typical of a coach. The former player wore the New Orleans jersey during the 2017-18 season, his only time with the franchise.

Rondo retired after 16 seasons in the NBA, leaving behind averages of 9.8 points and 7.9 assists per game. His accolades include two championship rings: the first in 2008 with the Boston Celtics as a starting point guard, and the second in 2020 with Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a significant role off the bench.

In addition to Rondo, other names linked to the position include former Lakers coach Darvin Ham and current assistant coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Micah Nori. The Pelicans enter this process following a disappointing 2025-26 season. The team finished with a record of 26 wins and 56 losses, placing eleventh in the Western Conference, eleven games out of playoff contention.