Dennis Rodman still recalls when his career took a turn after joining Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. “The Worm” explained how a trade from the San Antonio Spurs put him on a path to three more championships after conquering his first two in The Motor City.
“When I came to the Chicago Bulls, people didn't know what to expect from me,” Rodman said on ESPN's First Take. “I'm coming in kind of hot because San Antonio just got rid of me for — pretty much for nobody. Will Perdue, straight up. I'm like, ‘What the hell is this all about?'”
Rodman had become a pure defensive specialist in his last few years with the Detroit Pistons (a role that he will continue to fill with the Bulls), winning two titles next to Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and Bill Laimbeer. Yet his two seasons in San Antonio were turbulent.
It was there where Rodman started showing the first signs of unconventional behavior. He shaved his hair and dyed it blonde before the game, an antic that became his moniker with red, purple, blue hair and a Demolition Man-inspired look to follow.
The Spurs were desperate to get rid of their problem child, even if Rodman had easily captured his third and fourth rebounding titles with the team (17.3 and 16.8 rebounds per game, respectively). They eventually found a willing trade partner with the Bulls.
Rodman was a rebounding machine, but he needed a place to redeem himself. Chicago was just that place, as the controversial big man took on a pivotal role after being traded to the Bulls, latching on for three championships next to Jordan.
Follow Us
Subscribe