Can one imagine the Chicago Bulls in the 90s without Dennis Rodman? Apparently, that could have been a real possibility. Former head coach and also an NBA Hall of Famer claimed that Dennis Rodman “was down at the bottom of the list” before he made it to the Bulls team. Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 1995 from the San Antonio Spurs.

Phil Jackson, the then-coach for the Bulls, recalled that the first choice for the team’s rebounder was Derrick Coleman. It seems like Rodman wasn’t even spoken of in the same breath as his name was at the bottom of the list.

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Phil Jackson, however, made an alternate decision. John Paxson, the assistant coach remembered how Jackson took a few days to process if he could coach Rodman. Paxon explained that Jackson eventually played a major role in bringing Rodman in exchange for Will Perdue.

Former Bulls player said, “He controlled Dennis by not attempting to control him“. So the franchise let Dennis Rodman be Dennis Rodman so that he can bring his full self to the table. Phil Jackson was firm and lenient at the same time and trusted Rodman to work out and study game tapes.

With an already powerful duo in Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman and the Chicago Bulls wreaked havoc for other teams. Phil Jackson’s coaching had tremendous benefits with each one filling the blanks for another, and winning three championships in a streak.

Dennis Rodman thrived under Jackson

Rodman became even more known as an effective rebounder and defender in his 3 years with the Bulls. He led the league for 7 consecutive seasons for rebounding. Rodman also finished with 4,000-odd offensive rebounds in his entire career.

In an interview, Phil Jackson said that their bond was strengthened by their interest in the Native American culture. Jackson admitted that he had a bear claw necklace and a turtle shell as prized artifacts. Rodman was impressed since he too had a necklace from the Ponca Indians.

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Dennis Rodman seemed grateful for having a person with common interests. “Phil realized that I was different, man“. The kind of treatment was unlike what he got from San Antonio Spurs. However, Phil Jackson’s acceptance may have done great things for Dennis Rodman. Most definitely, that would include giving him the Bulls’ rebounder spot.