Everyone in the NBA works hard to get where they are, every single person, but some just have god given talent, they're clearly built for it.

Then, There's Dennis Rodman. The definition of having to work for everything you have.

This is my thread on Dennis Rodman.

Dennis Rodman was a 5'11 janitor after high school, He was super introverted with no real goal yet.
Then, he hit a growth spurt that made him 6'7, and despite the growth spurt he still felt uncomfortable in his own skin.

A friend had called a college coach to try Rodman out.

Rodman went to small colleges where he put on displays of defensive potential, peak athleticism and how he could be a problem in the fastbreak on the NBA level.

Rodman didn't get much attention but he was invited to a draft tournament where he won MVP and garnered interest.

Dennis Rodman was drafted Pick 27 in the 2nd round by the Detroit Pistons in 1986.

Rodman was immediately impactful as a rookie posting a good rookie season, showing signs of an all time wing defender, in the 1987 playoffs he was even given the task of guarding Larry Bird.

Dennis Rodman put together an even better sophomore year, averaging 12 PPG, and 9 REB and was super efficient. Dennis Rodman was already seen as one of the best wing defenders in the NBA. The Pistons went 54-28 and made the NBA finals but lost the Lakers in 7.

But in that series Rodman yet again was given a tall task, he was told to face guard 3 time MVP Magic Johnson. This is just a sentiment to what makes Rodman one of the best defenders of all time.

The Pistons would make the finals the next 2 years in a row where Rodman is phenomenal on the defensive end with a drop in scoring but an increase in efficiency.

89 Rodman: 9 PPG, 9 RPG, 1 BLK and 1 STL
90 Rodman: 9 PPG, 10 REB, 1 BLK and 1 STL

Dennis Rodman would also make all defensive first team in 89 and 90, DPOY in 90, and his first all star team in 90. Rodman in 89 finals would average 6 and 10 and guard Magic Johnson for most of series again. The Pistons swept the Lakers.

The Pistons made the finals again in 1990, Rodman's stats in the 90's finals certainly don't tell the full story of his impact in this series as he was all over the place and constantly boxing the opposing team but nonetheless the Pistons won 4-1 making Rodman a 2x champion.

In 1991 Dennis Rodman would win his second DPOY, he would also average 8 and 12 with a block and a steal, Isiah Thomas would struggle with injuries this season though and the pistons would get swept by the next up and comers, the Chicago Bulls.

The Pistons would make the playoffs the following year as well but get swept by the Knicks but Rodman had an absolute breakthrough year posting averages of 10 points, 19 rebounds, 2 assists and with a steal and a block a game, he would also make his second all star team.

Chuck Daly would resign as head coach the following season and that would leave Rodman broken, Daly was not only his mentor but a father figure, he also was dealing with personal stuff and the Pistons were bad and only won 40 games. Dennis Rodman would be traded to the Spurs.

This is where Rodman became the Rodman every knows today, the dyed hair, the tattoos, the piercings, the energy, the mind games, Dennis Rodman became the Worm in San Antonio.

Dennis Rodman was also still amazing in San Antonio, he would put up back to back seasons of 17 rebounds, still provide all time defense, and even make a leap in playmaking where he became one of the better pure passing big men of all time. a big flaw in SA was help defense.

In 1994 Rodman would post an impressive 6.4 Passer Rating and as he got older his passing would continue to get better and I don't think numbers do his passing justice anways. In 95 the Spurs would reach the WCF and David Robinson would MVP but they would lose to HOU in 6.

Dennis Rodman is heavily criticized for his help defense in that series but from stories i heard Rodman came up with a defensive gameplan to slow down the Rockets offense and then Head Coach Bob Hill didn't listen so Rodman just needed even try. Rodman would be traded to Chicago.

Rodman would be an impactful player on one of the greatest dynasties of all time helping them win 3 rings and posting solid stats and maintaining his all time rebounder case.

96: 5.5 PTS 2.5 AST 15 REB
97: 5.7 PTS 3.1 AST 16 REB
98: 4.7 PTS 3 AST 15 REB

I also think Rodman being an underrated and talented playmaker mixed with his super unselfish personality fit the bulls and the triangle perfectly.

Posting Stats Like

96: 5.2 Adj Passer Rating
97: 6.4 Adj Passer Rating
98: 6.6 Adj Passer Rating

All in all i think Rodman is a top 100 player, one of the best man defenders ever, one of the best rebounders, an underrated passer and a top 10 most versatile defender ever, a hell of a personality and a bit of a game changer for the NBA in terms of tattoos and being outgoing.

Like RT and comment who i should do next

@dennisrodman