Rare Photos of Rajon Rondo

SI Staff | Nov 29, 2011

Rare Photos of Rajon Rondo /

Rare Photos of Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo

Rondo was born in in Louisville, Ky., and attended Eastern High, where he played under coach Doug Bibby. He transferred to Chicago's Oak Hill Academy, where he averaged 21 points, three rebounds and 12 assists per game. He also played in the 2004 McDonald's All-America game with other top high school talent.

Rajon Rondo

Rondo decided to attend Kentucky instead of hometown Louisville. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team and set a school record for most assists in a season (87). He finished his freshman year averaging eight points, three rebounds and four assists per contest.

Tubby Smith and Rajon Rondo

Despite his success at Kentucky, Rondo often clashed with coach Tubby Smith, who wanted Rondo to play a more controlled style of point guard.

Rajon Rondo

In 2005, Rondo played for the USA Men's Under-21 World Championship Team. The point guard averaged 11 points and five assists per game in the eight-game tournament.

Jason Kidd and Rajon Rondo

Phoenix took Rondo with the 21st pick in the 2006 draft and immediately shipped him to Boston in a cost-cutting move. He was forced into backup duty his first season behind Sebastian Telfair but wound up starting 25 games for the Celtics. He finished the season averaging six points and four assists per game, good enough for a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team.

Kendrick Perkins, Sam Cassell, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett

Rondo's career took a drastic turn during the summer before his second season as the Celtics acquired veterans Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen and shipped off guards Delonte West and Sebastian Telfair. Celtics' GM Danny Ainge refused to include Rondo in any trade, feeling he was too talented.

Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo

Rondo formed a quick bond with power forward Kevin Garnett as the Celtics raced to a 26-3 record in the first two months of the season.

Rajon Rondo and Marvin Williams

Rondo is tackled by Hawks forward Marvin Williams on a drive to the basket during Game 7 of their first-round playoff series. Williams was ejected on the play as the Celtics rolled to a 99-65 victory.

Rajon Rondo

Boston's new Big Three of Pierce, Allen and Garnett led the Celtics to the 2007-08 NBA championship. Rondo averaged 11 points, five assists and four rebounds per game and finished in the top five for Most Improved Player. In this photo, Rondo tips home a shot during the Finals against the Lakers.

Rajon Rondo

Rondo celebrates the championship during a Duck Boat tour through Boston.

Doc Rivers and Rajon Rondo

Rondo and Celtics coach Doc Rivers attend an event at Saks Fifth Avenue in Boston.

Rajon Rondo and guest

Rondo and a guest arrive at the 2008 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles. The Celtics would go on to win the award for best team.

Rajon Rondo

Off the court, Rondo has picked up roller skating as a hobby. "I'm the best skater in the [NBA]," Rondo told the Boston Globe in 2008. "I don't know who's good, but I'm the best skater in the league. That's just something I like to do outside the court. A lot of us like to bowl, too, but I'd rather skate. I'm in my own zone."

Rajon Rondo and Armond Hill

Rondo looks over plays with assistant coach Armond Hill before a game.

Sophomore Team

Rondo poses with fellow sophomores Paul Millsap, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, Andrea Bargnani, Ronnie Brewer, Brandon Roy, Jordan Farmar and Daniel Gibson prior to the annual rookie-sophomore game at All-Star weekend. The second-year players would go on to take a 136-109 victory.

Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul

Rondo and Chris Paul exchange words during an early-season matchup. The two -- along with Deron Williams and Derek Rose -- are considered the best young point guards in the NBA.

Rajon Rondo

Rondo spends an August night away from the court, attending Power Balance Goes "All-In For A Cure" at Drai's Hollywood.

Shaquille O'Neal, Nate Robinson and Rajon Rondo

Rondo with Shaquille O'Neal and Nate Robinson at Celtics Media Day. Shaq joined the squad during the offseason and Robinson was brought in via trade late in the 2009-10 season.

Rajon Rondo and Doc Rivers

Celtics coach Doc Rivers presents Rondo with awards for leading the league in steals and being named to the all-defensive team.

Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose

Rondo dribbles past Derrick Rose and Gerald Wallace during a USA Basketball showcase in Las Vegas last summer. Rondo was on the bubble to make the roster and withdrew before final cuts were made.

Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins

In February 2011, the Celtics traded Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City in exchange for Jeff Green and Nenad Kristic. The trade hit Rondo hard as Perkins was his best friend on the team. After struggling in the weeks after the trade, Rondo found his groove again in the first round of the playoffs and got a triple-double in Game 3 against the Knicks.

Published Nov 29, 2011

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