Dennis Rodman had an uncanny ability to get under his opponent’s skin. Rodman, who is considered one of the greatest defenders in NBA history, used mind games to his advantage as much as he used his strength and skill. But one unique strategy he used worked too well, as Alonzo Mourning was extremely annoyed with Rodzilla.
During a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat, Michael Jordan was making free throws. While Mourning and Rodman were lined up, Rodman jokingly complimented Mourning’s behind, in an effort to rattle him. It clearly worked, as Mourning went over to the bench, and called Rodman ‘sick for his comments.
“You’re a sick man. You a sick motherf*cker.”
Rodman had a habit of upsetting his opponents. He once got into a fight with the Los Angeles Lakers and Shaquille O’Neal, so much so that Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen had to hold him back and make sure that he doesn’t get ejected from the game.
This interaction between Mourning and Rodman is a perfect example of what he brings to the table as a teammate and a player. Rodman would do work on the court, not only while playing but with his words and actions towards his opponents. And this is what made him so valuable.
Rodman never had numbers that would jump out of the box score. But it was the work that he did to make sure his team got the win and limited his opponents when they tried to score. This is what made Rodman pivotal to amazing championship teams like the Pistons and the Bulls.
Rodman’s legacy is that of one of the most eccentric superstars in NBA history. And his success on the court showed that while his eccentric behavior was prominent, his play on the court was what has always defined him.
