“If They Didn’t Win, He Wasn’t Coming Back”: Dennis Rodman, Whose Jersey Is Retired By The Bulls, Was Playing On Thin Ice During Iconic Season In 1996

Dennis Rodman had a roller-coaster of a career and life. The NBA world was astonished by his personality and nobody could make heads or tails of him. The legendary Bulls defender wasn?t taken seriously by many, and his performances were his only savior. His agent once revealed the conditions he had to tackle to make his place in the NBA, albeit having been in the league for almost a decade.

The Worm’s agent revealed how his first year on the Bulls was just a trial run for the team. His stay in Chicago, however, would be cut short if he wasn?t a part of the winning team.

Dennis Rodman and his struggles in his first year at the Chicago Bulls

The legendary defender left no stone unturned in his personal, and professional life. The 5x NBA Champion was an exceptional player, but his off-court controversies sometimes got the better of him. Back in 1996, the player was just traded to the Chicago Bulls after great performances in his earlier teams.

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Dennis Rodman is a legend back at the Detroit Pistons. He won two NBA titles with the Detroit side and also helped the San Antonio Spurs to reach two playoff positions. The Bulls had, however, cast doubt over the player as his then-agent revealed.

?It was made very clear, all through that first season, if they didn?t win, he wasn?t coming back,? said Dwight Manley, Rodman?s agent in the 90s. He further added, ?That was just clear. It wasn?t about the money. Once we went through the first season, it was such a good fit for him . So, when they won it was an unbelievable feeling?.

Manley revealed how throughout the season there was a vibe of uncertainty if Rodman failed to win the Championship with the Bulls. Just like it sounds, it would be a very tough situation for any player, to be fired if they failed to win the ultimate prize. Not the best way to retain top players.

Rodman and the Bulls

The Bulls? management?s gamble paid off though. Statistically, Rodman?s trade would be the most beneficial trade ever for the Chicago side. The Rebound King won three championship rings in the three seasons he played in Chicago.

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Rodman and his agent were very emotional at the time of winning their first championship with the Bulls in 1996. A very natural reaction to the immense pressure the Worm was under.