The Chicago Bulls’ front office did a terrific job teaming up Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen with Dennis Rodman, one of the most controversial basketball players of all time.
As soon as he was traded to Chicago, people started wondering how he’d mesh with Jordan and Pippen, but that didn’t seem to be a problem for The Worm. Although he had moments where his wild personality took the best of him, Dennis did his assigned job, helping Chicago win three more championships from 1996 through 1998.
“The Last Dance” showed a concerned Michael Jordan when Phil Jackson asked him and Pippen if they wanted to get Rodman. MJ doubted at first but accepted the deal. According to author Sam Smith, Jordan developed a curious method to make sure Dennis was paying attention.
In an interview in 2017, “The Jordan Rules” author revealed details of the relationship between His Airness and Rodman.
“Jordan would later say when he had to make a point to Rodman he’d grab him by both temples and demand Rodman look him in the eye and then ask him several times if he understood what Jordan was saying and to repeat if he did. Rodman wasn’t stupid. Really, just shy and eventually acting out.”
Dennis was a complex person, and sometimes people needed to use uncommon methods to communicate with him.
That really worked since he added three more titles to his résumé, finishing his career with five rings. He had the utmost respect for Michael Jordan, and whenever the GOAT talked, Rodman listened.
The Last Dance showed us a big moment when MJ flew to Las Vegas to get Dennis back to Chicago in the middle of the 1997/98 season. One of the most epic stories about the big man’s time with the Bulls.
MJ wasn’t having any of that, though, and he always made sure that Dennis listened and understood what he said, no matter what.
