"Need his basketball IQ"- Giannis Antetokounmpo hypes Rajon Rondo's presence amid turbulent start

Modified Oct 29, 2024 11:57 GMT

Giannis Antetokounmpo heaps praise on Bucks part-time assistant coach Rajon Rondo, claims the team needs his "leadership" and "basketball IQ." [photo: @bucks/IG, @rajonrondo/IG]

Rajon Rondo stood on the sidelines when Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks wilted late in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics on Monday. The visiting Bucks, playing on short rest, had an 80-79 lead before giving up 11 straight points to end the period. Rondo, a part-time assistant with the Bucks, shouted instructions to the team while coach Doc Rivers slumped in frustration.

After Milwaukee's 119-108 loss to Boston, Antetokounmpo chatted with reporters inside the Bucks’ locker room. The two-time MVP hailed Rondo’s presence on the bench:

“He knows how to win, he won two championships," Antetokounmpo said (3:25)… He is someone that keeps us accountable. Having him around is incredible. We had him in training camp. We had him in three of four games. We need him. We need his voice. We need his leadership. We need his basketball IQ.”

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Rivers, who coached Rajon Rondo from 2006-2013 in Boston, convinced the former point guard to take on a guest coaching role with the Bucks. Rivers said Rondo is "hooked" but his exact role hasn't been disclosed. Nevertheless, he's reportedly impressed players with his basketball IQ, communication skills and leadership.

Rondo isn’t helping the Bucks full-time. He is spending part of his time training his son, an emerging basketball talent.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks need more than Rajon Rondo’s basketball IQ

The Milwaukee Bucks need more than just Rajon Rondo’s basketball IQ to help them through their mini-slump. The Bucks have struggled defensively during their three-game skid. Milwaukee entered the game against Boston ranked 25th in defensive rating. After the loss to the Celtics, it dropped one spot.

Doc Rivers said in training camp that "there are a lot of changes in what we're doing defensively." The changes Rivers installed haven't worked for the team yet. Milwaukee is 14th in offensive rating, making it even more imperative for the defense to pull its weight.

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The Bucks (1-3) visit the Memphis Grizzlies (2-2) on Thursday.