Nov 14, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) high fives guard Rajon Rondo (4) during the second half of the NBA game against San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. The Lakers win 114-106. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

4x NBA-All Star Pitches Ex-Celtics, Lakers Star For Knicks Head Coach Job

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 2:18 PM ET

The New York Knicks had a tough decision to make after their Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Indiana Pacers, but opted to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau despite the franchise having its best season since 2000. A decision that seems to have NBA fans split, the ownership will have to be certain that the next hire is the man to lead this strong core to the top.

When discussing potential coaching candidates, names like Michael Malone, Jay Wright, and Johnnie Bryant have been thrown around in discussions. However, on a recent episode of 'Run It Back' on FanDuel TV, ex-New Orleans Pelicans star made a case for his former teammate to land the job.

Boogie Cousins says Rajon Rondo is the "perfect" next coach for the Knicks:

"No knock—I think JJ Redick’s a really good coach. But if we’re praising JJ for his IQ… Rondo is lightyears ahead of him."@boogiecousins | @MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/jNkmE7R6ss
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) June 4, 2025

When asked if former Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics star guard Rajon Rondo would want to take the job, Cousins supported that and even praised Rondo for his high basketball IQ.

"No knock—I think JJ Redick’s a really good coach. But if we’re praising JJ for his IQ… Rondo is light years ahead of him," Cousins added. There's no doubt that Rondo possesses a high IQ for the game of basketball, as he averaged double-digit assists for several seasons while being one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.

Former NBA All-Star Rajon Rondo graduated from the University of Kentucky today with a BA in Communication

Rondo starred for the Wildcats from 2004-06. pic.twitter.com/sdRp8Zbf9R
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 9, 2025

The jump to becoming an NBA head coach wouldn't be as unexpected as Redick's was, as Rondo served as a guest coach with the Milwaukee Bucks during training camp this past season. However, he has no formal head coaching experience under his belt, so it surely wouldn't be easy.

Having an NBA Finals-caliber roster on their hands, the Knicks know they have to be certain with who they end up hiring as the franchise's next coach.

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This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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