Rajon Rondo may not be the easiest player to coach, but that doesn’t mean he won’t make a fantastic coach someday — if he decides to subject himself to such a stressful life after making plenty of money during his playing career.

Simply put, the Pelicans point guard is one of the smartest players to ever step foot on an NBA basketball court. Don’t believe me? Take it from former teammate Brian Scalabrine.

“He was the smartest player I’ve ever played with and it’s not even close.”

That’s high praise from someone who played with all-time greats like Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Rondo’s tremendous Basketball IQ earned him the nickname Coach ‘Do in the Pelicans locker room.

Via USA TODAY Sports:

“Everybody has a day off, and we’re looking forward to the day off, and then Rondo – Coach ‘Do – is like, ‘Come in, we’re going to go over plays, and then we’re going to watch film after that, and then do whatever,’” Holiday said with a laugh. “I’m telling you, if he’s not a coach or something in front (office) management or something (after he plays), I’d very, very, very surprised.”

Same.