Rajon Rondo had a whirlwind 2014-15 season — and that might be an understatement. The four-time NBA All-Star now has the chance at a fresh start with the Sacramento Kings, though, and it seems coach George Karl has his back.
Rondo didn’t get along too well with Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle last season, but Karl was able to make a connection with the 29-year-old and lure him to Sacramento this offseason.
“I just sold him on how I like to let my guys have freedom,” Karl told The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn. “I talked to him once before he signed, and it’s going to be fun coaching him. I think he wants to lead our team but he also wants to be part of the decision-making, and that can be somewhat combustible, but it can also work at a high level because I think we’re all trying to make the team the best.”
The Kings finished with the third-worst record in the Western Conference last season, but the addition of Rondo and rookie Willie Cauley-Stein — a fellow Kentucky Wildcat — might prove to be vital acquisitions.
Karl also compared Rondo to an intriguing, controversial group of former players.
“I had Gary Payton (in Seattle), Sam Cassell (in Milwaukee), Allen Iverson (in Denver), Chauncey Billups (in Denver),” he said. “Chauncey is challenging. Andre Miller is probably not as challenging, but he’ll be stubborn and wanting me to do it his way. I think all really good point guards have a trust and belief in themselves that sometimes causes conflict with the coaches.”
While the 64-year-old has dealt with his fair share of characters throughout his coaching career, he hopes Rondo’s characteristics develop into a fruitful relationship and success on the basketball court.
Thumbnail photo via Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports Images
