Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rajon Rondo
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rajon Rondo made an impact.
Rajon Rondo is a retired American professional basketball point guard. He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats before being drafted into the NBA in 2006. Rondo is a two-time NBA champion, a four-time All-Star, and has received multiple All-Defensive Team honors. He was also selected for the All-NBA Third Team in 2012, highlighting his impact and skill as a player in the league.
1977: Statistical Feat
On November 27, 2015, Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 16 assists in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He became the first player since 1977–78 to have 16 points, 16 assists and no turnovers in a game.
2004: Kentucky Wildcats
In 2004, Rajon Rondo joined the Kentucky Wildcats, contributing to the top-rated recruiting class.
2005: FIBA Under-21 World Championship
In 2005, Rajon Rondo played for the U.S. men's national under-21 basketball team at the FIBA Under-21 World Championship in Argentina, averaging 11.0 points and 4.5 assists, attracting attention from NBA scouts.
July 4, 2006: Signing with the Boston Celtics
On July 4, 2006, Rajon Rondo was officially signed by the Boston Celtics, solidifying his entry into the NBA.
November 1, 2006: NBA Regular Season Debut
On November 1, 2006, Rajon Rondo made his NBA regular season debut in a home loss against the New Orleans Hornets.
2006: NBA Draft and Trade
In 2006, Rajon Rondo was drafted 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in the NBA draft and was immediately traded to the Boston Celtics.
2007: Securing Spot in Starting Lineup
In 2007, after trades during the off-season, Rajon Rondo secured a spot in the starting lineup for the Celtics, marking a significant step in his NBA career.
2007: Celtics acquire pick
In 2007, the Celtics acquired Sebastian Telfair from the Portland Trail Blazers, uniting the backcourt Rick Pitino had envisioned at Louisville.
April 20, 2008: Playoff Debut
On April 20, 2008, Rajon Rondo made his playoff debut against the Atlanta Hawks, finishing the game with 15 points, 9 assists, and 2 steals.
2008: Celtics defeat Lakers
In 2008, Rajon Rondo and the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers.
2008: NBA Championship with Celtics
In 2008, Rajon Rondo, as the starting point guard, helped the Celtics win an NBA championship.
April 17, 2009: Endorsement contract with Red Bull
On April 17, 2009, Rajon Rondo became the first NBA athlete to sign an endorsement contract with Red Bull.
November 2, 2009: Five-Year Extension with Celtics
On November 2, 2009, Rajon Rondo signed a five-year extension with the Celtics worth a guaranteed $55 million.
January 10, 2010: Third Regular-Season Triple-Double
On January 10, 2010, Rajon Rondo recorded his third regular-season career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors, with 22 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds.
January 28, 2010: First NBA All-Star Selection
On January 28, 2010, Rajon Rondo received his first NBA All-Star selection as a reserve on the Eastern Conference squad for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.
March 24, 2010: Fourth Regular-Season Triple-Double
On March 24, 2010, Rajon Rondo recorded his fourth regular-season career triple-double against the Denver Nuggets, with 11 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds.
April 2, 2010: Franchise Record for Most Assists in a Single Season
On April 2, 2010, Rajon Rondo broke Bob Cousy's franchise record for most assists in a single season.
2010: Start of 2010-11 Season
At the start of the 2010-11 season, Rajon Rondo achieved notable milestones, including 17 assists in the first game. In the third game of the season, he had a career-high 24 assists. His total of 50 assists through the first three games of the season tied John Stockton's NBA record for most assists in the first 3 games of the season.
2010: NBA Finals Appearance
In 2010, Rajon Rondo helped the Celtics advance to the NBA Finals, marking another significant achievement in his career with the team.
2010: 2010 NBA Playoffs Performance
In the 2010 NBA Playoffs, Rajon Rondo excelled, tying his career-high with 19 assists in Game 2 against the Cavaliers. In Game 4, he achieved a playoff career-high with 29 points and 18 rebounds, marking his fourth postseason triple-double. He joined Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson as the only other player in NBA history to have 29 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists in a playoff game. The Celtics lost to the Lakers in seven games in the Finals.
February 21, 2012: NBA All-Star Selection
On February 21, 2012, Rajon Rondo was named as an injury replacement for Joe Johnson on the Eastern Conference roster at the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, marking a significant achievement in his career.
June 6, 2012: Celtics All-Time Leader
On June 6, 2012, Rajon Rondo surpassed Bob Cousy to become the Celtics' all-time leader with 39 playoff games of 10 or more assists.
