Basketball Network’s Julian Eschenbach isn’t shocked that six-time NBA Champion Bob Cousy had more faith in Rajon Rondo back when the latter was a young prospect with the organization than the Boston Celtics front office did — referring to their similar skillsets as to why the former believed in No. 9 as he did. Cousy once stated that “unless he’s a serial killer on the side, I wouldn’t let this kid go” in reference to Rondo.
“Both Cousy and Rondo not only share the fact that they spent the most successful and longest periods of their careers with the Boston Celtics but also certain achievements,” Eschenbach prefaced before saying, “Rondo was awarded the leading assist leader of the league three times in 2012, 2013, and 2016. Cousy, on the other hand, was awarded an incredible eight times from 1953 to 1960.
“It is no wonder, then, that Cousy apparently appreciated Rondo’s qualities compared to the Celtics front office at the time.”
Rajon Rondo paid off Bob Cousy’s faith in the 2006 Boston Celtics draft night trade acquisition
There’s no doubt that Rondo made good on Cousy’s faith in him, delivering a Hall of Fame career that included an NBA Championship in his second season as the starting floor general of the Boston Celtics; alongside the recently-formed Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen to boot. Had Rondo not been present alongside that trio, it’s arguable that the Cs may not have Banner 17 at all. They certainly don’t come close as they did in 2011 and 2012.
Given the playoff performances for them, and even some against them as a member of the Chicago Bulls, Rondo undoubtedly has the respect of Celtics fans everywhere. 10 playoff triple-doubles, most of which came place in a Boston uniform, will do that.
It’s unclear if his career is over, but if it is, Rondo has a Hall of Fame resume based solely on what he’s done with the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, where he helped LeBron James win his last championship as of this writing.
But if we’re being real with ourselves, Rondo is a Celtic first and foremost. And you have the Houdini — the OG Houdini, Bob Cousy, that is — to thank for having gotten to witness Rondo’s championship greatness and career peak.