Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo has found himself a new home in Atlanta, not hours after posing the question of ‘what’s next?’ on his social media accounts – whilst announcing he was leaving the freshly crowned champions of the league, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rondo’s statement read:
Thank you to the Lakers organization, Jeanie and Rob for giving me the opportunity to play for an incredible franchise. The professionalism and support from Frank, the coaching staff and support staff is something I’m truly grateful for. With my guys, there’s an amazing brotherhood that only we know. To the fans…thank you for welcoming me with open arms from Day 1 and showing me love. Being apart of #LakeShow was something special and I’m proud we brought it back to you!
Now, what’s next…
In answering his own rhetorical question, Rondo now finds himself as the veteran leader of a wildly talented, but very green Hawks outfit. He joins Trae Young and fellow new signing Kris Dunn as members of their backcourt – in a move that ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said was a strategic play to try and improve their below league average backcourt defence from previous seasons.
It is a nice signing from Atlanta, who now have a tutor for the mercurial Young, and a cool head with championship credentials to call upon. It is anticipated that his impact off the court, in mentoring their younger roster will be as impactful as his performance on it.
Rondo will be 35 in three months. He averaged 7 points and 5 assists in the regular season last year. The Hawks will be the seventh team he has suited up for in his hugely successful 14 year career to date.