Before Resolving Differences With Estranged Dad, Dennis Rodman Latched Onto Phil Jackson and Jerry Buss For Fatherly Guidance: “Four Wise Men”

Chicago Bulls legend Dennis Rodman had more than his fair share of struggles off the basketball court. Rodman had a difficult childhood and was raised by his single mother, who he didn’t have the best relationship with. Still, he was lucky enough to come across multiple father figures throughout his career. This included the likes of Chuck Daly and Phil Jackson, along with James Rich, the head of the Oklahoma family that Rodman stayed with during his college days.

Rodman might not have had his own father to rely on, but he did rely on the above four figures for guidance. Speaking in his book, “I Should Be Dead By Now,” Rodman revealed that he loved all four of the above. However, Rodman was not sure if they loved him back, despite them being the father figures of his life.

Dennis Rodman considered 4 men his role models

Dennis Rodman’s reputation was that of a spendthrift, a party maniac who had innumerable disciplinary issues off the court. His adventures off the court are the stuff of NBA chronicles.

Despite not having his own father to count upon, Rodman was lucky enough to come across father figures who were willing to guide him. For example, James Rich was the head of the family that took him in back in Oklahoma, during his college days. He won 2 NBA championships under Chuck Daly with the Pistons, and three with Phil Jackson while playing for the Bulls.

Finally, Rodman moved to the LA Lakers as a 37-year-old, after his stint with the Bulls. In his book, the player explained that he loved each one of them:

“Who do I love? Coaches Chuck Daly and Phil Jackson, Lakers owner Jerry Buss, and James Rich, the head of the Oklahoma family I lived with during my college years. Each has been like a father to me—the “four wise men” I call them. Put them all together, and they are the winter, spring, summer, and fall of fatherhood. These were guys who set me straight when I needed setting straight—who hung with me when they didn’t have to. I can say I love them. Do they love me back? You’ll have to ask them.”

Dennis Rodman could still be a nuisance, despite the guidance he had

Rodman dated multiple celebrities, used to have night-outs in the middle of the Playoff series, and had innumerable altercations on the court. While the four men he looked up to might have helped guide him and discipline him, Rodman would still break rules, left, right, and center.

Rodman would seldom back down from an altercation and did not have the lifestyle of a professional athlete. Hence, while he did have the father figures he spoke about, there is a lot of trouble that he got into, regardless of their presence.

Still, Rodman did more than enough on the court, winning 5 NBA championships during an entertaining career. He is also regarded as one of the greatest defenders and rebounders that the league ever saw.