Dennis Rodman and Michael Jordan are among the greatest players of all time. Both of them are widely known for their exceptional skills on-court. However, both of them have polar-opposite personalities.
They were on the same team after the Chicago Bulls traded Will Perdue to the San Antonio Spurs for Dennis. The Bulls knew they needed to have him on their team, and that he would definitely be a great support. Especially after Horace Grant left, they got short on frontcourt talent in the team.
The five-time NBA champion started his official career in the NBA in 1986. After being drafted by the Detroit Pistons as the third pick in the second round. Interestingly, he was named an All-American in his senior year, as he led the NAIA in rebounding at 16.1 in 1985 and 17.8 in 1986.
The relationship between Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman
While Rodman’s talent was essential, he posed a unique set of difficulties for the Bulls. With the opposite personalities of Michael and Dennis in one team, things could’ve gotten out of hand. Sam Smith who wrote the famous “The Jordan Rules” revealed how things were between Michael and Detroit in an interview.
He stated, “Jordan would later say when he had to make a point to Rodman he’d grab him by both temples and demand Rodman look him in the eye and then ask him several times if he understood what Jordan was saying and to repeat if he did. Rodman wasn’t stupid. Really, just shy and eventually acting out.”
This revelation showed how things were at the practice sessions for the duo. Every effort paid off, as the team won numerous championships. Furthermore, the relationship between them was interesting and never-seen in the NBA.
The documentary “The Last Dance” featured a wholesome story about how Michael flew down to Las Vegas in the middle of the 1997-1998 season. The energetic powerhouse of Detroit had his own way to balance out and unwind.
He asked permission from coach Phil Jackson to go to Las Vegas to party in the middle of the season. Michael went with him to keep Rodman focused.
This also displayed how much the Bulls cared for the NBA star to take such a decision in the middle of the season. Rodman won the hearts of everyone with his way of doing things and his determination. He knew what he brought to the court, and was proud of it.