As Doc Rivers works to return the Milwaukee Bucks to championship contention, he has focused on developing the team’s young guards to better support franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose future with the club remains unclear. To lead that growth, Rivers has leaned on veteran floor general Rajon Rondo.
“He was with us last year, and I called him this summer and I said, ‘Hey, we need you involved, around.’ And he’s been fantastic,” said the Bucks head coach when talking about his former starting pointguard.
Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers stands near the bench in the third quarter during an NBA game between Oklahoma City and Milwaukee at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
Rondo, a two-time NBA champion and future Hall of Fame candidate, started his career under Doc Rivers with the Boston Celtics in 2006. After consulting for the Bucks last season, he returns this year in a larger capacity as a “coaching associate,” serving as both a mentor and an on-the-floor strategist for the team’s backcourt.
The question now is how Rondo is influencing this Bucks roster and whether his presence could be the catalyst that helps Milwaukee return to championship contention.
Rajon Rondo with the Bucks
Jun 16, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; LA Clippers guard Rajon Rondo (4) warms up prior to game five against the Utah Jazz in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
“Last year I was more in a consulting role. [This year], I’m around more and I’m able to be on the bench… I’m able to talk to the guys, and my biggest strength is to be able to help the guys [make] in-game adjustments on the fly.” Rondo said during his appearance in the Thanalysis podcast.
Rondo’s sideline presence and instant input could play a pivotal role in elevating the Bucks toward championship-caliber play. His impact serves as a natural extension of Rivers’ strategy. Rondo sums up his approach this way: make the decisions for the guards so the pace of the game feels more manageable for them.
Mar 27, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers (right) speaks with LA Clippers guard Rajon Rondo after the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Rondo’s presence was evident in the Bucks win over the Chicago Bulls. Ryan Rollins, stepping into the lead-guard role after Kevin Porter Jr.’s injury, tallied 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting, along with six rebounds, four assists, and three steals while turning the ball over just once.
To return to their 2021 championship form, the Bucks will need more than just Antetokounmpo’s dominance. They require precise execution, strong leadership, and guards who operate with advanced basketball IQ. If Milwaukee’s younger backcourt and bench can absorb and apply that knowledge, the team’s peak performance may still lie ahead.