Rajon Rondo is a professional basketball player, who last played for NBA side Cleveland Cavaliers. He has played in the league for 17 years, featuring for several teams including the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.
A point guard, Rondo played two years of college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats before being drafted 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns. He has won several accolades, including two NBA titles, four NBA All-Star and four NBA All-Defensive teams.
Fondly referred to as “Playoff Rondo” due to his impressive displays in the NBA postseason, Rondo was regarded as one of the most accomplished basketball players of his generation.
Rondo’s success over the years has yielded some financial rewards and the former Chicago Bulls star has done quite well for himself. From brand endorsements to appearances in movies and TV, he has reportedly amassed a net worth of $50 million.
Early Life & Career
Rajon Rondo was born in Louisville, Kentucky on February 22, 1972, and was first interested in football before his mother steered him towards basketball. The reason for this was that she felt the sport would be less punishing on his skinny frame.
Rondo became fully invested in the sport of basketball and attended Louisville Eastern High School for three years. After averaging 27.9 points, 10.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists, he earned a spot on the All-State honours and was named the 7th Region Player of the Year.
He transferred to Oak Hill Academy for his senior year where he broke Jeff McInnis‘s single-season school record of 303 assists, while averaging a double-double. He went on to set several records, including a 55-point game, two efforts of 27 assists and a single-game school record of 31, all of which earned him a place on the McDonald’s All-American Team in 2004.
A stellar college career followed at the University of Kentucky which earned Rondo a place in the U.S. men’s national under-21 basketball team, which traveled to Argentina for the 2005 FIBA Under-21 World Championship. He averaged 11.0 points and 4.5 assists in the eight-game tournament, garnering much attention from NBA scouts.
Rondo’s performances in Argentina garnered much attention from NBA scouts and following the 2005-2006 NCAA season, he went straight into the NBA draft, forgoing his final two seasons at Kentucky.
After being chosen by the Phoenix Suns as the first point guard in the 2007 NBA Draft, he was traded to the Boston Celtic where he spent most of his career.
Following a rotational campaign in his rookie year, Rondo was named a starter in his sophomore year in the NBA. He quickly became a steady, consistent player with his role as a playmaker reflected in him leading the team in assists and steals.
A string of impressive performances earned Rondo a spot in the top five NBA Most Improved Player Voting, leading the Celtics to the playoffs. Despite struggling with an ankle problem, he was pivotal as Boston defeated the LA Lakers 4-2 in the finals, earning Rondo his first Championship ring.
Beyond the Championship ring, Boston was where Rondo enjoyed the most individual success. He was four-time NBA All-Star, has earned four NBA All-Defensive Team honours including two First Team honours, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2012.
Rondo left the Celtics in 2014 and despite only winning one more Championship ring. He was part of the Lakers team that won the title in 2020, forming a solid unit with Lebron James and Anthony Davis.
Entrepreneurial Interests and Endorsements
Rajon Rondo earned a $2.64 million salary during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers but is unattached at the time of writing. However, he has ventured into various business endeavours, diversifying his portfolio, and increasing his wealth along the way.
Camp Rondo was launched in 2007 as a summer camp teaching kids the basics of basketball. The members of the camp get instruction on drills, competition and team play, all of which are hosted by Rondo.
Rondo also has an endorsement deal with apparel & shoe company ANTA Sports. They are considered a leading brand of sportswear, making basketball shoes, running shoes and men’s apparel.
While Rondo has no endorsements with any betting operator or sportsbook, owing to the NBA’s rule of active players not being able to endorse gambling.
He has however been a vocal supporter of legalizing sports betting in the state and would have been proud when news broke about it going live on September 28, 2023 broke.
But with his home state of Kentucky just legalizing sports betting, it is almost certain that once his playing days are over, he will be a top pick for betting operators to promote their best Kentucky Betting Promos.
If these sportsbooks are looking to boost their popularity with residents of Kentucky, a partnership with a local boy might be the next step.
What is Rajon Rondo’s Net Worth?
Rondo’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, a testament to his hard work, talent, and strategic business ventures. Known for his exceptional playmaking during his playing days, he has brought all those qualities into his business endeavours.
Although his career appears to be winding down, Rondo has plenty to look forward to when he officially calls time on his career. Camp Rondo could be a first step into a coaching career while his sustained popularity means he remains an attractive endorsement proposition for brands.