Michael Jordan is inarguably the greatest player in the history of the Chicago Bulls. His 6 championships, and 5 MVPs along with his numerous other achievements do a darn good job solidifying it. However, as the obvious would state, he wasn’t alone in his endeavors.
Advertisement
His Airness had a myriad of Hall of Fame teammates throughout his journey. And perhaps the most famous, aside from Scottie Pippen of course, is Dennis Rodman.
Most that know of the athlete know he was a bit of a wild child. And of course, using that term couldn’t be any more of an understatement. The number of parties this man went to, the substances abused, and so much more.
Simply put, there is a reason why he is one of the most controversial NBA players of all time.
However, he wasn’t all bad. In fact, as his former Bulls teammates once revealed, he had a deep admiration for Michael Jordan. And when asked about it, His Airness couldn’t help but smile.
Michael Jordan revealed his take on Dennis Rodman idolizing him
Dennis Rodman, in a lot of ways, was the furthest thing from Michael Jordan that anyone could be.
MJ was a bonafide scorer who terrified defenses. Rodman was an incredible defensive player who loved to rebound the ball, but couldn’t shoot.
Jordan was about as strait-laced as NBA players come. The Worm on the other hand was all about expressing himself through color and exuberance.
But most of all, THE 6’6″ Bulls legend would practice so much, he could likely remember every little mark and blemish on the floor. On the other hand, while Dennis Rodman did practice, he partied just as hard too. If not harder.
And yet, as Michael Jordan once revealed, Dennis Rodman did in fact look up to him.
However, when the term ‘idol’ was brought to him, he couldn’t help but decline.
Here is what he had to say on the matter in ESPN’s ‘30 for 30’.
“I wouldn’t say ‘idolize.’ He viewed it as my team, and if things needed to be said, I could easily say it and Dennis would respect that.”
Of course, that’s a very dignified response. However, former Pistons and Bulls man John Salley begged to differ, giving this hilarious statement.
“Dennis Rodman loves Michael Jordan’s… drawers,”
Of course, John Salley was likely just exaggerating here. ‘Likely’ being the keyword here.
However, another former teammate of Dennis Rodman’s had some very different words about him. And admittedly, it is a very, very sad opinion of the man.
Detroit Pistons legend, Isiah Thomas spoke about being worried for Dennis Rodman throughout his playing days
During his playing days, Dennis Rodman was often someone who was riding on the edge of life for the thrill of it. And of course, the dangers of the lifestyle were far too many to count.
Many looked on and questioned why the man ever lived like that. But, to former teammate Isiah Thomas, it was nothing more than a cry for help.
“The Dennis that we were watching, I knew that the places he was at weren’t giving him the unconditional love that he was looking for… and you could see there was a crying out for help. I just felt like nobody helped him.”
Isiah Thomas on Dennis Rodman in ESPN’s 30 for 30.
— Tonoy Sengupta (@TonoySengupta) January 21, 2023
Thomas and Rodman were inseparable during their time together in Detroit. So, if there is anyone in the world that knows the man, it’s the Pistons legend.
This puts a very sad twist on what has seemed like nothing more than a crazy ride. And for his sake, we hope Dennis Rodman got all the help he needed.
