- Dennis Rodman was not pleased with Allen Iverson’s approach
- Allen Iverson wasn’t shy to have a go at the Chicago Bulls’ star-studded unit
- Rodman and Iverson almost traded blows once
Dennis Rodman was not a huge fan of Allen Iverson’s cavalier attitude when the Philadelphia 76ers rookie played the Chicago Bulls in 1996.
Speaking to reporters after the game, the Bulls’ dominant rebounding presence had some choice words for Iverson (via the Baltimore Sun).
“Iverson came in there thinking he was Jumanji and was going to control the whole forest and the wilderness.”
Iverson went toe-to-toe against the stacked Bulls unit led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Rodman on November 2, 1996. The end result was a comprehensive blowout 115-86 win for the Bulls.
The numbers were forgettable for Iverson. He shot 4-of-13 from the field and 3-of-8 from beyond the arc in his 15-point performance. He also had 5 turnovers to his name.
Despite the average game, Iverson wasn’t quiet and even talked smack to the Bulls’ big 3 to get on Rodman’s nerves. The duo clashed again on December 21, 1996, but the result was again a Chicago win despite Iverson’s 32-point game coupled with 4 rebounds and as many assists. The Bulls won 111-105.
And this time, both players came close to trading blows. After the game, Rodman ripped into Iverson again and this time spoke about how the money did the talking for the rookies.
“They need to stay in school and understand the game of basketball. I see some of these rookies and they can’t even talk. They think their money does the talking. It’s more than that.”
The 76ers drafted Iverson with the No. 1 overall pick in 1996. He became an MVP and franchise legend in Philly, though his style and brash swagger at a relatively young age ticked off most senior players, with Rodman being one of them.
Despite the skirmishes and the not-so-good first impression Iverson made, he was still brilliant in his rookie season, averaging 23.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 76 games. He would go on to become a legend for the Sixers playing a total of 12 seasons with the franchise.
Dennis Rodman And Allen Iverson Had To Be Separated Once After They Got Into It
Allen Iverson was not one to be stared down and he proved it in the December 21, 1996 game when he pulled up towards Dennis Rodman.
Earlier, a clip from AI’s rookie year from a game against the Chicago Bulls resurfaced, with Rodman being himself and trying to rough a young Iverson up during a play.
Iverson retaliated by going right at the much bigger and muscular Rodman looking for a fight. With the two players battling for a rebound, Rodman left a little something extra on the young rookie’s head, and the guard took major offense.
The pair launched into each other, and their teammates and referees had to step in and calm down the duo.
This speaks volumes about Iverson’s competitive spirit. While it may not be the one that most people expected or even shared a liking to, the icon gave the world an inkling of what he could do on the floor if someone messed with him.
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