November 25, 2012: Matching John Stockton's Streak
On November 25, 2012, Rajon Rondo recorded his 37th game with 10+ assists against the Orlando Magic, matching John Stockton's longest streak of consecutive games with 10 or more assists.
2012: All-NBA Third Team Honor
In 2012, Rajon Rondo was named to the All-NBA Third Team, marking a significant achievement in his career.
January 15, 2014: Assignment to Maine Red Claws
On January 15, 2014, Rajon Rondo was assigned to the Maine Red Claws of the NBA D-League for training and rehab purposes, marking a step in his recovery process.
January 17, 2014: Season Debut
On January 17, 2014, Rajon Rondo made his season debut with the Celtics after recovering from an ACL injury, recording 8 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds. He was also named the 15th captain in Boston Celtics history upon his return.
February 2, 2014: First Double-Double Since Injury
On February 2, 2014, Rajon Rondo recorded his first double-double since his injury, scoring 19 points and 10 assists in a win over the Magic.
April 4, 2014: First Triple-Double of the Season
On April 4, 2014, Rajon Rondo recorded his first triple-double of the season, with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 16 assists in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
December 2014: Trade to Dallas Mavericks
In December 2014, Rajon Rondo was traded to the Dallas Mavericks after playing 8+1⁄2 seasons with the Boston Celtics.
December 18, 2014: Trade to Mavericks
On December 18, 2014, Rajon Rondo was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, along with Dwight Powell, in exchange for Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson, Brandan Wright, a 2015 first-round pick, and a 2016 second-round pick.
July 13, 2015: Signs with Kings
On July 13, 2015, Rajon Rondo signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.
October 28, 2015: Kings Debut
On October 28, 2015, Rajon Rondo debuted for the Sacramento Kings, recording 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
January 23, 2016: Fifth Triple-Double of the Season
On January 23, 2016, Rajon Rondo recorded his fifth triple-double of the season, achieving 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 108–97 win over the Indiana Pacers.
July 7, 2016: Signed with the Chicago Bulls
On July 7, 2016, Rajon Rondo signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, marking another transition in his NBA career.
January 10, 2017: Return to Bulls' Rotation
On January 10, 2017, Rajon Rondo scored 12 points against the Washington Wizards in his first game since December 30, marking his return to the Bulls' rotation after being temporarily removed.
March 13, 2017: Season-High Performance
On March 13, 2017, Rajon Rondo scored a season-high 20 points and had six assists and seven rebounds in his first start since December 30, contributing to the Bulls' victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
June 30, 2017: Waived by the Bulls
On June 30, 2017, Rajon Rondo was waived by the Chicago Bulls, ending his tenure with the team after one season.
July 19, 2017: Signed with the New Orleans Pelicans
On July 19, 2017, Rajon Rondo signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.
November 13, 2017: Pelicans Debut
On November 13, 2017, Rajon Rondo made his debut for the Pelicans against the Atlanta Hawks, contributing two points and two assists in a brief appearance.
December 27, 2017: Sets Franchise Record with 25 Assists
On December 27, 2017, Rajon Rondo set a franchise record with a career-high 25 assists in a 128–113 win over the Brooklyn Nets, becoming only the seventh player in NBA history to achieve this feat.
July 6, 2018: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers
On July 6, 2018, Rajon Rondo signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
July 8, 2019: Rondo Re-Signs with Lakers
On July 8, 2019, Rajon Rondo re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
November 23, 2020: Signs with Atlanta Hawks
On November 23, 2020, Rajon Rondo signed a multi-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks.
December 28, 2020: Hawks Debut
On December 28, 2020, Rajon Rondo debuted for the Atlanta Hawks, contributing 12 points and eight assists in a 128–120 victory against the Detroit Pistons.
2020: NBA Finals Win
In 2020, Rajon Rondo played an integral role in the Lakers' NBA Finals series win, securing his first championship in 12 years. He became only the second player in NBA history to win a championship with both the Boston Celtics and the Lakers.
2020: Second NBA Championship with Lakers
In 2020, Rajon Rondo won his second NBA championship while playing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
March 25, 2021: Traded to the Los Angeles Clippers
On March 25, 2021, Rajon Rondo was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
August 16, 2021: Traded to Memphis Grizzlies
On August 16, 2021, Rajon Rondo was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
August 31, 2021: Returns to the Lakers
On August 31, 2021, Rajon Rondo signed a one-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
January 3, 2022: Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers
On January 3, 2022, Rajon Rondo was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team deal.
April 2, 2024: Retirement Announcement
On April 2, 2024, Rajon Rondo announced his retirement from professional basketball.
