After an impressive 16-year career in the NBA, point guard Rajon Rondo has announced his retirement. The 38-year-old made the announcement during an appearance on the All The Smoke podcast, citing his desire to spend more time with his children as the main reason for stepping away from professional basketball.

Rondo had a memorable career that saw him play for various teams, providing valuable veteran leadership and backcourt depth. During the 2021-22 season, he split his time between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers after being traded midseason. However, despite being a free agent in the following two seasons, Rondo remained unsigned, ultimately signaling the end of his playing career.

In recent years, injuries posed a significant challenge for Rondo, as he appeared in fewer than 50 regular-season games in each of his last four campaigns. Nonetheless, during his prime years with the Boston Celtics from 2006-07 to 2014-15, Rondo showcased his skills and established himself as one of the NBA's top point guards.

During his time with the Celtics, Rondo proved to be a force to be reckoned with, earning four All-Star selections, four NBA All-Defensive team honors, and finishing as a two-time assists champion and a one-time steals champion. His ability to orchestrate plays and his tenacious defense made him a vital component of Boston's success during their multiple deep playoff runs.

While Rondo's playing career may have come to an end, his impact on the game will not be forgotten. His unique style of play and basketball IQ allowed him to leave a lasting mark on every team he played for.

With retirement, Rondo now looks forward to a new chapter in his life, focusing on spending quality time with his family and exploring potential avenues within the basketball world. The NBA bids farewell to a true professional and wishes Rajon Rondo the best in his future endeavors.