Rajon Rondo, Darvin Ham Reportedly Among Pelicans HC Candidates, Finalists Revealed in NBA Rumors

The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly appear to be nearing the final stages of their search for a new head coach.

The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that the Pelicans have been "deliberating over finalists," which include former NBA star and Milwaukee Bucks coaching associate Rajon Rondo, Bucks associate head coach Darvin Ham, Brooklyn Nets assistant Steve Hetzel and San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney.

While the Pelicans have identified their finalists, they could also take a look at former Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley, who was fired on Monday. Amick reported that Mosley "has long been believed to be a possible candidate if he became available, but it's unclear as of yet if he'll be added to the list."

New Orleans finished the season with a 26-56 record and missed the playoffs for a second straight year. Head coach Willie Green was fired after a 2-10 start, and interim head coach James Borrego was initially reported as a candidate for the permanent position. It appears that he's no longer in the running following Amick's reported list of finalists.

Of course, the most interesting candidate on the list is Rondo, who doesn't have any formal coaching experience. The two-time NBA champion retired from basketball in 2024 and was invited by former Bucks head coach Doc Rivers to take a part-time coaching position in hopes of igniting his interest in being a future head coach.

It appears that the mission was accomplished, as Rondo has impressed enough to be among the final four candidates to take over a Pelicans team that is hungry to bounce back from another disappointing season.