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CHICAGO – 1997: Michael Jordan #23, Scottie Pippen #33 and Dennis Rodman #91 of the Chicago Bulls catch their breath during a 1997 NBA game at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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via Getty
CHICAGO – 1997: Michael Jordan #23, Scottie Pippen #33 and Dennis Rodman #91 of the Chicago Bulls catch their breath during a 1997 NBA game at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA legend Michael Jordan has won 6 NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls. And, Hall of Fame teammate Dennis Rodman played a huge part in the last three championships from 1996 to 98. However, it was difficult because of contract situations. After winning 2 straight titles in 1996 and 97, the Bulls’ management was contemplating a rebuild.
They were worried about their superstar Jordan and other stars getting older. Jordan’s Netflix documentary ‘The Last Dance’ covered a lot of intrinsic details about the issues of the front office with the players and coach, Phil Jackson.
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In 1997, MJ was a guest on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’ after the Bulls had won their fifth title that past summer. The show aired on September 16, 1997. During the show, Air Jordan answered a variety of questions with good humor. And Leno talked about Phil Jackson and Scottie Pippen committing to the Bulls for another year.
He then asked about the contract situation of teammate Dennis Rodman. Jordan said that Rodman is close to signing an extension. He then hilariously revealed the high maintenance of the ‘Worm’.
Michael Jordan about his Hall of Fame teammate
Michael Jordan joked, “I think Dennis is close. Right now he’s just trying to determine some of his penalties and how to keep him focused. And how many dresses does he get to wear and all that stuff… Hey, it’s Dennis, you know how Dennis is? I do my best just trying to keep him focused for 8 months.”
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Dennis Rodman is one of the most peculiar and eccentric personalities to play in the NBA. He did not care what people thought or talked about him and did whatever he wanted to do. This brought him a lot of fans around the world. Rodman is famous for his extravagant dresses, hair colors, and makeup. And this fearlessness translated to the hardwood as well.
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Listed at 6’7”, Rodman is one of the best rebounders and defenders ever. At a time when the league is dominated by big and powerful centers, he managed to win the rebounding title a mindboggling 7 straight times. He would hustle and dive for the loose ball with no regard for his body. The power forward was the backbone of the Bulls’ defense alongside Jordan and Pippen who are great defenders themselves.
However, Rodman is an enigma. He would pull an all-nighter, skip practice, and then show up for a playoff game. However, MJ and the Bulls knew they can rely on him when its crunch time.