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Rajon Rondo, the veteran guard, is known for his clever plays and moves. Rondo has played for 9 teams so far in his career while spending most of his time in Boston for 9 seasons. Though the two-time champion is still highly criticized for his shooting. His career shooting percentage is quite average. Rondo shot 48% from the field and only 24% from distance in his peak season.?

There have been times when Rondo has hit big-time shots and made big-time plays. Rajon once played with a broken arm, after he had dislocated his elbow versus the Heat. In that game, Rondo scored 6 points and dished out 11 dimes. The veteran still gets bashed for his shooting performance. Not only by fans but also by people who are known to run a country.

Barack Obama trash-talked Rajon Rondo

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Being insulted by fans is one thing, but when the president himself steps up to criticize, it is tough to digest. Rondo was insulted by Obama, not once, but twice. In a fundraising event back in 2011, where the president and Celtics team were invited, Obama decided to ask a somewhat insulting question to one of the players.

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Obama, in the middle of the event, asked Ray Allen, “Hey Ray, why don’t you teach this kid how to shoot?”?

This tale was told by Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal said, “Rondo smiled and went along with all of it, but KG told me he could see it in his eyes. It bothered Rondo. It killed him.”

USA Today via Reuters

As disrespectful as it may sound, this incident happened during Rondo’s best run of his career. From 2009 to 2014, Rajon averaged 12? points, 10 assists, and 4 rebounds a game. This was quite demotivating for a young player, though the trash talk didn’t end there.

Obama wanted to see Rondo come off the bench

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Recently, during an NBA Cares event back in 2020, Barack Obama had some advice for Frank Vogel. During the event, Obama said to Vogel, “I love what you’re doing with the Lakers. Great job, but let’s talk about that rotation. You need to stop playing Rondo so much and give Caruso more playing time.”

via Imago

Vogel did not just accept the president’s word as he replied, “Yeah, I love Rondo, but I’ll think about it.”

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At the time, Rondo was a role player, and he was doing well in his role. But Caruso wasn’t as good. What he did have was great potential. Though if they had given Caruso more playing time, that could’ve helped him open up his full potential. And Vogel wanted Rondo on the floor to add his veteran presence.