Rajon Rondo Believes Zion Williamson Needs Mentor

On a recent episode of Bully Ball, Rajon Rondo was asked about Zion Williamson. The New Orleans Pelicans forward is facing criticism from numerous analysts over his weight and overall fitness level.

As captured by SHOWTIME Basketball, Rondo thinks that the 23-year-old needs a mentor. The former Boston Celtics guard revealed that Kevin Garnett used to be that person for him.

“It can’t just be a name, in a sense. It has to be someone that particular player respects. Someone that particular player can look (towards) for guidance on and off the court... For me, I was fortunate to have a guy like Kevin Garnett.”

With over a decade of professional experience, Rondo made an effort to motivate DeMarcus Cousins during his one-season stint with the Sacramento Kings.

“Cousins was one of the first guys when I got to Sacramento because there was nothing to do there, but I did have one of my best years statistically. I think he had his as well. What I loved to do was watch film of my game, and then I would go back and study pretty much everything that he did throughout the game… When I go into practice the next day, I would have my little notes that I would say to him…”

Rondo doesn’t believe that the Pelicans have a mentor-like figure to motivate Williamson.

“I don’t know if anybody has ever done that with [Zion Williamson], as far as breaking his game down and challenging him… He hasn’t had that type of player in [the New Orleans Pelicans] locker room for him.”

Further Reading

Celtics Reportedly Agree to Two-Way Deal with Drew Peterson

Derrick White Praises Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's Impact That 'Doesn't Show Up on the Stat Sheet'

Jayson Tatum Praises Kristaps Porzingis for Allowing Celtics to Spin the Dial Defensively

Wins on the Margins Help Propel Celtics Past Cavaliers

Mike Gorman Delivers Bold Take About Celtics' Joe Mazzulla

White and Porzingis Shine as Celtics Pass Physical Challenge from Knicks

An Empowered Jaylen Brown Strives to Balance Scoring with Playmaking: 'I've Grown A Lot'

Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis Discuss Their Quickly Cultivated Chemistry: 'An Automatic Connection'

Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present