NBA legend Dennis Rodman is one of the best rebounders ever. However, it might not have been possible if it was not for his mind-boggling growth spurt. At 19, Rodman was just 5’11” and had not played varsity basketball. But in the next year, he grew an unbelievable nine inches which helped him land a college spot. He and his mother Shirley Rodman were concerned about the sudden growth spurt at first. Then his mother thought it was divine intervention.

She once talked about the amazing growth spurt of his son. “Nobody could understand that kind of growth. Afterward, Dennis just withdrew. He was an introvert and just so horribly, horribly shy. He was always an overly sensitive man, and back then, he wanted to have a different personality,” she said. Shirley continued, “He lived in a fantasy world,”

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Rodman’s father was not around so he was raised by his sisters and mother. However, he did not have a good relationship with his mother. When he was 18, she kicked him out of the house and the young Rodman became homeless.

Dennis Rodman, homeless to NBA legend

While Dennis Rodman was in school, he was also working as a janitor at the airport. The Hall of Famer used to steal watches from the stores in the airport. However, he was not stealing it to make money. He would just give it to his friends from school. But he was not aware there were cameras. He was eventually caught. However, luckily for him they were able to retrieve all the watches from his school. So the charges were dropped. He was taken to the airport jail. But he was not afraid about that.

“That was an airport jail, not the real jail. It was a small jail, with this other guy,” he said. However, his mother was not impressed and kicked him out of the house for his actions.

Rodman’s growth spurt came in handy. He joined Southeastern Oklahoma State University and became a superstar. Rodman averaged 25.7 points and 15.7 rebounds per game and became a three-time NAIA All-American as well.

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Then he declared for the 1986 NBA draft. The Detroit Pistons showed faith in him and selected him as the 27th overall pick. Rodman was a late bloomer and it continued in the league as well. Initially, he struggled to transition to one of the best leagues in the world. But he eventually got the hang of it and won five titles and two Defensive Player of the Year awards.