Dennis Rodman was referred to as “one of the smartest” players by NBA legend Michael Jordan.
From 1995–1996 to 1997–1998 Jordan and Rodman were teammates on the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan remarked, “Dennis was one of the smartest guys I played with,” in The Last Dance. “He was aware of defensive strategy and its many rotations. There were no boundaries to what he could accomplish. Although he had a different persona, I was familiar with Dennis and his basketball skills.
When Rodman was with the Detroit Pistons, Jordan hated him. When Jordan drove to the basket, Rodman would frequently knock him to the ground, leaving him covered in bruises.
But when the Bulls got Rodman from the San Antonio Spurs in 1995, everything was different. Jordan was certain that Rodman could help Chicago win titles because he understood what he brought to the table.
When the Bulls won their fifth NBA title in 1997, a reporter for the NBA asked Jordan if he wanted Rodman back. Despite his irrational behavior, Rodman needed to be re-signed by Chicago, as Jordan made plain.
Jordan remarked, “I’m not bothered by his dresses.” “I don’t find his hair bothersome. Yes, of course he will occasionally lose his mind. We have arrived at our current residence.
Rodman spent his three years in Chicago and was not selected to an All-Star squad. He did, however, dominate the boards and assist Jordan and the Bulls in their three-peat.
Horace Grant was traded by the Bulls to the Orlando Magic during the 1994 summer. In 1995, general manager Jerry Krause was forced to deal for Rodman because Chicago lacked a defensive stopper and rebounder in Grant.
Throughout his 199 Bulls games, Rodman performed admirably in his capacity. He was a nightmare on defense, averaging 15.3 rebounds and 5.6 points a game. Large men detested facing Rodman because he was a born provocateur who never lacked enthusiasm.
Jordan concentrated on scoring while Rodman supported him in the center. Three games were won by the Bulls.
The fact that Jordan and Rodman teamed together and shared victories is rather amazing. After all, Rodman had married himself, worn a wedding gown once, and frequently dyed his hair a different color while hanging out at homosexual bars.
Outside of the court, Jordan didn’t hang out with Rodman. But when it came time to fight, Michael Jackson wanted Rodman by his side for the most important moments.
Without a question, Jordan is the greatest player in Bulls history. He boasts 27 club records and has won six championships, six MVPs in the Finals, five MVPs in the regular season, one Defensive Player of the Year Award, three steals titles, and ten scoring titles in Chicago.
Even though Rodman only spent three seasons in the Windy City, he is regarded as a Bulls legend as well.