Rajon Rondo Thinks He’s A Better Passer Than Magic Johnson, John Stockton, And More

When asked to identify a better passer than him from a list of NBA legends, Rajon Rondo showed complete confidence in his abilities.

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Mar 22, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. The Celtics defeated the Bucks 100-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesMar 22, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. The Celtics defeated the Bucks 100-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Former Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo is widely regarded as one of the finest playmaking point guards of all time. While Rondo’s abilities as a pass-first guard are unparalleled, in a recent clip, the former Celtics guard truly showcased the confidence he had in his own skills.

While appearing on the “All The Smoke” podcast, Rajon Rondo was asked to participate in a little game. Tasked with identifying a better passer than himself by speaking only when he heard the name of a better player, Rondo hilariously remained silent throughout the video.

The list featured some of the greatest playmakers the game has ever seen. From the cult legends such as Jason Williams to all-time greats such as Magic Johnson and John Stockton, Rajon Rondo placed himself above all.

Although Rondo was a gifted player with impressive basketball IQ, when asked to make selections involving former NBA players, he tends to provide shocking responses. On this note, his response in this clip simply comes across as arrogant.

John Stockton’s longevity is not to be overlooked. While being one of the most durable players in NBA history, Stockton was also one of the most effective point guards when operating in the pick-and-roll. Having notched a total of 15,806 assists, he reigns as the NBA’s All-Time Assists Leader.

Meanwhile, Magic Johnson’s pioneering style of playing practically redefined the game. By bringing flamboyant passes and flair to Los Angeles, Johnson cemented his reputation as one of the best point guards the game has ever seen.

In the context of modern point guards, both Jason Kidd and Rondo’s rival, Chris Paul, could be considered more successful playmakers. With Paul and Kidd both securing the No.2 and No. 3 spots on the list behind Stockton, it is safe to say that they were masters of their craft, too.

 

How Good Was Rajon Rondo?

To be fair to the former Celtics guard, in his prime, Rajon Rondo was spectacular. During his nine years with the Boston Celtics, Rondo averaged 11.0 points, 8.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals, on just 2.8 turnovers per game.

Although his career average sees a distinct drop-off, primarily due to a short-lived prime, Rondo’s abilities as a playmaker and an on-ball defender were nothing short of elite.

Along with his individual achievements, featuring three assists titles, one steals title, an All-NBA selection, and four All-Defensive selections, Rondo was also a two-time NBA champion.

Realistically, Rondo may not be as good as many of the players mentioned in the video. But with 7,584 assists to his name, he still places 15th on the All-Time Assists Leaders list, cementing his legacy as one of the great players of the game.

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Siddhant Gupta is a basketball columnist at Fadeaway World, based out of Mumbai, India. He combines firsthand playing experience with thoughtful analysis to report on the NBA's ever-evolving world. A lifelong athlete, Siddhant's perspective is rooted in years on the court, giving his work a unique edge that resonates with both casual fans and seasoned ones.Before joining Fadeaway World, he spent two formative years at Sportskeeda, where he sharpened his skills and had the opportunity to interview NBA legend Ray Allen during his time in India. A diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan since 2008, Siddhant doesn't just report on the game—he lives it. Beyond his work, he is a student of the game, constantly learning, debating, and engaging with the local and global basketball communities.
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