Rajon Rondo, a former NBA All-Star and two-time champion, has joined the Milwaukee Bucks as a guest coach during their training camp at UC Irvine.

Rivers has praised Rondo for his basketball intelligence, calling him the smartest player he has ever coached and highlighting his unique ability to understand the game from multiple perspectives.

Rondo has been preparing for this transition by studying the coaches he worked with throughout his NBA journey, aiming to gather as much knowledge as possible about coaching.

This collaboration marks a reunion between Rondo and Bucks coach Doc Rivers, as both are looking to overcome recent playoff disappointments after the team exited in the first round for the past two years.

Rivers encouraged Rondo to participate in the coaching role after attending his wedding in Italy this summer.

Rivers sees strong coaching potential in Rondo, drawing parallels to his own transition from player to coach, and believes some players are destined to take on coaching roles.

Having retired in April 2023 after a successful 16-year career, Rondo has expressed a keen interest in pursuing a coaching career in the NBA.

Currently, Rondo is learning the coaching process by assisting players and taking notes during practice, which is part of his effort to understand the intricacies of coaching.

Despite facing legal troubles last month, where he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge, Rondo remains focused on his future in coaching.

Rondo has also been coaching his son, Rajon Jr., further honing his coaching skills and understanding of the game.

He acknowledges the challenges of coaching, including the need for personality compatibility and a significant time commitment, but remains committed to his goal.

In addition to his coaching aspirations, Rondo is completing his bachelor's degree in human communications at the University of Kentucky, a goal he began two decades ago.