Rajon Rondo, the former Boston Celtics All-Star and NBA champion, is now one of four finalists for the New Orleans Pelicans' head-coaching position, according to a Tuesday report from NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic.

The 40-year-old point guard, who interviewed for the job in late April, has emerged as a surprise candidate in a competitive field that includes Darvin Ham (Milwaukee Bucks associate head coach), Steve Hetzel (Brooklyn Nets assistant), and Sean Sweeney (San Antonio Spurs associate head coach).

Rondo's basketball IQ has never been in question. During his 16-year NBA career, he spent his first eight-plus seasons with the Celtics, earning four All-Star selections and helping Boston capture the 2008 NBA championship in just his second season. He also made four All-NBA Defensive teams, showcasing the court vision and leadership that now make him an intriguing coaching prospect.

Most recently, Rondo served as a special assistant on Doc Rivers' staff with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2025-26 campaign—a role that gave him valuable sideline experience under a coach who knows his game well.

For a Pelicans team looking to turn its young core into playoff contenders, Rondo's championship pedigree and defensive mindset could be exactly what the organization needs. Whether he lands the job or not, this marks a significant step in his transition from elite floor general to potential NBA head coach.