The Milwaukee Bucks have dropped their last three games and moved to 1-3 for the season following their latest loss in Boston Monday night. Losing to the Celtics is one thing, but Milwaukee’s two previous losses to the Bulls and Nets is another. While the Bucks and their coaching staff work to figure things out, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked about Rajon Rondo, whom Doc Rivers recruited as a “guest coach” in the late off-season. The Bucks champion spoke highly of the two-time NBA champion and expressed his need for the part-time coach.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Desires 2x NBA Champ to Hang Around
Rajon Rondo Admired by Bucks Superstar
Giannis Antetokounmpo is loving having a former NBA champ around the Bucks squad. Rondo, the former Celtics and Lakers champion has always been associated with highly intelligent basketball awareness, skill, leadership, and IQ. For these reasons and past familiarity, Coach Rivers wanted his former point guard in Boston to assist his coaching staff in Milwaukee. Although Rondo’s part to play is considered a “guest coach,” his impact has seemingly made quite the difference in the locker room, film room, and behind-the-scenes conversations with various Bucks team members.
Giannis was adamant in his admiration and respect for Rondo and spared no compliment during a reporters session after the game in Boston Monday night.
“It’s incredible. Incredible. I think his presence, you know, it’s great for our team. You know, we had the opportunity to watch some film with him. He comes in, talks to me and Dame. But not just me and Dame. For the rest of the team, you know, he knows how to win. His one-two championships; he knows how to play the right way and he’s somebody that has done it and it’s somebody that keeps us accountable every single day,”
The reverence in Giannis’s words is evident. With the Bucks off to a shaky start this season, Giannis recognizes the impact a mind like Rondo’s can have. He expressed that everything Rondo brings to the team is absolutely needed right now.
“We had him in training camp. We had him a few games – two out of, actually three out of four games. He’s been around, so we need him. We need his voice. We need his leadership, we need his basketball IQ. It’s great having him,”
A Perfect Game Earns Respect
During his time in Boston, Rondo was known as a floor general. He was a phenomenal passer and playmaker that made his teammates better. His relationships with Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce were sometimes shaky. Still, there’s no denying that Rondo’s impact on the Celtics 2008 championship was pivotal. Rondo was so good on the offensive end. His shutdown defensive abilities were versatile to the highest degree. He would claim another championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. While much older then, he still brought all the same intangibles he carried within from the start of his career. Deservedly so, Rondo has earned and garnered mass respect from many NBA players throughout the years. His former Celtics teammate, Kendrick Perkins, summed up Rondo’s career accordingly.
Giannis expressing the Bucks need for Rondo’s presence is essential because of the team’s current state. I’m sure no one would be happier than Giannis if Rondo were upgraded from part-time guest to permanent resident.
