To a common man, the life of an NBA champion is definitely an awe-inspiring phenomenon. To be paid millions to be successful in professional sports while living a glamorous life seems quite the treat indeed.
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But there are tales associated with it that spell discomfort too. The constant attention, the need for diplomacy even at the worst of times, and societal demands seem to more than make up for the good parts.
One man who definitely knows the brunt of this dark side of celebrity is Dennis Rodman. The former Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls star has filled headlines like no one’s business. And for all the wrong reasons too.
The Worm is widely renowned as one of the greatest defenders of all time. However, even during his career, Rodman was a cultural icon. But stories in popular media about the Forward mostly did not echo his sporting prowess. The focus was diverted to the glitz, the glamour, and the drama that constantly accompanied The Worm.
North Korea and Kim Jong-Un became a part of the said drama in Rodman’s life. And Dennis Rodman’s friend and former teammate John Salley was presented with a chance to travel to North Korea too.
What did John Salley reveal about the offer he received to travel to North Korea?
John Salley and Dennis Rodman were part of the “Bad Boys” who ruled Detroit and the NBA in the late 1980s. The forwards were defensive stalwarts who played key roles for the Pistons during their two championship runs.
The duo reunited for another championship with the Chicago Bulls too in 1996. And it was their presence at the Bulls that probably made them attractive prospects to long-time Bulls fan Kim Jong-Il and Kim Jong-Un.
Rodman became a relatively regular feature in North Korea and his pal Salley also attracted attention. But there clearly was a disparity in popularity between the two forwards. The remuneration they were offered was miles apart in evaluation, revealed Sally in an interview.
“I was actually asked to go to North Korea. I said what a great businessman born in America would say, ‘How much?’. And it was like $25,000. I know strippers making that in the afternoon. Not saying ‘Oh, you too big for $25,000’ – Not to go to North Korea! Scottie and these guys were getting like $250,000 to play exhibition games in Indonesia. You can’t have me go to North Korea! I know Dennis got up to $200,000, so for me to go next to him, and take ten percent and be in the same boat, nah” spoke Salley about the offer to play in North Korea.
Seems like Salley took his lighter evaluation in comparison to his friends seriously. Safe to say the 4 time NBA champion wasn’t happy with the seemingly measly offer he was made. Rodman earning 8 times as much as himself clearly did not sit well with the first player to win a ring in three different decades.
Why was Rodman valued at over 4 times as much as Salley despite them winning almost as many rings?
When you compare career paths, the similarities between Salley and Rodman are stark. However, their performances, aren’t quite comparable.
Salley was a solid role player who provided valuable defensive cover to his teams. But even in his prime, he was never a star in the league and averaged only 7 points and 4.5 rebounds for his career.
Rodman, on the other hand, was an NBA All-Star and All-Defensive at his peak and even took home Defensive Player of the year honors. Despite being limited offensively, the Worm attained star status in the league for his defensive prowess.
The comparative evaluation might have hurt Salley, but it is understandable why Rodman was valued so greatly. A familiar name in the public who at the peak of his powers was an All-Star is definitely of more value to the general public than a mere role-playing “Bad Boy”.
