UNCASVILLE, CT - Doc Rivers isn’t waiting long to make his Hall of Fame case for Rajon Rondo.
On the eve of this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony, the Class of 2026 inductee said Rondo is the first name that jumps out when he thinks about who belongs in Springfield, MA. Rivers also pointed to Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle as a coach he believes deserves enshrinement, and he mentioned Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr in that same conversation.
Doc Rivers says Marcus Johnson and Rajon Rondo belong in the Basketball Hall of Fame: “Rondo’s going to be in it. But Rondo comes to mind right away.
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) August 14, 2026
I’m assuming Rondo’s going to be in… coaching-wise, Rick Carlisle should be next” pic.twitter.com/kDl0eA0Spe
“Rondo’s going to be in it. But Rondo comes to mind right away.
I’m assuming Rondo’s going to be in. I'm saying that,” Rivers said.
“The reason why Rondo's not in is because every two years he goes back and plays another month. And then, they have to start the process back over again.
I honestly think, coaching-wise, Rick Carlisle should be next.”
Rivers also brought up Marcus Johnson, a five-time All-Star who played 11 seasons between 1977 and 1990, as another player he believes should be considered.
Rondo, who last played for the Cleveland Cavs in 2021-22, entered his first year of Hall of Fame eligibility in 2026. His résumé includes two championships, in 2008 and 2020, four All-Star selections and three assists titles across a 16-year NBA career.
Rivers coached Rondo and the Boston Celtics to the Hall of Fame coach’s lone NBA title in 2008, then watched Rondo help the Los Angeles Lakers win their last championship in 2020.
Carlisle brings 1,000 career regular-season wins and a coaching resume that includes Coach of the Year honors with the Detroit Pistons in 2002 and a championship run with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
Rivers was named to the Class of 2026 one month before announcing his retirement after his final season with the Milwaukee Bucks in April.
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The bigger issue for Boston is how the ripple effects of the deal extend beyond its own roster. A trade like this was supposed to help reshape the balance of power, but it has also drawn in outside attention and could end up making Philadelphia even more dangerous than expected. For the Celtics, the question now is whether the long-term assets were worth the short-term uncertainty, especially if the star they acquired cannot provide steady availability when it matters most. [Read more 🡒]