Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman are two figures without whom the tale of NBA basketball cannot be described, particularly surrounding the late 1980s and the 1990s. While Jordan was the brightest star in all of basketball, Rodman was arguably the most controversial figure in the game.
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Despite their contrasting status, one thing was accepted within the NBA community. The fact that both of them established themselves as special talents and born winners in the league. Rodman won 5 NBA championships and Jordan won 6 himself, with three of them even coming during their time together in Chicago.
Despite being contemporaries, there were rumors that Dennis Rodman was a fanboy of Michael Jordan. They may have been fierce rivals and then silverware-winning teammates, but accounts of people closely associated with them point at Rodman seeing Jordan as an idol.
His Airness though didn’t seem to believe in these accusations.
Michael Jordan believed that Dennis Rodman respected his status in the team and nothing more.
When asked about The Worm “idolizing” him, Michael Jordan was dismissive of the idea. The Black Cat believed that it was just Rodman showing his respect.
MJ probably finds it difficult to find that a “Bad Boy” who implemented “Jordan Rules” against him idolized him. While teammates claim that it was indeed idolization, Jordan clearly took a dismissive stance.
“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” remarked Jordan when asked about the same. Rodman found it “funny as hell” though.
Michael Jordan was definitely a worthy “idol” if Rodman chose to perceive him that way. Only the Worm can conclusively let the world know how true the rumors are. However, whatever the case, they managed to keep things together and attain success together.
Rodman and Jordan do not maintain a relationship, however.
One might imagine three-peating and reveling in success together would form a lasting bond between people. But it appears that isn’t necessarily the case. Even with one party supposedly “idolized” by the other.
In the admission of their third partner in crime, Scottie Pippen, their relationship isn’t quite rosy. While Pippen maintains that he has a camaraderie with Rodman, he believes that isn’t the case between his teammates.
They may have a point when they say never meet your idols. Or alleged idols, in Rodman’s case.
