While Dennis Rodman was a more docile character during his stint with the Detroit Pistons, the entire world was aware of his off-court antics by the time he shifted to the San Antonio Spurs. Despite being considered an eccentric personality, Jerry Krause made the decision of acquiring the Worm, adding him to the roster led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Dennis’ intentions of being a party animal were evident even before his acquisition. He revealed wanting to save $5 million, only to use the interest of the amount on alcohol, drugs, gambling, and women. His antics and “lame excuses” for the same, over the next 3 years, would leave Jordan and Pippen beyond furious.
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The 1995 playoffs were disastrous for the Bulls. While they eliminated the Hornets in their first-round matchup, the Orlando Magic would get the better of them in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. During that Magic-Bulls series, the duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Horace Grant dominated the paint, astoundingly recording over 24 rebounds per game.
In desperate need of a rebounding presence, Phil Jackson and Jordan suggested Krause trade for Dennis the Menace.
With this backdrop, in search of a deal that would get him $15 million, the 6-foot-7 forward revealed his plans of partying with the interest he gathered after securing $5 million in the bank.
“With Dennis comes a lot of baggage”: Michael Jordan
Despite being very well aware of Rodman’s escapades, the Chicago Bulls traded for him.
With Rodman’s defensive efforts and rebounding abilities, over the next 3 years, the Illinois-based franchise would go on to win all the championships.
However, the mischief he would pull off during those 3 years would act as a massive and constant headache for everyone involved.
During the 1998 postseason, the former DPOY would spend two days in Las Vegas. He was even missing practice and the mandatory media sessions only to make appearances alongside Hulk Hogan on “WCW Monday Nitro”.
Being vocal about their teammate’s behavior, Jordan and Pip expressed their frustrations to the media, revealing that they could do nothing but accept Rodman for who he was. Here is what the Los Angeles Times wrote on the matter:
“With Dennis comes a lot of baggage. We just have to carry it and we have to accept it,” Michael Jordan said.
Pippen also disclosed that the team would have to overlook all of Rodman’s “lame excuses” and put their focus on the preparations for the finals.
“We don’t want Dennis taking the focus away from the team. He’s going to come to practice tomorrow, hopefully, and have some lame excuse, but we’re just going to overlook it and just look forward to the next game.”
As troublesome as he was, the now legend eventually cooled his antics just enough to help the Bulls win their second three-peat. So perhaps all those ‘lame’ excuses were worth the trouble.
“Me, Scottie, and Michael never had a conversation in three years in Chicago”: Rodman
During the 1990s, the Bulls were the most dominant franchise. This 1996-1998 team, with the All-Star trio of MJ, Pip, and Dennis leading the team, the franchise was at its peak.
However, as surprising as it may seem, the Bulls’ incredible chemistry was only restricted to the hardwood. Off the floor, as mentioned by Rodman, the trio never spoke.
“Me, Scottie, and Michael never had a conversation in three years in Chicago. Only time we had a conversation was on the court. That was it, and nobody believes that. I had a conversation with Jud Buechler, Randy Brown, Steve Kerr, Luc Longley, and other players. But, me, Michael, and Scottie, we never had conversations at all of the court.”
Seems rather shocking that despite spending years dawning the same jersey, all three of these guys have grown up resenting each other.
