Dennis Rodman revealed the time Phil Jackson shared an emotional moment with him following his well-documented trip to Las Vegas.
Speaking to GQ in a candid interview, the former Chicago Bulls star shed light on how the legendary coach was a crucial father figure in his life.
Here’s the excerpt below:
“More dependable figures from Dennis’s life would occasionally try to intervene—like Phil Jackson, his old coach on the Chicago Bulls. ‘I like to have a good time, man. Good, clean fun,’” says Dennis. “But for a while, it was kind of a little sketchy. That’s when Phil Jackson took me to the side, and that’s the first time Phil Jackson ever got emotional with me. He said, ‘Dennis, I don’t want you to die.'”
The five-time NBA champion explained how he was motivated to be at his best after Jackson’s emotional words.
It’s worth noting that Rodman had a tumultuous time with the San Antonio Spurs, and his run with the team wasn’t as immensely successful as it was with the Detroit Pistons. With Chuck Daly no longer his mentor, ‘The Worm’ was all over the place, until he found a similar figure in Jackson with the Bulls.
‘The Last Dance’ provides an in-depth look at Rodman and Jackson’s relationship as well. While the world looked at Rodman as a rebel, his mindset was well-understood by Jackson who brought out the best in him.
Dennis Rodman Said Phil Jackson Told Him That He Was The Best Player He Ever Coached
Rodman always shared interesting tales about Jackson, and on a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, the forward shared that Jackson had revealed that Rodman is “the best player” he has ever coached.
Many would be surprised considering that the honor would be given to Michael Jordan, but given Jackson and Rodman’s special bond, it’s possible that the former would have indeed given the lavish praise.
And the credit goes where it’s due. Rodman was brilliant on the floor with his energy, hustle, and astute understanding of the game. His big plays on the defensive end were crucial in the Bulls’ second three-peat, and that further adds to his resume as one of the more iconic players in the Chicago outfit.
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