The New Orleans Pelicans have interviewed former NBA All-Star guard Rajon Rondo and Brooklyn Nets assistant Steve Hetzel for the franchise’s vacant head-coaching position, according to reports from Jake Fischer and Marc Stein.
Rondo, who ended a 16-year playing career in 2022, joined Doc Rivers’ staff in Milwaukee this year as a special assistant. He previously signaled interest in coaching while rehabbing a torn ACL with the Boston Celtics, when he was invited into select staff meetings.
Hetzel, currently on Jacque Vaughn’s bench in Brooklyn, also completed an interview, The Athletic’s William Guillory reported.
Additional candidates
League sources told Fischer and Stein that New Orleans has contacted several other assistants:
- Sean Sweeney – San Antonio Spurs
- Darvin Ham – Milwaukee Bucks
- Jarrett Jack – Detroit Pistons (permission requested for an interview)
Jack spent three seasons as a Pelicans player before retiring in 2021 and moving into coaching.
Interim coach under consideration
James Borrego, who guided the club to a 24-46 mark after replacing Willie Green in mid-November, remains a candidate to retain the role on a permanent basis.
The Pelicans have not provided a timetable for naming their next head coach.
Source: Hoops Wire
