Two close-game defeats against the Cleveland Cavaliers don’t stop the pressure on Doc Rivers. For a franchise looking to compete for the NBA title, lying rock bottom doesn’t paint a pretty picture. Hence, Doc Rivers hopes to shift his fortunes around in the coming game weeks. But don’t fret. He has some excellent coaches on the bench, especially with his former player, Rajon Rondo.

After signing an undisclosed agreement with the Bucks, Doc’s feeling the pressure. With Rondo by his side, he could get someone to help him out to draw some plays.

We often talk about Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce in Doc Rivers’ Celtics, who won the franchise’s 17th title in 2008. One name that passed by often was Rajon Rondo. The point guard played his heart out during the championship run and remains in the hearts of the Celtics fanbase. Hustling became Rondo’s trademark, and that’s what the Bucks need right now – hard work and grinding for second balls.

Rondo came in with a guest coach role at the Bucks but quickly impressed Doc Rivers with his eye for detail. Consequently, Rondo paid his dues in a sit-down chat with Paul Pierce on the KG Certified, ‘The Truth Lounge’. Rondo mentioned the conversation with Rivers, which made him figure out the coaching role.

He stated in the podcast, “It’s been a joy. You know I’ve been away from the game for a minute, as you mentioned. Doc came to my wedding. Put me in a headlock and was like, meet me at camp. How we started, to where we are now. Like I said, he’s always been a guy in my corner.”  Nevertheless, Rivers was not the only one with the foresight to know that Rondo would make a stellar coach.

Paul Pierce believes Rondo can do a fine job for Doc Rivers at the Bucks

“I know just from playing with you like you always was gonna be a coach. Because I know your IQ, your mindset. Sometimes you be in a timeout in a major game, and calling plays and drawing up plays right there,” said Pierce gleefully. Rondo’s tactical acumen didn’t surprise Paul Pierce because he once took the drawing board from Doc to design a play.

He continued, “Doc, ‘Look at this. I ain’t never seen this.’ We be in the game timeout and Rondo draw up a play and like, give me that Doc. He sits in Doc’s seat, draw up a play for us on the crucial situation.”

The former Lakers guard joined the Bucks as an assistant coach in training camp. Moreover, we heard he would continue in the role throughout the 2024-25 regular season. Although he has not taken up a full-time coaching role in a bid to test free waters, Doc Rivers believes Rondo can succeed in the role.

It’s one of the best credits a player can get with a team full of stars like the Boston Celtics in 2008. Rondo’s coaching ability can help the team to run the offense smoothly, and Doc loves working with him. Basketball IQ counts too apart from 3-point shooting guys. It sure does!