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Dennis Rodman spoke to the physicality of the NBA in the 80s and 90s during Episode 3 of ESPN's Chicago Bulls documentary, “The Last Dance.”
Rodman said that players could do “anything” they wanted 30 years ago:
“At that time in the NBA, basically you could do anything you want. Compared to today, 30 years ago s–t, you know back then you could just sit there and literally beat people up, and still get away with it without a technical or anything.”
Rodman, of course, is known in basketball annals as one of the most physical defensive players in NBA history. After all, he was a member of the Detroit Pistons teams that would become known as the “Bad Boys” due to their willingness to give hard fouls and take out their opponents rather than allowing easy baskets.
The modern NBA is less physical in part do the rules. Contrary to Rodman's era, the hand-checking rule and others are meant to promote more fluidity and offense.
In any case, Rodman has not shied away from calling this era “soft” (via Satchel Price of the Chicago Sun-Times):
Dennis Rodman used to be one of the toughest players in the NBA, and now he thinks the league is getting too soft. When asked by TMZ about a red hat he was wearing that said “Make Basketball Tough Again,” a clear reference to the MAGA hats worn by supporters of President Trump, the Hall of Famer responded that, “All these guys should quit wearing tampons.”
Then again, basketball as a whole is far different than it was 30 years ago.
During Rodman's era, most franchise centerpieces were still big men, though of course there were anomalies. Each team also prioritized asserting dominance in the paint and getting post touches. Today, however, there is a greater desire for perimeter shooting and playing fast.
In any case, Rodman's view reflects his overall approach to the game of basketball.
