Jameer Nelson and Rajon Rondo’s careers intertwined at pivotal points, making him an authority on Rondo’s credentials. Nelson’s Magic defeated Rondo’s Celtics on their quest to repeat as champions in 2009, a victory that propelled the young Magic to the Finals.
The Celtics got revenge in 2010, then to close 2014 they got dealt for each other as part of a December blockbuster trade, before both landing on the same Pelicans team as veterans 2017-18.
Rondo’s career spiraled after the trade and despite building one of the best starts to a young point guard’s career with the Celtics, injuries and personality clashes seemed to doom his chances to join the greats at his position.