ESPN's 'The Last Dance' and Dennis Rodman

Donald: Today, we’re going to speak about one of the former Bad Boys of Detroit: Dennis Rodman. The Chicago Bulls scored big time when he was brought in, in the 1995-96 season, when he helped them win their 4th championship in 6 years. This led to their second 3-peat performance. Russ, give me something.

Russ: Don’t mind if I do. Dennis was a beast. Simple. Two rings with the Detroit Pistons and three with the Bulls. While with Detroit, Rodman gave Jordan hell— shoot, he gave every Bull hell. But because he was one of those dudes who everyone hates to play against but loved to play with. He came to the Bulls and became one of the most loved and inspiring players in team history.

John: The best thing about the union was that though he was a beast on the court and still had his outside hang-ups, he stayed with it for three years. A perfect marriage for both: the Bulls needed a dominant rebounder, and Rodman needed an organization that could keep him contained… and let him be himself. Rodman didn’t have that in, say, San Antonio, where David Robinson was the leader; David simply wasn’t charismatic enough for Dennis. If you’re way square in Dennis’s eyes, he’s unable to take guidance fully.

Patrick: Well said, John. I— and, I’m sure, everyone who knew his history—was waiting for him to implode at any moment…but he never did.

Donald: Now, he had his moments. That one time when he asked Coach Phil Jackson for time off for vacation because he was bored. When you’re as phenomenal as he was, with his ability to change a game just by rebounding and defense, occasionally a bending of rules is in order.

Patrick: And, remember, Jordan and the others helped get him to be cool for the good of the team.

Donald: Exactly. So, yeah, when he asked for the vacation during season three, the team allowed it—despite Jordan’s wishes. Jordan reasoned Rodman wouldn’t return. This was even before anyone knew his target was Las Vegas. Even so, Phil gave him the weekend to party.

John: Even though Jordan had to find him, Rodman returned with his mojo rejuvenated and helped defend the championship—the final one of the second threepeat.

Russ: I think many people forget that Rodman was homeless just after high school. In the streets during his college-aged years. Obviously, he never gave up, which is a lesson to all reading this that to give up is to lose… See, Dennis wanted to win. And he did. A lot of people at StreetWise are homeless or were or may be one day; I know how it is because I’ve been there. That’s why I want and need to keep that rhythm going by getting back out there to work.

Donald: To do what we do.

Russ: Exactly.

Patrick: Y’all will get back out there and, I believe, it’s going to make y’all even better than y’all ever been. Y’all muhgs chompin’ at the bit, and I honestly can’t wait to witness it. Seriously.

John: Dennis suffered—on and off the court. And came up out of it with love intact for all people and for himself. Kudos to him.

Patrick: I remember despising Rodman when he was with the Pistons…but loving him when he came here. And now he’s helping keep us safe with his international connections!

Donald: Greatest rebounder in NBA history and over in North Korea handling business like he knows something!

Russ: Thank you, Dennis.