Rajon Rondo joined Doc Rivers’ Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff last summer, bringing with him a wealth of experience and basketball intelligence. Widely respected as one of the smartest and most skilled point guards of his era, the 39-year-old offers invaluable insights to the Bucks’ roster, including guidance for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
As a special assistant with the Bucks, Rondo has had a front-row seat to what makes Giannis Antetokounmpo so unique. On a recent appearance on “All the Smoke”, he shared his insights with Matt Barnes and also revealed the specific areas the Bucks coaching staff has been focusing on to help the Greek Freak elevate his game even further.
Bucks staff challenging Giannis Antetokounmpo every day
Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“I think we challenge him every day on the staff to be a better communicator on defense,” said the two-time NBA Champion.
Antetokounmpo is already recognized as one of the league’s top defenders, earning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020. Still, Rondo and the Bucks coaching staff see room for him to elevate his defensive influence even further. They believe Giannis could significantly boost the team’s success by communicating more with his teammates on that end of the floor.
Nov 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) punts his fist following a Milwaukee Bucks score during the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
“Being a veteran and a champion, he has seen all the offenses; they’re all pretty much the same now. Being a better communicator and putting guys in the right spots, especially with new teammates, the last couple of years,” Rondo continued.
Rondo has praised Antetokounmpo’s approach both on and off the court, noting his work ethic and leadership. He even drew a comparison between Giannis and his former Boston Celtics teammate, the legendary power forward Kevin Garnett.
Rajon Rondo comparing Giannis to KG
Jan 2, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) looks to pass as Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends him in the first quarter at Target Center. The Bucks win 95-85. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
“He’s a great teammate,” Rondo said. “There’s a lot of similarities with Kevin Garnett, how he was. Guys like playing with him, he’s an extremely hard worker, and he’s open to criticism.”
“I think a lot of superstars, I don’t know everybody obviously, but you hear the chatters out there about him not being coachable. For a guy like him, I know the difference between having his brother here this year versus last year is a big difference. He’s a great human being, a lot of great energy, and great support for him.”
Antetokounmpo shares Garnett’s relentless competitive drive and may even be a more complete player.
The Greek Freak is currently putting up 32.6 points per game (second in the NBA), grabbing 11.3 rebounds (sixth), and dishing 7.1 assists (13th), while knocking down 63 percent of his shots from the field (eighth), even after missing games due to lingering left-knee patellar tendinopathy and a groin strain that forced him out mid-game. The Greek Freak continues to dominate every time he steps on the court.